Clive Barnes’ column in the December issue of Dance Magazine addresses the delicate and challenging work of a dance critic. Mr. Barnes, who died on November 19^th at the age of 81, admits that he’s “developed a compassion for not only the criticized, but also for the villain in that equation, the critic.” What struck me most about his column was his direct note to critics:

“Remember that no one actually tries to dance or choreograph badly. If, in your possibly lonely opinion, an artist has inadvertently achieved that unlucky result, it need not occasion a display of verbal fireworks. Tell things as you believe they are, but with care and grace, not smart-assed loathing.”

Surprisingly, this is not Mr. Barnes’ last column. According to Dance Magazine’s website, he filed his final column on November 7^th. It will be published in the January issue, but you can read the column here.