The Dance Criticism of Arlene Croce: Articulating a Vision of Artistry, 1973-1987

Prominent dance critic Arlene Croce wrote for The New Yorker during the 1970s, ‘80s and '90s. Through her 207 critiques in that magazine, she established a classical aesthetic framework for dance, influencing the work of other critics as well as the tastes of audiences. This book explores that framework and provides an interpretative analysis of the biographical, professional and historical elements that contributed to the context of Croce’s work. Topics include Croce’s predecessors in artistic critique, relevant twentieth-century contemporaries and the journalistic philosophy of The New Yorker. Examining 10 of Croce’s essays in depth, the author discusses the three specific elements of artistic excellence which Croce consistently used in her evaluations: sympathetic musicality, Apollonian craftsmanship and the enlivening of tradition. Special attention is given to the literary qualities of Croce’s work. Finally, appendices offer a detailed subjective breakdown of Croce’s essays, listing (by frequency of appearance) dance companies, dancers, choreographers and dance genres.