This question helps the interviewer see if you understand the core elements that shape a dance performance. You need to say that choreography organizes movements to tell a story or express emotions clearly, making the performance engaging and meaningful.

Example: Choreography is the blueprint that brings a dance to life. It shapes the story, emotions, and rhythm, guiding dancers in expressing ideas clearly and powerfully. Take Matthew Bourne’s *Swan Lake*—the innovative choreography reimagines a classic, making it fresh and deeply engaging. Without thoughtful choreography, a performance can feel aimless, but with it, every movement has meaning and impact.

Hiring managers ask this to see if you can make specialized dance content understandable and interesting to a wide range of readers. You should explain how you use simple language and vivid storytelling to clarify dance concepts and adapt your tone to fit different audiences and publication types.

Example: I focus on breaking down technical dance terms into everyday language so everyone can follow along. I like to tell stories that connect emotions and movement, making the experience vivid even for those new to dance. Depending on where it’s published, I adjust my tone—sometimes more conversational, sometimes more analytical—to make sure my writing feels welcoming and relatable to a wide range of readers.

This interview question helps the interviewer understand your background and how well you can analyze and communicate about dance. You need to briefly highlight your relevant experience, focusing on your skills in critique, writing, and understanding of dance, showing why you’re qualified for the role.

Example: I’ve spent several years writing about dance for local magazines and online platforms, attending performances from contemporary to classical ballet. Reviewing live shows has sharpened my eye for detail and storytelling through movement. For example, covering a recent national tour allowed me to explore how choreography reflects cultural shifts, enriching my critiques with context beyond just technique. This blend of practical experience and passion fuels my perspective as a dance critic.

Interviewers ask this to see how you navigate differing perspectives and maintain professionalism. You should say you listen openly, consider valid points, and use feedback to improve your reviews while trusting your informed judgment.

Example: When I receive differing opinions about my reviews, I see it as part of a healthy conversation. Dance is deeply subjective, so I stay open, listen carefully, and reflect on the feedback. Once, a dancer challenged my take, which led me to revisit the performance with fresh eyes. It’s about balancing confidence in my perspective while respecting others’ experiences, enriching both my writing and understanding.

Employers ask this to gauge your breadth of knowledge and ability to analyze diverse performances insightfully. You need to confidently state your experience with various dance forms and highlight your ongoing efforts to deepen that understanding.

Example: I’ve had the opportunity to explore a broad range of dance styles, from the precision of classical ballet to the energy of contemporary and street dance forms. Watching performances and attending workshops has deepened my appreciation for cultural styles like flamenco and kathak. This variety not only enriches my understanding but also allows me to approach each critique with informed sensitivity to the unique qualities each genre brings.

This question aims to see if you can identify and articulate the key elements that define strong technical dance skills. You need to explain that you focus on precision, control, timing, and the execution of complex movements to assess a dancer’s proficiency.

Example: When watching a performance, I focus on how effortlessly dancers execute movements—their control, balance, and precision. I look for a clear connection between technique and expression, like a ballerina maintaining perfect turnout while conveying emotion or a contemporary dancer using strength and fluidity seamlessly. It’s about noticing both the complexity and the ease with which they move, ensuring their skills support the story without overshadowing it.

What they want to know is how you thoughtfully interpret a dance to understand its deeper meaning and context. You should explain that you analyze the choreography, expressions, and staging to identify the central theme, and then connect these elements to wider cultural or artistic significance.

Example: When I analyze a dance’s story, I look for the core idea the choreography is trying to share, then observe how the dancers and staging bring that idea to life. It’s important to see how clearly the story unfolds and whether the emotions feel authentic. I also think about how the piece resonates beyond the stage, perhaps reflecting cultural moments or artistic traditions, much like how Matthew Bourne’s works often reimagine classic tales with a fresh perspective.

Employers ask this to see if you can separate personal preferences from professional judgment. You need to say you focus on technical skill, choreography, and overall performance quality, using clear criteria to evaluate each show fairly.

Example: I stay aware of my own preferences, focusing on the performance’s intention and execution rather than personal taste. Attending a variety of shows helps me appreciate different styles and contexts. For example, when reviewing a contemporary piece, I set aside classical biases and critique it on its own terms, striving to offer fair, balanced insights that respect both the artist’s vision and the audience’s experience.

Questions like this assess your understanding of the integral relationship between music and movement in dance. You need to explain that music sets the tone and rhythm, influencing the dancer’s expression and the overall impact of the performance.

Example: Music is integral to dance; it shapes the energy and mood, guiding movement and emotion. When evaluating a performance, I consider how well the choreography and music complement each other—whether the rhythm enhances the dancers’ timing or if the score deepens the narrative. For example, a haunting melody paired with fluid, expressive movement can create a powerful, immersive experience that lingers long after the performance ends.

Hiring managers ask this question to see if you have passion and discipline for consistently evaluating performances, which is crucial in a role that demands regular attendance and critical analysis. You need to convey that your love for dance fuels your motivation and that you stay focused by reminding yourself of the importance of your reviews in supporting artists and informing audiences.

Example: What keeps me going is the constant discovery each performance brings. Every show offers a fresh perspective or unexpected emotion, which fuels my curiosity. I remember once reviewing a small, local production where the raw energy was so compelling—it reminded me why I love this art form. That blend of consistency and surprise makes attending and writing about dances genuinely rewarding, no matter how many I see.

This interview question assesses your openness to feedback and your ability to grow as a writer. You need to say that you welcome constructive criticism, give a specific example of how you used feedback to improve your writing, and explain how you communicate effectively with editors or peers to clarify suggestions.

Example: I welcome feedback as a valuable part of growing as a writer. When a colleague once suggested I clarify certain dance references, I took it on board and refined my approach, which made my reviews more accessible. I find that discussing suggestions openly helps me understand different perspectives and improves the final piece. It’s about staying curious and willing to evolve while keeping my unique voice intact.

Employers ask this to gauge your writing style, critical insight, and experience in the field. You need to briefly mention specific reviews you’ve published, highlighting the publications and the unique perspectives you brought to your critiques.

Example: Certainly, I’ve written reviews for several well-known UK dance publications, including *The Stage* and *Dance Europe*. One piece I’m proud of covered the Royal Ballet’s production of *Giselle*, where I explored both the choreography and the emotional depth of the performance. I aim to capture not just the technique, but the feeling a show leaves with its audience.

Questions like this assess your analytical skills and understanding of dance elements. You need to say that you focus on choreography, technique, expression, music, and staging to evaluate how they work together to convey the performance’s impact.

Example: When watching a performance, I focus first on the choreography’s intent—what story or emotion it conveys. I then observe how dancers interpret the movement, paying attention to technique and expression. Music and staging are key too, as they shape the overall atmosphere. For example, in a recent show, the lighting subtly shifted to mirror the dancers’ mood, which deepened the piece’s impact for me.

This question helps the interviewer understand your passion and commitment to the field of dance criticism. You need to say that you aim to deepen your expertise, influence the dance community positively, and contribute meaningful critiques that support both artists and audiences.

Example: In the long term, I hope to deepen my understanding of diverse dance forms and contribute thoughtfully to the cultural conversation around them. I want to support emerging artists by highlighting their work and perhaps explore writing books or curating events that bring dance closer to wider audiences. Ultimately, it’s about fostering appreciation and sparking meaningful dialogue within the dance community and beyond.

What they want to assess is your ability to remain objective and professional despite personal preferences. You need to explain how you focused on technical aspects and artistic elements in your analysis, separating your personal taste from your critique.

Example: Certainly. I once reviewed a contemporary piece that didn’t resonate with me personally. Rather than focusing on my dislike, I highlighted the company’s technical skill and the choreographer’s ambition. By acknowledging the intent and craftsmanship, I provided a balanced critique that respected the artists’ vision while honestly conveying my perspective. It’s important to separate personal taste from professional evaluation to offer fair and thoughtful analysis.

Hiring managers ask this to see how you handle pressure and manage your time effectively in a fast-paced environment. You should explain how you prioritize tasks by scheduling time for watching and writing, and describe taking detailed notes to write clear, concise reviews quickly.

Example: When facing tight deadlines, I focus on quickly identifying the key moments that capture a performance’s essence. I take concise notes during the show to keep my thoughts clear and organised. Afterwards, I draft my review promptly, making sure it’s sharp and accessible without losing depth. This approach helps me deliver insightful and engaging critiques even when time is short.

This question helps interviewers understand your passion and motivation for the role. You need to explain your genuine interest in dance and how your experiences sparked your desire to analyze and share insights about performances.

Example: Growing up, I was always captivated by how dance tells a story without words. Watching performances—from the raw energy of street dance to the precision of ballet—sparked my curiosity to understand and share what makes each style unique. Becoming a dance critic felt like a natural step to connect audiences with those emotions and insights, helping people see beyond the movement to the artistry behind it.

What they want to understand is how your writing resonates with readers and influences opinions. You need to share a specific review, describe its impact or feedback briefly, and highlight why it stood out.

Example: Certainly. I once reviewed a contemporary dance performance that challenged traditional narratives, and my perspective sparked lively discussions online and in reader letters. Many appreciated how I highlighted the choreographer’s innovative use of space and emotion, which wasn’t widely noticed before. It was rewarding to see the review not only inform but also engage the community in a deeper conversation about dance’s evolving language.

Hiring managers ask this to see if you can stay unbiased and professional despite personal feelings. You need to say you manage emotions by focusing on objective analysis and use self-care to maintain mental balance.

Example: Critiquing dance is deeply engaging, so I stay grounded by remembering it’s about the art, not personal judgment. I focus on what the performance communicates and the effort behind it. Sometimes, stepping back after intense shows helps me reset—like taking a quiet walk or discussing insights with colleagues. Keeping that balance ensures I stay fair, thoughtful, and open to the emotional layers in every performance.

Hiring managers ask this question to see how deeply you understand dance and what criteria you use to form your critiques. In your answer, explain that you focus on the technical skill and precision of the dancers, the emotional expression and storytelling, and the creativity and originality of the choreography and staging.

Example: When reviewing a dance performance, I pay close attention to how well the dancers execute their movements—whether their technique feels sharp and confident. I also look for the story or emotion they’re sharing, as that connection really brings the piece to life. On top of that, I appreciate choreography that takes risks, offering something fresh or unexpected, like a unique style or inventive use of space.

What they want to know is how you combine vivid descriptions with insightful critique to engage readers and provide a clear evaluation. You need to explain that you use descriptive language to paint a scene but always link it back to your analysis of the dance's technique, emotion, and impact.

Example: When writing reviews, I aim to paint a vivid picture of the performance so readers can almost see the movement themselves. At the same time, I step back to consider intention, technique, and impact, offering insight beyond just what’s happening on stage. For example, I might describe the dancer’s fluidity and then explore how that emotion connects with the choreography’s themes, making the critique both engaging and thoughtful.

This question helps the interviewer understand the breadth and depth of your experience as a dance critic. You need to briefly describe the variety of dance styles and productions you've reviewed, explain what aspects you focus on in your analysis, and show how you make your critiques engaging and accessible to your audience.

Example: Over the years, I’ve reviewed everything from contemporary and ballet to street dance and cultural folk performances. I focus on how choreography, music, and emotion intertwine, aiming to capture the essence of each show. My goal is to offer readers insights that deepen their appreciation while keeping the writing accessible and engaging—whether I’m discussing a Royal Ballet premiere or an underground hip-hop showcase.

What they want to know is how you stay informed and connected to the evolving dance scene. You need to say that you follow reputable dance sources, attend live events to engage with the community, and continuously analyze performances to understand new trends.

Example: I keep a close eye on respected dance journals and online platforms to catch fresh voices and styles. Attending performances and festivals allows me to experience trends firsthand and connect with artists and peers. I also spend time reflecting on what I see, comparing new work to past styles, which helps me understand where dance is heading and deepen my critiques.

This interview question aims to see how you manage difficulties without letting personal feelings affect your judgment and how you adapt to feedback or complex situations. You should explain a specific challenge where you remained fair and objective, then describe how you adjusted your approach to improve your review or communication.

Example: Certainly. Once, I attended a contemporary piece with a very abstract narrative that was hard to interpret. Instead of rushing to judgment, I researched the choreographer’s intent and spoke with performers to gain perspective. This deepened my understanding and allowed me to write a fair, nuanced review. Experiences like that remind me how staying open-minded and thorough can turn uncertainty into insight.

Interviewers ask this to understand your passion and what motivates you in the role. Focus on how analyzing performances deepens your appreciation for dance and allows you to share insights that enrich others’ experiences.

Example: What I find most rewarding is witnessing how dance transforms emotions and stories into a shared experience. Writing about performances allows me to celebrate the artists’ creativity and bring their work to a wider audience. For example, capturing the intensity of a contemporary piece or the grace of a classical ballet helps connect readers to something beyond words, making the art form more accessible and appreciated.