A few weeks ago, we published a short essay by dance critic Melody Datz titled “Swan Lake Is So Goddamned Boring.” Some local dance folks freaked out and enjoyed a sustained, satisfying whine. (Who knew that taking aim at a hoary, lucrative, sacred cow would be so provocative?) Angry blog comments, responses to those comments, a flurry of email from experts and amateurs, extended phone calls with dance people—including employees of Pacific Northwest Ballet—you name it. The indignados of Seattle dance never had it so good.
Snail mail, of course, takes longer. This arrived yesterday:
Which contained this:
You’re on notice, Melody. An anonymous, snail-mail troll who calls you “Melody Ditzy Dame” says you have no class.
You’d better scrape some up before your next story, young missy. And that’s an order.
