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How did competition between The New York Herald Tribune and The New York Times affect dance criticism in 1927?
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dance criticism
Dance criticism analyzes all forms of dance, including classic pieces such as Swan Lake, to enhance the understanding of the art form.
The year 1927 is considered a benchmark in American dance criticism due to the direct competition between The New York Herald Tribune and The New York Times.
In an effort to bolster their coverage, both newspapers moved to establish dedicated dance criticism by hiring specialized staff:
- The New York Herald Tribune hired Mary F. Watkins, who became the first full-time American dance critic.1
- The New York Times engaged John Martin, who began his tenure in 1927 and became a full-time critic the following year.12
This rivalry catalyzed the professionalization of the field. John Martin, in particular, went on to be regarded as a dean of American dance criticism, playing a pivotal role in explaining and advocating for modern dance as the genre evolved in the 1930s. By prioritizing dedicated, full-time positions for dance coverage, these newspapers elevated the status of dance journalism and set a standard for serious, informed writing about the art form.12