WordPress hosts my blog, and through their “stats” program, I’m able to see exactly what my readers have typed into search engines to get to this blog. For example, if you typed in “Ballet” and found this blog, WordPress would show me that you typed in “ballet.”

Obviously, my readers have been bitten by the love bug, or perhaps a case of premature spring fever. Everyone’s been searching for “[insert famous dancers here] boyfriend/girlfriend?” for dozen of famous City Ballet dancers.

Today five people alone searched to find out if a particular City Ballet dancer had a girlfriend, one searched for another rising-star’s boyfriend and typed in her name with “dating.”

This has been going on all week! Not only with just one or two dancers, but about 10 or more!

“You know, I sort of like him, even though everyone else thinks he’s the devil,” I said.

My friend, drinking steamed milk, nearly spit it out in a fit of laughter.

And who was “the devil” you ask? Chief dance critic of the New York Times, Alastair Macauley. My friend and I were having another chat about critics, and despite Macauley’s recent jabs at City Ballet I like his style. (By the way, I found the article thanks to Philip, who also provided a well-written response on his blog.)

Being in the city has taught me about my taste. I like critics who write vividly, but also critics I can trust will be honest. Not that scathing reviews are necessarily welcome, but they aren’t necessarily bad. When I read a critic who is bold enough to write what they felt (and brave enough to sign their name to it) I feel that they are more credible, and look to them more often than those who write tepid and topical reviews.

It’s kind of like asking your friends if you’re outfit is too tacky, too bright, or if it makes you look fat. If you want the truth, you’ll ask your friend who doesn’t care much about hurting your feelings, instead the one who’ll always say yes.