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A Sad Farewell To Orange County Register's Dance Critic Laura Bleiberg

Charles Maple, Director of the Maple Conservatory of Dance

April 15, 2008

I was shocked and dismayed when I recently learned of Laura Bleiberg's departure as the Head Dance Critic at the Orange County Register newspaper. As I mull over the incredible loss of this noted and prolific dance journalist, I realize how grateful I am for her enormous contribution to the field of dance in Southern California, and the country as a whole.

Last year, Kathy Crade and I had just opened the Maple Conservatory of Dance and founded our pre-professional ballet company, the Maple Youth Ballet. Though I grew up in Southern California, I was new to the inner workings of the Orange County dance scene, and so, I sought Laura's advice. The ideas that Laura presented to me have had a huge impact on the development of our Conservatory and our pre-professional company.

Of course, I realize that some choreographers, dance companies, and even dancers may not have always appreciated her reviews about their work. But no one could argue about her passion and deep dedication to her profession and her love of dance. As Laura states in a recent web blog, "Being a dance critic was all I ever wanted to be." She really knew her field and I appreciated her generosity and desire to advance the art of dance in our community.

Los Angeles and Orange County are making great strides in the development of dance. New professional ballet and modern dance companies are emerging. New dance schools featuring state-of-the-art facilities, curriculums and faculty are springing up throughout the region and they are developing great dancers. The major theatres are creating incredible dance programs and series that bring us top artists in ballet, modern and cutting-edge companies.

It is ironic that at a time when dance is flourishing, dance journalism positions and editorial space given to these journalists is being cut. First it was Los Angeles Times' dance critic Lewis Segal and now it is Laura Bleiberg's resignation. Are we to now rely on freelance writers? How will freelance writers be able to maintain a presence for dance and art, or influence the inner circle of editorial decisions? How are newspaper readers supposed to align themselves with a critic’s sensibilities if there is always a different voice? I would imagine that keeping the public informed is the main function of a strong, diverse and comprehensive newspaper.

Dance represents a vibrant and influential art form in Orange County, and thus, dance discourse by newspaper dance critics like Laura Bleiberg is essential to Orange County maintaining its edge and influence on dance's cultural, artistic and visionary values in Southern California. It is my hope that the Orange County Register will find a suitable replacement for Laura.

And so Laura, I know that I speak for everyone in the arts community when I say thank you for 18 wonderful years as Orange County Register's dance critic and sharing your poignant views and critiques. Your articles in the Orange County Register were an essential element in the growth of local dance companies and its artists.

It has been a privilege and an honor to work with you and I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor as Associate Director of Development for Individual Giving at South Coast Repertory. They are lucky to have you and we in the Orange County dance community will miss you.

Charles A. Maple
Director, Maple Conservatory of Dance
Artistic Director, Maple Youth Ballet
Email: info@mapleconservatory.com