Dancing in the Dark

Regarding “Sad Dance With Reality,” Charles T. Powers’ story on Polish dancer Beata Wiech (Aug. 16):

I’m not sure why North Americans view as decadent privilege such expectations as job security, pensions and adequate technical support, but this is certainly the impression that Powers gives.

The entry of most dancers into a professional company represents the culmination of eight to 10 years of training; this is true in all nations in all cultures. That in the West they should arrive there riddled with injury and insecurity is nothing to be proud of. “Sad Dance With Reality” portrayed the state-supported dancer as a spoiled brat, used to “sumptuous” productions to which he or she had no right whatever.

The really sad dance with reality is that most of the world’s performing arts are now drowning in a sea of make-a-buck pop art. Whatever one’s political beliefs, it is unfortunate that certain cultures do not support and uphold artistic standards, and ridicule those cultures that do.

LORNA DUNN

San Diego