Announcements can be:

- pompous, "We are proud to unveil...."

- hyperbolic, "This is undoubtably the best...."

- threatening, "Look or else..."

All we're going to say is that today we launch

<big>ballet-dance monthly</big>

which will pull together recent and new material from CriticalDance plus a few articles from leading magazines. "ballet-dance monthly" has the range of geographic and subject material that CriticalDance readers will be familiar with, but seeing it all together for the first time, I have to say that I was surprised at just how much there is. Senior Editor is Mary Ellen Hunt assisted (?) by Azlan Ezaddin and Stuart Sweeney.

We are very keen to have feedback on this new online magazine and ideas on how to improve or develop it further, so please look it over and post your comments below.

<small>[ 15 March 2004, 05:13 AM: Message edited by: Stuart Sweeney ]</small>

I like the magazine format in that it has features. I realized that some things that get posted in criticaldance.com sort of pass me by -- or I pass them by. However, I quite naturally read them because they are featured in the magazine, and discovered that they made very interesting reading. Congratulations!

<small>[ 07 July 2003, 04:24 AM: Message edited by: djb ]</small>

Just out of curiousity, djb, which sort of things are you referring to? I'm always sort of curious as to who's reading what in the forums.

"The Opening of Seattle's McCaw Hall" and "A Meeting of Minds."

Here are a few of the comments we have received to date about the new magazine:

************************

Dear Friends,

this is a great idea.
Thanks!

************************

"Your new online magazine is really impressive. Well done."

************************

"Congrats your new baby is beautiful!"

************************

"Just had a quick swizz and it looks great!"

***********************

"It looks absolutely brilliant. Well done everyone"

***********************

"I have just taken a look at Ballet-Dance.com very Impressive, such a vast coverage of whats going on in the world of dance."

**********************

"Wow! It looks great - much more open and easily get-round-able."

**********************

What do you think about ballet-dance monthly?

Further comments and suggestions for improvements will be gratefully received.

<small>[ 08 July 2003, 05:41 AM: Message edited by: Stuart Sweeney ]</small>

djb, thanks so much for all your comments! As a matter of fact in the future we're planning to debut some articles when the new issue of ballet-dance monthly comes out, so not only will it gather together some of the pieces you've read on CriticalDance, you can look forward to a few extra treats!

Bravo to all of you at criticaldance for this lovely and most excellent addition to your site. I am impressed on many levels:

One, the interesting and varied selection of features and the great photos (me, can't ever see enough).

Two, even with all the info on a busy, but well formatted front page, it's still quite easy on the eyes as well as to navigate.

Three, it's nice to have one place to go when you don't have a lot of surfing time for the forum but want to be able to catch up on some of what's happening in the dance world.

Four, it's thoughtfully done so even dance neophytes like myself can really get a lot out of it.

Five, it's a most welcome addition to the host of other webzines out there.

Okay, enough gushing. But that's the way I am when I really like something. :p

A tip of my hat to you all.

~Dani

I would like to add my Kudos too! Beautifully done. Keep up the good work!

Looks good! Mary Ellen, or whoever came up with the design, did a great job.

I want to point out, though, that the link to the auditions forum in the gray "in our forums" box is broken.

Congratulations! This represents so much work and talent. I like the "featured company" idea with all the links and information. Do you remember that for years, Dance Magazine had a featured dancer? I think this will probably leave Dance Magazine in the dust...my dust, anyway!

Loved the magazine , do we get a copy of it monthly or do we have to sign up for it?? I tried the bit where it said sign up and the post came back to me,hence the reason i'm asking.

Thanks all for the kind words! We're pretty excited and getting ready to put out the next issue for August already!

Gaeadea, I think the link is fixed now. (I went to check it and it looked like it worked, so I think one of our very alert editors has been at work already!

GN: Thanks! You reminded me, in my back issues of DM, I think I've got some of those profiles. I used to love the photos they used for their portfolios!

Sugar Plum, You may already be subscribed (as a result of registering in the forums?) Did the message that came back note that your email address was already subscribed? If it was a different problem, please drop me an email at mehunt@criticaldance.com and we'll fix it for you!

<small>[ 14 July 2003, 09:15 PM: Message edited by: mehunt ]</small>

not sure what it said and i don't have a copy of it...when is the next one due out and if i don't get a copy i'll let you know.

Hi spf - it will be the first week of August and as you are registered, you will receive the e-mail with the page. If by any chance you don't then let us know.

I'm tremendously impressed by the comprehensive scope of the new magazine. As Azlan knows, my ability to spend time lingering over articles on CD has been greatly reduced of late. Being able to look through the new 'zine helps me feel like I'm still tuning in without spending lots of time on the site each day.

Thanks so much to all those involved in setting it up. You've not only done a great job, you've helped me feel dialed in again.