A reader in the Chicago Tribune writes to complain about the rude audience at the Joffery Ballet’s Thursday night performance in Millennium Park.

“A picnic eaten indoors isn’t dinner at Alinea, and a ballet performance held outdoors isn’t a Cubs game. I was distressed by the rude behavior at last night’s Joffrey Ballet performance in Millennium Park.”

Why can’t ballet be more like a Cubs game?  When we go to see dance shows in a theater the audience is expected to act like vegetables, clap politely, and sip on a cocktail.  But does it always have to be this way?  The stadiums in Chicago fill up even when the teams are down and out, because whether they win or lose you get to share in an awesome communal experience.

So, the next time you go to see a dance performance just relax and show your enthusiasm.  Take your favorite beer and dress yourself like a real dance fan with your dance company logo gear (hat, t-shirt, sweat pants), some face paint and maybe even a fog horn.  Yell out for your favorite dancers at the end of pieces, and release the real dance fan within!