As usual, Robert Gottlieb demonstrates why he the absolute best ballet critic writing today, and a real jewel in the NY Observer's crown. He tells the dance lover exactly what we want to know--how was the dancing and the dancers? So astoundingly informed, yet he only uses information to enlighten, never to show off or needlessly pad a review. And though he clearly loves the NYCB and shows it, he doesn't shy away from telling it like it is: Darcy Kistler (and some others) are no longer dancing at the level of a NYCB principal and should be retired. Thank you, Mr. Gottlieb, and bravo!