Another season of Dancing With the Stars premieres, and like clockwork, another wave of toxic comments floods the internet. This time, it’s former pro Lindsay Arnold calling it out, and she’s absolutely right to do so.
Let’s be clear: critique is not the issue. Discussing a dancer’s frame, their musicality, or their chemistry with a partner is part of the fun. That’s fandom. What we’re seeing now, and what Arnold is describing as making her “sick,” is something else entirely. It’s personal, vicious, and often has nothing to do with the art of dance.
It’s a sad reality of the digital age. The anonymity of a keyboard emboldens people to type things they would never have the courage to say to someone’s face. They forget that on the other side of that screen is a real person—a professional who has dedicated their life to a craft, who is working tirelessly, and who is undoubtedly already their own harshest critic.
What’s the endgame of these “mean” comments? Does trashing a new pro’s choreography online somehow make you a better fan? Does it improve the show? No. It only creates a culture of fear and negativity that stifles creativity and joy.
Lindsay’s defense is a crucial reminder. These dancers are artists, not targets. The passion we have for dance should be a force that uplifts and celebrates, not one that tears down. The next time you feel the urge to post a harsh comment, ask yourself: is this constructive, or is it just cruel?
Let’s be fans who cheer from the stands, not critics who throw stones from the shadows. The dance world deserves better.
