Sarah L. Kaufman on the shared rhythm of dance, critical writing, and finding better verbs

Sarah L. Kaufman on the shared rhythm of dance, critical writing, and finding better verbs

August 20, 2026 · 16 min · Episode 1213

About this episode

Sarah L. Kaufman discusses her journey into dance criticism and the intricacies of verb selection in writing.

1213. Pulitzer-Prize-winning dance critic Sarah L. Kaufman goes deeper into her journey from the "Washington Post" copy desk to the world of professional dance criticism. We look at how writing about an art form is the ultimate exercise in verb selection, why our brains physically react to words like "meander" or "zigzag," and how to find the "zing" in your writing by juxtaposing unusual adverbs with everyday actions. This was originally a bonus episode for Grammarpaloozians in April, Learn more at Patreon.com/GrammarGirl. Find Sarah L. Kaufman at  sarahlkaufman.com Get  Sarah’s books, “Verb Your Enthusiasm” and “The Art of Grace” A hearty thank-you to our Keepers of the Commas on Patreon. We appreciate your support! Larry Rosenblum Mahala Russell George Wilson Laurel Paul Linda Cox Birna Anna Björnsdóttir 🔗  Join the Grammar Girl Patreon. 🔗  Share your familect recording in   Speakpipe  or by leaving a voicemail at 833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475) 🔗  Watch my   LinkedIn Learning writing courses . 🔗  Subscribe to the   newsletter . 🔗  Find an edited   transcript . 🔗  Get   Grammar Girl books . | HOST: Mignon…

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