To the Editor:

Re “Dancing in the Seats,” by Daniel J. Levitin (Op-Ed, Oct. 26):

While superficially attractive, the notion of dancing during classical music concerts is destructive. How would we hear the music over the sound of the hooves of the satyrs and the cries of bacchants who dance?

Children, treated to recorded music, may dance joyfully in their schools and homes. There, may they find joy.

But after having paid $200 for a choice seat for a performance of “La Bohème,” I do not care to have a child kicking the back of my seat. Let the rude children and their parents be banished to the lobby, where they may bother each other.

Dance, dance to the music—but not in the sacred space of the orchestra or chorus, which offers live interpretations of the glories of music of the past. Must we permit clog dancing during a performance of Mozart’s Requiem?

Mr. Levitin is correct that music is inextricably entwined with dance. That’s why there are ballets, hoedowns and mosh pits.

William Barber
Missouri City, Tex., Oct. 26, 2007

Note from KBJ: Killjoy.