That is so rude and utterly mean of the journalist, I would be ranting as well. I think all of the dancers who were there and any of your friends as well should write not only to the journalist and demand an apology but also cc the editor and write a letter to the your say part of the newspaper (if your newspaper has a letter section). Also send any such letters to a rival newspaper and ask them to print it.
Don't let that nasty journalist get away with it!
good luck.
