"if you're going to be critical of a performance - in the right place and at the right time - then give a reasoned and balanced critique "

Point taken.
However, I shall re-iterate that this one word was used in relation to the *performance only* and not intended to be a personal attack on the girls themselves. Certainly, I wouldn't dream of using any of the other descriptions suggested by the OP which would be totally unacceptable under any circumstances.