Mockumentary, the new show by locust, has excellent dancing and music hampered by video that does little to enhance the show. The dancing is good in solos and full cast sections, and sublime during the partner dancing. I went last night remembering part of their last show, convenience, in which Ellie Sandstrom did the craziest awesome foot-pattycake (is that the technical term?) with another dancer lying on her back, and I was excited to see more of this partner work. I was not disappointed. I think locust’s partner choreography is incredible; I could watch it all night.

Come join The Stranger, OtB staff and friends, and the other 2006 Genius Award winners for a night of music, drinks and celebration at the Henry Art Gallery! The fete is this Saturday, Oct 21st and starts at 9pm, but don’t be afraid to check out the locust performance that evening and be fashionably late to the party ”¦

I know nothing about dance. Hell, I hardly know anything about anything except maybe theatre. But dance is not in my world view thus far. This is the year I am changing all that. I've done pretty good so far, thanks in whole to OtB. One thing I didn't know before was that dance isn't just dance anymore. I am beginning to know better. In terms of energy expended left on stage, this show is second only to Forced Entertainment a year or so ago. But while Forced Entertainment had a dark-edged humor, Dorky Park's humor has a kid-like nerdy sweetness.

Two immediate thoughts come to mind when I heard that the trash queen of Berlin was coming: Felix Ruckert and Munich. Berlin-based choreographer Ruckert was at On the Boards a few years ago, bringing a sexy, cool club experience that truly engaged audience members -- a friend of mine recently recalled being repeatedly bounced on by a dancer named Jose at an evening performance. This is a fond memory. And I think of Munich whenever I hear Berlin b/c not long ago my mother worked for an airline, which meant I could travel to places like Germany for pennies.