DANCE

What a great way to overcome the January doldrums and wash all that holiday anodyne right out of your hair! The Women on the Way Festival, now in its sixth year, is anything but sweet, homey, and safe. Artistic director Mary Alice Fry has her ear to the underground of women's work, not just in dance but also in music, comedy, theater, and storytelling. Much of what she presents is sharp, in-your-face, and infectious. She has booked some of the funniest monologuists I have ever heard on the same programs as dancers I went to the festival to see. No doubt – particularly since so many artists cross disciplines these days – the performers also get a jolt of sharing billing and dressing rooms. Traditionally, WOW has been rich in dance offerings; this year's seem particularly abundant. I'll miss the puny stage of former years, but the dancers will probably be happier not to have to worry about kicking first-row audience members in their noses. Performing this weekend are Funsch Dance Experience, Alma Esperanza Cunningham Movement, Talismanic Physical Theatre, Fresh Meat Productions, danceNAGANUMA, and Davalos Dance Company. Sunday is an all-ages "Women of the World International Family Night" with MC Mina Liccione. (Rita Felciano)

WOMEN ON THE WAY FESTIVAL

Dance Mission Theater, Jan. 12-29, Thurs.-Sun., 8 p.m. (Sun/15 show 7 p.m.)

3316 24th St., SF. $15-$20. (415) 289-2000, www.ticketweb.com, www.ftloose.org.