Radio host Ira Glass and choreographer Monica Bill Barnes thought their work shared a sensibility, even though hers includes no talking and his involves no physical movement whatsoever.

“There’s something funny and intensely personal in her dances,” Glass says, “with these moments of awkwardness or self-consciousness or striving that I find so relatable.”

“Ira has a way of telling stories that makes me feel like I am playing a supporting role,” Barnes says. “I will cringe, laugh and sometimes be heartbroken – basically I empathize, which is what I want an audience to do when we are dancing.”

In May 2012 they collaborated on three short dances that were part of a This American Life variety show that was beamed into movie theaters nationwide.  It was such a success that they decided to do a full show that combines stories and dance.

Some are performed together onstage by Glass, Barnes and dancer Anna Bass.  For a few, the dancers or the radio host take over for a while.