DANCE aficionados will have heard of Niki McCretton. For those people who haven't there are four opportunities to see her physical dance theatre performance 'Mutnik, the First Dog in Space' this month on her first tour for Villages in Action. With one of the most delightful shows to be enjoyed by children and adults alike, Niki will be at Chagford on Tuesday November 28 at 4.30pm, at South Brent on Wednesday 29 at 4.30pm, at Farringdon on Thursday 30 at 6pm and at Dawlish on Friday December 1 at 7pm. Niki's skills as a dancer are complemented by her skill as a puppeteer, mime artist, comedienne and enthraller of children. Her performance is mesmerising and Mutnik is a cheeky, charming dog which children and adults love. There is opportunity for one lucky child to help with the performance. The story of Laika the dog sent into space by the Russians in 1957 aboard Sputnik 2 is remarkable. From a humble beginning as a stray on the streets of Moscow, Laika was taken to the Russian Space Centre, cared for and finally chosen to be the first dog in space. A lovely performance for family audiences. Tickets can be bought on the door or in advance from Chagford Jubilee Hall, £5/£4 tel 01647 432215. South Brent Village Hall, £4.50/£3.50/£13. 01364 72617. Farringdon Village Hall,£5.50/£4. 01395 239181. Dawlish Gatehouse School, £5/£3.50 /£15. Tel: 01626 888264.