This week's dance shows include ballet from China, street dance and dance at Union Station.

5. Falling for the Fall

L.A. Contemporary Dance Company unveils new works from four choreographers under the umbrella title The Fall. Mark Tomasic considers the temporary insanity of love, Andrew Pearson provides a new-age minuet, Melissa “MJ” Jackson looks at giving oneself over to an experience without expectation or control, and artistic director Kate Hutter contemplates the deeper and more complex humanity that lies beneath simplified categorization. At Diavolo Performance Space, 616 Moulton Ave., Los Angeles; Through Oct. 26, 8 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 27, 7 p.m., $20 online, $25 at door. 323-225-4290, www.lacdc.brownpapertickets.com.

4. When nightmares get Inked

Halloween is next week, but Inked Dance offers an early chance to be spooked with Nightmares, a brew of dance and film that promises audiences will be thrilled and terrified. Director-composer Brian Moe joined forces with lighting designer Nicholas Davidson and videographer Danny Brown. At 18th Street Arts Center, 1639 18th St., Santa Monica; Fri.-Sat., Oct. 25-26, 8:30 p.m., $20, $15 students & seniors. 310-453-3711, www.18thstreet.org.

See also: 5 Artsy Things to Do in L.A. This Week

3. Float like a butterfly, sting like a Sylphide

Known for its technical precision, Shanghai Ballet offers two full-length story ballets. Saturday is devoted to La Sylphide, the tragic tale of a Scotsman who pursues an enchanting wood sprite (Sylphide) and offends a vengeful witch, with tragic consequences. Sunday's matinee presents one of the company's signature works, The Butterfly Lovers, blending classical ballet and Chinese folk dance in a tale of thwarted love. At Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge; Sat., Oct. 26, 8 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 27, 3 p.m., $25-$65. 818-677-8800, www.valleyperformingartscenter.org.

Credit: Photo by Paul Antico

Credit: Photo by Paul Antico

2. The Underground surfaces

The Underground moves street dance to the concert stage in Street Chronicles. The dancers share the stage with the group Fiveology. At Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, 4718 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles; Sat., Oct. 26, 8 p.m., $20, www.ebonyrep.org/#five. 323-964-9768.

See also: Our Latest Theater Reviews

Invisible Cities; Credit: Photo courtesy of Invisible Cities

Invisible Cities; Credit: Photo courtesy of Invisible Cities

1. Just don't rush to catch a train

Historic meets high-tech as audiences equipped with the latest wireless headphones wander through L.A.'s iconic Union Station, following dancers and musicians in Invisible Cities. Described as an “invisible opera,” its libretto and music by Christopher Cerrone were inspired by a novel by Italo Calvino. Choreographer Danielle Agami and L.A. Dance Project dancers contribute their talents to this innovative twist on the site-specific performance. The performance days vary. Check the schedule and buy tickets at invisiblecitiesopera.com/tickets. See (and hear) the Invisible Opera at Union Station, 800 N. Alameda St., dwntwn.; various Sat., Tues. & Thurs., 7:30 & 10 p.m.; Fri., Nov. 8, 7:30 & 10 p.m. Through Nov. 17, $25. 213-683-6897.

See also: Our story on Invisible Cities

Public Spectacle, L.A. Weekly's arts & culture blog, on Facebook and Twitter:

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.