Liam Scarlett’s “Frankenstein,” presented at the Lyric Opera House by The Joffrey Ballet, breathes new life into a worn-out property. The dancing relays the tragic tale acutely. Production Designer John Macfarlane and composer Lowell Liebermann bring classic horror movie and 18th-century aesthetics to life to create a sort of “living film.” The characters are reimagined, some roles are expanded, and surprises await even die-hard fans of the misanthropic monstrosity.

October is a prime time for release, renewal and the celebration of culture; it is also Hispanic heritage month.  Ballet 5:8’s proud Mexican American founder and choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager honors her culture through her chosen medium of dance. Her latest revival of “BareFace” returns this fall to the Athenaeum Center in Chicago, Oct. 18 - 21, furthering a celebration of distinction, love and what it means to be Hispanic at this moment in history.

Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking science fiction/horror/philosophic novel, “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus,” has been a tremendous hit ever since its publication in 1818. Despite Shelley’s young age—she was eighteen when she began the work, twenty when it was published.

Existentialism, humanism, isolation and betrayal are themes in the original novel that have led to countless reincarnations over the years.

The Joffrey Ballet’s bold move from New York City to Chicago in 1995 both saved the company and transformed Chicago from a sleepy touring stop for national companies to a thriving national and international dance capitol. Joffrey built a new home for itself, and others followed, just like in the baseball movie “Field of Dreams.”

That story is poignantly told in Bob Hercules’ 2012 film, Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance, shown on Saturday, September 18th at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

WARNING: This review contains descriptions of sensuality, sexually explicit acts, profane language, shouting, screaming, loud music…

But enough teasing!

“Queer Dance Freakout,” presented by Gender Fucked Productions on Sept. 24 at the Elastic Arts Center, defies all expectations of a traditional dance performance. (And that’s a good thing!)

“Change” is this year’s theme as Giordano Dance Chicago dives into its 61st season, dubbed “Unlimited,” with changes in administration, artists, and board of directors. The company held a cocktail reception to introduce new Executive Director Erica Lynette Edwards, and new Board President Chris D'hondt, at the Whitehall Hotel on September 7th.

Edwards joins the Giordano team replacing Executive Director Michael McStraw, who transitions into the role of mentor to Edwards.