The dance scene this fall offers a production for every taste, including a ballet uber-classic with an eerie theme, a child-oriented ballet confection and a high-flying, cutting-edge spectacle.

Portland Ovations is bringing “vertical dance pioneers” Bandaloop to Portland Sept. 28 and 29. The California-based troupe will perform – suspended in midair – on the outside walls of the Westin Portland Harborview hotel and One City Center.

Founded in 1991 by Amelia Rudolph, Bandaloop combines contemporary dance movement with the mechanics of climbing and a connection to the natural and human-made environment. Their fluid, aerobatic movement has graced the walls of landmark buildings, bridges and cliffs throughout the world.

Bandaloop will peform up high in Portland Sept. 28 and 29.

“They’ve been on my wish list for over a decade,” said Aimee Petrin, Portland Ovations’ executive and artistic director. “They’re a fantastic, pioneering company that causes us to think differently about dance and about the spaces we inhabit.”

Another attraction for Petrin is that Bandaloop’s open-air performances are presented free of charge and are visible to both intentional viewers and passersby. “I love the idea of the accidental audience, people who have a wonderful surprise,” she added.

Performances at each site will last about 15 minutes, and each will be repeated at least once within the hour. (For exact times, Petrin suggests checking the Portland Ovations website for updates closer to performance dates.) For the Westin Portland Harborview performance, the primary audience location will be Congress Square Park. Monument Square Plaza or adjacent locations on Free Street will provide good viewing of the two sides of One City Center where dancers will perform.

Bandaloop, presented by Portland Ovations. Noon Sept. 28, Westin Portland Harborview; 5 p.m. Sept. 29, One City Center, free. portlandovations.org. 842-0800.

ONE WEEK LATER, dance lovers can go from the sky to the sea with Maine State Ballet’s “The Little Mermaid,” which opens a two-weekend run on Oct. 7.

Set to music of Ravel and Saint-Saens, the ballet is designed for youngsters and performed in eight matinees and only one evening performance. But choreographer and artistic director Linda Miele noted that it follows the original Hans Christian Andersen story, not the Disney movie, and its sets, costumes and artistic quality will appeal to adult viewers.

“The Little Mermaid” will feature principal dancer Veronica Druchniak in the title role, character artist Fred Bernier and Michael Hamilton, a Maine State Ballet alum who graduated to a television and film career in Los Angeles.

“The Little Mermaid,” presented by Maine State Ballet. Oct. 7-8, 13-15, Maine State Ballet’s Lopez Theater, Falmouth, $15-$20, $2 discount 12 and under and 62 and over. mainestateballet.org. 781-3587.

ON OCT. 20-21, Portland Ballet will present “Giselle,” one of the great classical ballets. The company has a tradition of presenting a Halloween-oriented show in October, and “Giselle” isn’t a complete departure from that theme.

“It is a ghostly story,” executive director Michael Greer said. In fact, a large portion of the ballet takes place in a cemetery haunted by the Wilis, the shades of women wronged by their lovers. (To quote a “Giselle” cliché, the Wilis may give you the willies.)

“Giselle” has become a favorite for Portland Ballet audiences, said artistic director Nell Shipman, who originated the title role for the company. “It has made an impact and it feels like an old friend, even though we haven’t performed the ballet in five years.”

“Giselle,” presented by Portland Ballet. Oct. 20-21, Westbrook Performing Arts Center, $30, $20 seniors, $15 students, $10 children. portlandballet.org. 772-9671.

Jennifer Brewer is a Portland-based freelance writer, teacher, musician and dancer.