Graceful Openers It’s hard to beat this hall. A vaulted aluminum and glass atrium that soars 10 stories. An arched ceiling made of 2,000 glass panes. A grand staircase and floor covered with marble. And, of course, lining the aisles, the famous Florida-grown, 40-foot-high palm trees. The Winter Garden at the World Financial Center reopened last month. The space, always an architectural gem, is now equipped with a new acoustical and lighting system, making it an even better venue for the season’s performances.   Center stage this month is dance. From the athletic performance of the Elisa Monte Dance to the graceful footwork of Susan Marshall & Company, the Winter Garden offers a dazzling display of movement. “Dance has always had a tremendous following and a long history at the Winter Garden,” says Deborah Simon, executive director of the World Financial Center Arts and Events Program. “But this year, it takes on more resonance. People feel good about coming Downtown and showing their support.” Below is the lineup for October. All performances are free. Wed., Oct. 2, 12:15 p.m.: Ailey II. Modern dance drawing on ballet, jazz and ethnic styles. Wed., Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m.: Elisa Monte Dance. Passion, athleticism and ferocious energy. Wed., Oct. 23 and Thurs., 24, 6:30 p.m.: Susan Marshall & Company. Emotional storytelling transforms everyday movement into powerful abstract drama. Wed., Oct. 30, 12:15 p.m.: Ballet Hispanico. A fusion of ballet, modern and Latin dance. For more information, go to www.worldfinancialcenter.com or call 945-0505.