Opera & Dancing | On the Center Lawn | Elizabethtown | July 28, 2026
- Elizabethtown Social Center 7626 U.S. 9 Elizabethtown, New York, 12932 United States (map)
Little Red Riding Hood and Contra Dancing Create a Magical Summer Evening in Elizabethtown
See a children’s opera based on the classic fairy tale, Little Red Riding Hood in Elizabethtown, NY.
Seagle Festival and Adirondack 2 Step team up for a free family celebration.
Families looking for a unique summer evening in the Adirondacks will find music, storytelling, and community dancing all in one place on Tuesday, July 28, when Seagle Festival's Little Red Riding Hood comes to the Elizabethtown Social Center.
Beginning at 6 pm, this free event pairs a professional children's opera with lively contra dancing led by Adirondack 2 Step and caller Lausanne Allen, creating an experience that's equal parts performance and participation.
Set in the heart of Essex County, the evening offers families a chance to discover two enduring traditions—opera and folk dancing—in one welcoming community gathering.
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A classic fairy tale with a musical twist.
The evening begins with Seagle Festival's delightful production of Seymour Barab's Little Red Riding Hood from 6 pm – 6:45 pm.
Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf?
Performed live by Seagle Festival's emerging artists and accompanied by piano, the opera transforms the familiar fairy tale into an engaging introduction to live theater. Sung entirely in English, the production combines memorable melodies, playful humor, and clever rhymes while remaining faithful to the beloved story generations have grown up with.
More than simply entertaining, the production encourages young audiences to think about trusting their instincts, making thoughtful decisions, and finding confidence in their own voices.
Then it's time to dance.
Following the opera, the evening shifts from audience participation to active participation as Adirondack 2 Step takes the floor for community contra dancing.
With experienced caller Lausanne Allen guiding every step, newcomers are welcome and no previous dance experience is necessary. It's a joyful tradition that has brought communities together for generations and offers families another opportunity to experience Adirondack culture firsthand.
The combination of professional opera and traditional social dancing makes this one of the most distinctive family events on Seagle Festival's summer tour.
Why this event stands out in the Adirondacks.
The Adirondacks have always celebrated both artistic excellence and community traditions.
This event beautifully blends those worlds. Seagle Festival introduces children to professional live opera while Adirondack 2 Step invites everyone onto the dance floor. Rather than simply watching a performance, families leave having shared an experience together.
Visitors exploring Elizabethtown, the High Peaks region, Keene Valley, or Lake Champlain will find this a memorable addition to a summer itinerary.
Discover Seagle Festival and its Adirondack legacy.
Before enjoying Little Red Riding Hood, learn how Seagle Festival has spent more than a century training exceptional young opera singers in nearby Schroon Lake. This ADK Talks episode explores the organization's remarkable history and why it continues to enrich communities throughout the Adirondacks.
Go behind the curtain with Seagle Festival and discover how its emerging artists are bringing opera to communities across the Adirondacks.
Based in Schroon Lake, Seagle Festival continues to inspire audiences of every age through professional performances and arts education throughout the Adirondack Park.
ADK Taste recommendation.
Plan to stay for the entire evening.
The opera is wonderful, but the contra dancing afterward is what makes this event truly unique. Even first-time dancers are encouraged to participate, and the welcoming atmosphere makes it easy for children, parents, and grandparents to join the fun together.
Arrive a little early to find seating and explore downtown Elizabethtown before the festivities begin.
Event details.
Event: Seagle Festival's Little Red Riding Hood & Community Contra Dance
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
Opera: 6 pm – 6:45 pm
Location: Elizabethtown Social Center, 7626 US-9, Elizabethtown, NY
Admission: Free
Visitors should check the event organizers' website or Facebook page before attending for the latest schedule information.
The lawn at the Elizabethtown Social Center is the site of many family-friendly events throughout the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the event free?
Yes. Admission is free.
What time does the opera begin?
Little Red Riding Hood begins at 6 pm and concludes around 6:45 pm.
Do I need dance experience?
No. Adirondack 2 Step welcomes beginners, and the caller, Lausanne Allen, teaches each dance before it begins.
Is the opera appropriate for young children?
Yes. The production is designed for children from pre-K through sixth grade, although audiences of all ages are welcome.
Where is the event held?
The event takes place at the Elizabethtown Social Center, 7626 US-9, Elizabethtown.
What makes this stop different from the other performances?
This is the only stop on Seagle Festival's children's opera tour that combines the performance with live community contra dancing, creating a uniquely Adirondack evening of music and participation.
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