Beck Center for the Arts celebrates 50 years of dance with new 'Little Red Riding Hood' ballet

The family-friendly production features a cast of 93 dancers ranging in age from 7 to 60.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, graphic composition of stark, jagged geometric shapes in deep red, forest green, and warm yellow, abstractly representing the playful reimagining of the 'Little Red Riding Hood' ballet.The Beck Center's vibrant new 'Little Red Riding Hood' ballet celebrates 50 years of dance with a fresh, family-friendly take on the classic story.Lakewood Today

The Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, Ohio is celebrating its 50th anniversary of dance with a new production of the classic story ballet 'Little Red Riding Hood.' The light-hearted, one-hour show features all-new staging, choreography, and music selections, with a cast of 93 dancers. In this reimagined version, the Wolf survives and joins the group at the end, making it a family-friendly experience.

Why it matters

The Beck Center has been a hub for dance in the Cleveland area for 50 years, providing performance opportunities for dancers of all ages and fostering a love of the art form in the community. This new production of 'Little Red Riding Hood' continues that legacy, showcasing the depth and diversity of the center's dance programming.

The details

The 'Little Red Riding Hood' ballet will run from April 10-12 at the Beck Center's Senney Theater. The four principal roles are double-cast, allowing dancers to grow by performing multiple parts. The story follows the titular character as she ventures into the woods, with the Wolf overhearing a conversation about Granny's 'magical' cake and deciding he wants the magic for himself. In the end, the cake is recovered and all is forgiven.

  • The 'Little Red Riding Hood' ballet will run from April 10-12, 2026.
  • The Beck Center for the Arts is celebrating its 50th anniversary of dance this year.

The players

Beck Center for the Arts

A performing arts venue in Lakewood, Ohio that has been a hub for dance in the Cleveland area for 50 years.

Melissa Yarur

The Beck Center's Associate Director of Dance, who is the director and co-choreographer of the 'Little Red Riding Hood' production.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I wanted to do something that was brand new. I actually went to the library, pulled out probably 100 different children's books and read through them all before landing on 'Red Riding Hood.'”

— Melissa Yarur, Associate Director of Dance, Beck Center for the Arts

“Our version of 'Red Riding Hood' is not scary. No one gets eaten. No one gets killed. The Wolf survives and is part of the group at the end. That was important to me.”

— Melissa Yarur, Associate Director of Dance, Beck Center for the Arts

What’s next

Tickets for the 'Little Red Riding Hood' ballet are on sale now through the Beck Center for the Arts website and box office.

The takeaway

The Beck Center's new production of 'Little Red Riding Hood' celebrates the venue's 50-year legacy of dance, showcasing the diverse talents of its performers and continuing to foster a love of the art form in the local community.