School Programs

The joy of movement and imagination are inspired through a playful and guided approach to improvisation, shape, rhythm, balance, flow, and locomotor skills. Lively music, stories, and imagery are key elements of this class. Connections to real-world experiences are made to meet children where they are and build self-esteem in an inclusive group environment.

Varying Days and Times – 6 class series

January 15th – February 13th, 2025

Taught by: Brianne Szymanski

A 6-class series of foundational Swing dance classes and choreography rehearsals for the students participating in the school musical.

This program is funded in part by a grant from the Lee Education Enrichment Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and Tyringham Cultural Council and Lee Cultural Council, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

This residency introduces students to the history, culture, and techniques of Afro-Cuban and Afro-Peruvian rhythms. They learn the names, significance, and traditional uses of various instruments, along with foundational percussive patterns. As students develop rhythmic skills, they also cultivate group awareness—learning to start, stop, and play in sync. Over time, they progress to layering rhythms and exploring solo improvisation. Drumming serves as a powerful vehicle for exploring folklore and storytelling, offering students a rich cultural experience that deepens their understanding of the historical and artistic context of the traditions they engage with.

This program, for third graders studying multiplication, integrates music instruction into STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. Drumming creates a direct connection between rhythm and math; through drumming, children literally feel the concept of math. Rhythms begin simply and grow more complex, demonstrating a connection to numbers. The program helps youth with memory, understanding, and repetition.

Thursday from 2:00-2:40pm

April 10th – May 8th

Taught by: Rick Shrum and Kim Waterman

Students will experience stories through dance and percussion, and through the use of multicultural folkloric resources.  As students dance and drum traditional stories, they take part in a rich cultural experience that promotes knowledge and understanding of cultures different from their own.

This program is funded by the New Marlborough Cultural Council and Mount Washington Cultural Council, local agencies, which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

January 16th, February 14th, May 29th

Dance Workshop – 1:05 – 1:55 PM

Drum Workshop- 2:00 – 2:50 PM

Taught by: Noel Staples-Freeman and Aimee Gelinas

Students experienced and told stories through dance, percussion, and multicultural folkloric resources.  As students danced and drummed traditional stories, they took part in a rich cultural experience that promotes knowledge and understanding of cultures different from their own. The residency featured vibrant classes led by Noel and Aimee, each offering students a unique and culturally rich experience rooted in African dance and music.

This program is funded by the Lenox Education Enrichment Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and the Lenox Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Thursdays from 4:00-5:00pm

January 6 – March 9

Taught by: Andres Ramirez

This introduction to breaking offers students the basic foundational steps and techniques for breakdancing. Classes include exercises and fun games that help develop strength, stamina, musicality, and group spirit. The history and current cultural significance of this art form are embedded throughout the learning experience.

This program is funded by the Milltown Foundation and the Pittsfield Local Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Tuesdays at 8:45 – 10:15am

March 4 – April 15

Taught by: Molly Hess

Students are introduced to elementary dance techniques while learning to loosen, strengthen, and explore their body’s movement vocabulary. With joyful and dynamic exercises and improvisational techniques, basic principles of rhythm, movement coordination, musicality, and alignment are acquired, laying an inspiring foundation for further study in all dance forms, sports, and life. Improvisation and dance-making exercises will offer students basic building blocks for expressing their own movement vocabulary and building collaborative skills through the crafting of dances into solo and group movement phrases.

This program is funded by Richmond Educational Enrichment Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Richmond Consolidated Schools STEAM reimbursement, Richmond Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Thursdays from 10:00-11:00am

Jan 23rd – March 20th, 2025

Taught by: Sara Kiesel

With deep respect for the journey of the child whose perceptions and abilities are undeveloped and getting in their way, we offer group classes that develop skills in communication, behavioral skills management, and social/emotional interactions. This work supports the development of muscle strength, trunk stability, balance, breath, and impulse control. Classes will explore body parts, spatial relationships, and basic dance elements relating to time, rhythm, flow, and breath.

This program is funded by Dr. Robert C. and Tina Sohn Foundation, Eagle Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, and Coolidge Hill Foundation.

Wednesdays from 9:35-10:55am

Jan 22nd – March 12th, 2025

Taught by: Sara Kiesel

With deep respect for the journey of the child whose perceptions and abilities are undeveloped and getting in their way, we offer group classes that develop skills in communication, behavioral skills management, and social/emotional interactions. This work supports the development of muscle strength, trunk stability, balance, breath, and impulse control. Classes will explore body parts, spatial relationships, and basic dance elements relating to time, rhythm, flow, and breath.

This program is funded by the Coolidge Hill Foundation.

April 3rd and 4th, 2025

Varying Times

For the third time, Berkshire Pulse partnered with NYC-based step company Soul Steps Inc. to offer a dynamic in-school residency combining artistic development and education. This year’s collaboration took place at Drury High School, where Soul Steps artists led an intensive experience with students from the Theater, Arts Marketing, and Dance programs over the course of one full day and one half day.

The residency introduced students to the history and cultural significance of stepping, a percussive, community-based dance form rooted in African-American traditions. Students were taught fundamental step techniques and encouraged to explore leadership roles within a step crew, including calling out steps, leading sequences, supporting one another, and collaboratively creating choreography.

This program was funded by the Gateway Fund and Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire.

Moving Life Stories (MLS) is a creative-based workshop where students are offered an opportunity to share their ancestry, family stories, personal journeys, and life experiences through movement and words in a safe space. When memories, ideas, and experiences are investigated through movement and turned into art, transformation occurs, creating an increased understanding of self, community, and respect for others and their differences.