Community-Based Programs
Berkshire Pulse’s Community-Based Programs bring the joy of movement and creativity to people of all ages and abilities through an engaging lineup of classes, performances, and workshops. Designed to foster connection, self-expression, and cultural appreciation, these programs make dance accessible through free community events, and local partnerships. Signature offerings include the Afterschool Dance Program at the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires, Extra Special Teas, Moving Life Stories, and Trans Dance with Seeing Rainbows, each designed to reach diverse groups within the community. By working with skilled teaching artists, Pulse helps participants develop both technical skills and confidence, cultivating a lifelong love of the arts.
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Trans Dance Class with Seeing Rainbows
Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30pm
June 25th
July 2nd
July 9th
We are partnering with Seeing Rainbows, a Berkshire non-profit with a mission to produce and present liberating art and experiences by and for trans, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming people in our region, to offer a monthly Trans Dance Class to members of the community.
This movement class for trans and nonbinary folx takes a gentle somatic approach to breath, movement, and self-expression. The class will incorporate improvisation and basic dance technique to explore an all-levels approach to moving and grooving. Beginning with a guided improvisational warm-up, the class will build energy and heat through passes across the floor and opportunities to workshop movement in the center. Each class will end with a short phrase exploration or dance-making prompt. Alternatives will be provided to accommodate all levels of movers. Participants are encouraged to wear pants and long sleeves for ease of movement, and class will be taught in socks or barefoot. Class is taught by Gillian Ebersole!
Litefeet at Simon’s Rock
Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4:15-5:40pm at Simon’s Rock
March 27th – May 6th, 2025
Litefeet is an electrifying hip hop street dance style that was created in Harlem, New York. Following dances in the early 2000s, such as the Chicken Noodle Soup, the Aunt Jackie, and the Tone Whop, Litefeet is a dance style central to the growth of hip hop culture that has been given worldwide exposure when it was featured in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights. Berkshire Pulse continued our annual partnership with Bard College at Simon’s Rock by offering this as a course for their students.
This program was funded by the Arts Build Community Initiative of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.
African Rooted Dance Series
Feel the rhythm and let your spirit soar in this dynamic African Dance class, where technique meets joy and energy! Content: Step into a world of powerful moves and infectious rhythms as you explore traditional and modern African dance styles. You’ll learn to master intricate footwork, bold body isolations, and captivating rhythmic patterns, all while having a blast. This class is designed to get your heart pumping, your feet moving, and your spirit dancing. Whether you’re new to dance or looking to refine your skills, come ready to sweat, smile, and celebrate the vibrant energy of African Dance!
This program was funded in part by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation‘s South Berkshire Better Together Fund and the Alford-Egermont Local Cultural Council.
Afterschool Dance Program at the Pittsfield Boys & Girls Club
Pittsfield After School Dance Program
Wednesdays/Miércoles 4-6:30pm
Thursdays/Jueves 4:20-7pm
The Berkshire Pulse Afterschool Boys and Girls Dance program offers weekly a range of different styles that are free for Pittsfield Public School students and those with a Boys & Girls Club membership. Experienced Teaching Artists help students develop strength, musicality, artistry, teamwork, and self-confidence while introducing them to the cultural contexts in which these different styles were developed.
This program is supported by Mill Town Foundation and the Pittsfield Education Enrichment Fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.
Program has ended for the 2024–2025 school year. We will resume programming for the 2025–2026 school year.
Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires
16 Melville St, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Free Beginner Drumming
Wednesday, August 6th from 12:30-1:15pm at Ramsdell Library
Join us at Ramsdell Library on Wednesday, August 6 from 12:30 to 1:15 PM for a free Beginner Drumming Workshop designed for teens and young adults! This fun, hands-on session offers an introduction to basic drumming techniques in a welcoming and supportive environment—no experience necessary. Come explore rhythm, movement, and creativity through the beat of the drum!
Extra Special Teas
Tuesdays 11am-12pm
Berkshire Pulse is partnering with our neighbors at Extra Special Teas, with a joyful weekly movement class for EST staff and participants. Together we will strengthen the message that dance builds community and is for everyone!
Classes led by Pulse teaching artist Sara Kiesel
This program is funded by the Mass Cultural Council.
Moving Life Stories
Moving Life Stories (MLS) is a creative movement class created for and geared toward the immigrant population and their allies in the Berkshires. MLS provides opportunities to share personal journeys, stories, and connections to places past and present through movement games, exercises, dancing, and community building.
Each class is centered around a theme, such as Welcome, Connection, Grounding,and Sanctuary. Participants are led through a playful warm-up followed by a group conversation about the theme of the class in which all are invited to share their thoughts, to hear and be heard in a supportive environment. From this conversation, a dance is co-created and shared with each other at the end of the class.
In this series of workshops, we will learn various ways to tell and embody our stories through play, creative movement, and the creation of mini-dances. No prior movement experience is required and the class is appropriate for all ages.
A Spanish-speaking translator will be present, childcare is provided, and transportation can be arranged.
Swing and Salsa at the Stockbridge Senior Center
Salsa – Thursdays at 10:00am – March 6, 13, 20, and 27
Swing – Saturdays at 11:00am – April 5, 12, 19, and 26
Berkshire Pulse has teamed up with the Stockbridge Senior Center to offer a fun and free Salsa/Swing dance series for seniors (ages 60+) in Massachusetts. No need to be a Stockbridge resident—seniors from all around the area are welcome to join! Whether you’re an experienced dancer or a first-timer, drop-ins are encouraged, so come enjoy the music and movement with us!
Salsa with Luana Dias David – Dancers will focus on basic footwork, body lagging, spinning techniques, and partner work. Additionally, class will explore salsa choreography, timing and musicality, and performance skills. Be ready to learn fun routines that you can take to the dance floor. Footwork will include basic, side step, crossed side step, right turn, hesitation left, double cross, quarter beat steps, triplets, flare, reversed flare, suzi q, and grape vine. Partnering will include basic step, right turn, hesitation left, open connection, cross body lead, closed connection for cross body lead, left turn, creating resistance, around the world, and transitions from open to closed connection.
Swing with Brianne Szymanski – This class teaches the partnered basics of Swing with a particular emphasis on rhythm, artistry, and jazz dance history. We’ll explore movement patterns that establish the foundations of Lindy Hop as a social, vernacular jazz dance. The goal is to boost your confidence to hit the dance floor and have fun, while celebrating the music, movement, and spirit of the Harlem Renaissance and Swing Era!