Special Programs + Workshops
Dunham Workshop
with Saroya Corbett
Saturday, March 25
10am – 12pm
Saroya Corbett, Bolin Fellow of Dance, will share again her expertise in Dunham Technique, an Afro-Modern dance technique. As a certified instructor in and a life-long practitioner of Dunham Technique, Saroya will discuss the dance technique as a holistic practice and the work of Katherine Dunham, the technique’s creator. After the discussion, participants will experience a Dunham Technique movement class which will combine the theories and philosophies of the technique into physical practice.
2023 Workshops at Simon’s Rock
Open to Pulse community, as well as Simon’s Rock students, these workshops will take place in the Beckerman Dance Studio, inside the Daniel Arts Center.
Soul Steps Workshop
Saturday, March 11
10 am -12 pm
with Maxine Lyle, founder of Soul Steps
This workshop introduces participants to the basics of the African American tradition known as “stepping” and includes the key historical points in steps’ development.
About Soul Steps:
Soul Steps speaks the language of rhythm. Founded in 2005 by dancer/choreographer, Maxine Lyle, and based in NYC, Soul Steps celebrates the rich, African American tradition known as “stepping.” From local performances to partnerships with U.S. Embassies throughout the world, Soul Steps embraces every opportunity to expose diverse communities to the magnetism and dynamic power of step. Credits include NJPAC prelude to Alvin Ailey, May 2016; Embodying the Dream Festival, NJPAC January 2016 and 2017; Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out Series 2016; a feature in the Diesel Jeans promotional video, “The A-Z of Dance;” the historical Rick Owens runway show during Paris Fashion Week 2013; 2012 Abok I Ngoma International Dance Festival (U.S. Embassy partnership, Cameroon); Joyce SoHo, Every Little Step, a collaborative piece performed with Dance Theatre of Ireland (New York); Stepping in Remembrance, (U.S. Embassy commissioned September 11th commemorative piece, Dublin); Skena Up International Film and Theater Festival (U.S. Embassy partnership, Kosovo); New York Musical Theatre Festival (2011 and 2007), and a nationally aired MTVU promotional video. Soul Steps is a three-time recipient of the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities Cultural Artist of the Year award and was described in the New York Times as giving a performance that “is electric and joyous.” For more information visit: www.soulsteps.com
Moving Life Stories
Saturday, April 8
10am -12pm
with Tom Truss
Moving Life Stories is a creative studio workshop where students have the opportunity to share their stories, journeys, and life experiences through movement and words in a safe place. This 2-hour workshop will have a theme such as uncovering your true self, ways that you find sanctuary in a storm, and how you negotiate change. The theme will be explored throughout the workshop via exercises, games, movement improvisations, conversations, and dance-making. When using the reflective, generative, and somatic aspects of movement and choreography, transformation occurs, creating a deeper connection to one’s self, one’s community, and one’s place in life. Class is interactive and fun, and open to all levels, abilities, and experiences.
Spyjinks! by Nutshell Playhouse
Saturday, March 25
3:30pm
FREE for all Pulse families. Register here.
ABOUT THE SHOW
Three intrepid spies and a parrot named Taco are on their very first spy mission. They must rescue the beautiful (and very famous) Jolandalinda, who has been kidnapped and hidden on Malumboo, the Island of Very Bad Luck. Can they save her? Follow their adventures as they sink up to their belly buttons in quicksand, get unexpected help from a local llama, defy gravity and a lot more silliness. Oh, and did I mention the talking toucan? Will they succeed? There is only one way to find out…
Performed by Berkshire County Actors Stefanie Weber, Johnny Segalla, and Mark Hohlstein, with live music by Don Jordan.
SpyJinks! is appropriate for children of all ages & their grown-ups. Kids ages 3-10 will particularly enjoy the show.
ABOUT NUTSHELL PLAYHOUSE
We are a non-profit company dedicated to bringing innovative and exciting theater and music to family audiences. Our productions Saving Jazzy, Pirates!, Nutshellapalooza, and Top Bananas! have been performed in theaters throughout the Berkshires, including Barrington Stage Company, The Berkshire Athenaeum, Main Street Stage, the Guthrie Center, Berkshire South Community Center, the Spectrum Playhouse, and the Clark Art Institute. Nutshell Playhouse creates theater for children and families that actively engages the audience in the magic of live performance. Our shows are designed to reach children of various ages and to appeal to parents as well, providing an exciting experience that the whole family can share. We bring theater directly to the communities of Western Massachusetts by staging performances at venues that are familiar and comfortable. Learn more at nutshellplayhouse.org
Moving Life Stories
Spring 2023 Session Information:
Pittsfield Series:
April 4 – May 23, 2023
Tuesdays 6-8pm
Berkshire Family YMCA – Pittsfield Branch
292 North Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
FREE
South County Series:
April 21 – May 12, 2023
Fridays 6-8pm
Family Resource Center
141 West Ave
Great Barrington, MA 01230
FREE
Moving Life Stories (MLS) is a creative movement class created for and geared towards 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, 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 interpreter will be present, childcare is provided, and transportation can be arranged.
This program is made possible by the generosity of Mass Cultural Council, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Lee Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union, and TD Bank Charitable Foundation, as well as Alford Egremont Cultural Council, Dalton Cultural Council, Hinsdale-Peru Cultural Council, Monterey Cultural Council, Mount Washington Cultural Council, New Marlborough Cultural Council, Otis Cultural Council, Pittsfield Cultural Council, Sheffield Cultural Council, Tyringham Cultural Council, and Washington Cultural Council, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
To express interest or get in touch, please contact berkshire.pulse@gmail.com or call 413-274-6624.
Historias de Vida en Movimiento
Historias de Vida en Movimiento es una clase de movimiento creativo creado para la comunidad inmigrante en los Berkshire. La clase brinda la oportunidad de compartir experiencias personales e historias de y conexiones con lugares de su pasado y presente a través del movimiento, ejercicios, baile y construcción de comunidad.
Cada clase se basa en un tema tal como La Bienvenida, Conexión, y El Santuario. Los participantes siguen un precalentamiento y luego forman parte de una conversación sobre el tema de la clase en la que pueden compartir sus pensamientos, escuchar y ser escuchados, en un ambiente de apoyo mutuo. De esta conversación se construye el baile final de cada clase.
En esta serie de talleres aprenderemos varios métodos para contar y expresar nuestras historias a través del juego, movimiento creativo, y la creación de bailes cortos. No se requiere experiencia previa y la clase es apta para todas las edades.
Un traductor de habla hispana estará presente y se puede organizar el transporte gratuito.
Este programa es posible gracias a la generosidad del Mass Cultural Council, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Lee Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union y TD Bank Charitable Foundation, así como el Alford Egremont Cultural Council, Dalton Cultural Council, Hinsdale-Peru Cultural Council, Monterey Cultural Council, Mount Washington Cultural Council, New Marlborough Cultural Council, Otis Cultural Council, Pittsfield Cultural Council, Sheffield Cultural Council, Tyringham Cultural Council, y Washington Cultural Council, agencias locales que son apoyadas por el Mass Cultural Council, una agencia estatal.
Para expresar interés o ponerse en contacto, envíe un correo electrónico a berkshire.pulse@gmail.com o llame al 413-274-6624.
Community Boxing Gym at the Housy Dome
For 8th graders to adults
Fridays, 4:30-5:30 PM
February 3 – May 26
FREE for Housatonic and Great Barrington Youth; everyone else pays with class passes
Registration required for all participants (16 spots available). Youth participants must commit to the whole program are given priority registration. Adult participants may drop into sessions.
Located at the Housatonic Community Center: 1064 Main St, Housatonic, MA 01236
This collaboration between Berkshire Pulse and Berkshire Boxing Club will continue the traditional role that boxing gyms have played in community growth and health. Many boxing gyms have strong youth programs, created to get kids off the street and away from their screens, and to redirect their energy into something productive.
Coached by Genève Brossard and Sean O’Brian
Extra Special Teas Class
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
BodyStories with the Brain Injury Association
Next session: TBD
For information and registration, email berkshire.pulse@gmail.com
Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts and Berkshire Pulse Studios have partnered to offer a series of 9 creative movement classes on Zoom called BodyStories. BodyStories has been created specifically for people with brain injuries, their caregivers and family. Classes include a variety of exercises and movement explorations that can be altered to adapt to any space, ability or level of mover. The goal of BodyStories is to deepen participant’s understanding and relationship with their bodies while expressing themselves through movement. Classes focus on proprioceptor skills, balance, kinesthetic awareness, and fun! Participants can take class with their videos on or off and join in or opt out at any point. Classes are designed to be adapted by participants with ease and provide a great way for people to connect and stay active.
