Soul Steps Recap

group of students learning step dance

Maxine Lyle and Soul Steps (a NYC-based dance-theater company) came for a 3 week residency this Spring, teaching the art of African Step Dance to over 100 adults, teens, and youth at Pittsfield High School, Taconic High School, and Berkshire Pulse.

The program consisted of 5 core elements: in-school classes, in-school sharing, studio time for Soul Steps to develop their work, a free community workshop, and a free presentation of excerpts of Step Show: The Musical, highlighting work that was developed during this residency. A student participant reflected, “I wouldn’t change anything. I feel that they are a perfect group.”

We’re so grateful to have this partnership with Soul Steps, which is made possible by NEA Challenge America and a private donor. Thank you!


Creative Movement Residency Recap

Pulse Teaching Artist Molly Hess offered 3 weeks of Creative Dance to Richmond elementary students, featuring a 10-15 minute structured warm up, and lessons that explored dance concepts focusing on Place, Pathway, Relationship, and also bringing in other concepts like level, speed, pattern, and body parts.

Thank you to the amazing students for being so open, creative, and hard working! Everyone had a lot of fun each week and retained a lot from previous weeks, really allowing them to make more complex choices with their explorations.

This program was funded by the Richmond Consolidated Schools and Richmond Education Enrichment Fund. Thank you!

Choose your classes today!

Online registration for fall classes opens today!

Do you have questions about fall registration? Need help with the registration process? We are here to help!

In-person registration is available at Pulse during these dates and times:

  • Tuesday 8/29, 2-7pm
  • Wednesday 8/30, 2-7pm
  • Thursday 8/31, 2-7pm

*Community Class attendees returning to an ongoing class do not need to re-register, but if you have any questions about the schedule, new classes, want to update your information, etc., this is a great time to do so.

Important Dates for Fall:

  • August 23: Online registration opens
  • August 29-31: In-person registration available from 2-7pm; online registration continues
  • September 4-10: Studios closed for Labor Day and maintenance, online registration continues
  • September 11: First day of fall session for all Community & Youth Performing Arts Program Classes

New Class Highlight:

Music & Storytelling

with Jeffrey Howard

Look at these young movers so invested in storytime! We loved our Music & Storytelling class during our Dance Adventure program SO much that we’ve added a class this fall.

MUSIC AND STORYTELLING🎵

📅 Tuesdays

🕞 3:45-4:30 PM

for ages 4-6

Using basic percussion instruments like shaky eggs, djembes, and the ukulele, this class will engage young children in music! Activities include: using rhythm to say your name in syllables; using the sounds of the instruments to cook a recipe; and acting out animals using sound and motions. Using books like “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and “How Things Work in Busytown,” we will augment the stories and scenes using the sound from our instruments and the motion of our bodies.


Class Highlight: Flamenco

A group pf dancers doing flamenco in a dance studio

with Joanne Bockemuehl-Jackson

📅 Thursdays

🕡 5:45-6:45pm

for beginners/intermediate ages 12 to adult

Explore the passion of flamenco in your body and connect to your inner DUENDE. The class will focus on exercises for Flamenco footwork, body posture, and coordination. Exercises will then be incorporated into short segments of choreography, taking the student beyond the steps and into the experience of individual style and expression. Joanne’s flamenco classes increase self-confidence and emphasize individuality, supporting the student in expression of personal character and emotion.

This class is best suited for students with basic knowledge of flamenco to deepen their practice but open to beginners with regular attendance. Classes are intergenerational – just like a family!

This class is both for Youth Performing Arts Program students and community members. No drop-ins! This class requires commitment to the full session.

Berkshire Pulse