Dear Pulse Community,

I am writing to share exciting news – we have started planning for the future with an expansion initiative and have begun by hiring our first-ever Executive Director to accompany me in leadership of the organization. Abigail (Abi) Rollins will join Berkshire Pulse on July 15th!

Pulse has grown exponentially: increased community demand, regional expansion, and an ever-growing list of diverse offerings in the creative arts. Pulse will continue to expand in every way, and Abi will help us manage our growth in a way that stays true to our mission.

Abi Rollins joins Pulse from Berkshire Opera Festival, where she has served as Executive Director since 2019. Abi moved to the Berkshires from Boston, where she held the positions of General Manager and later Managing Director of Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, for a total of nine years. She honed her many skills in arts administration through positions at Trisha Brown Dance Company, Lyric Stage Company, and Boston Ballet, among others. She has an MA in Arts Administration from Boston University, and a double-major undergraduate degree in Dance and Psychology from Kenyon College. 

At Pulse, Abi will drive strategic and business planning as well as development, and will oversee day-to-day operations including finance, administration, and facility operations. About the role, Abi said “I first began my career specifically with the aim of working with and supporting dance artists. Along the way, I have had many rewarding opportunities outside of dance, gaining real world experience and refining my skills as an arts administrator. I know this is the opportunity I’ve been working towards during my 20+ years of learning and working in dance and arts administration.” Abi first experienced Pulse in early 2023 when she started taking dance classes there after a long hiatus from dancing. She was immediately moved by the warmth and culture of respect for dancers of all abilities and ages and inspired to apply for the Executive Director position when we announced it earlier this winter. 

Our Board President Gail Belmuth said “Pulse has entered a new chapter of strategic growth, and Abi will help us manage that growth while also building for a sustainable future. She is a great addition to a wonderful team.”

While Abi and I will partner in many areas, having an experienced, collaborative partner means that I can turn my attention more fully to my role as Artistic Director, leading Pulse’s mission and artistic vision, curriculum development, and continuing standards of excellence in programming and performance.

Please join me in welcoming Abigail Rollins to the Pulse family!

My Very Best,

Bettina Montano

Artistic Director/Founder

Community Class Highlights

Community Modern – Intermediate+

With Madison Palffy

Intermediate – ages 14 to adult

📆Thursdays 6:00pm-7:30pm, June 6 – August 22 (no class July 4)

Drawing from a variety of modern dance traditions and techniques, this class emphasizes classwork which develops strength, alignment, agility, musicality and versatility of expression.

Classes consist of structured improvisation, inversions and floorwork, exercises to challenge rhythm and musicality, and phrases to encourage students to move in a full bodied physicality that travels through space.