Tag: hip hop

Looking back at our year…

Posted on by Teak

Your generosity is at the heart of Berkshire Pulse.

Just last week, we were so honored to be named the First Place Winner in three categories (Arts Organization, Art Classes, Dance Studio/Classes) for the Rural Intelligence Readers’ Choice Awards.

This is a testament to the spirit of community that surrounds Berkshire Pulse. To all who placed nominations and votes in our name, to those who spread the word about Pulse, and to those who attend our programming across the county – you make Pulse possible.

We wanted to share our annual impact report with you. Click the button below to learn more about our work inside and out of the studio and how to support the future of Pulse.

SEE YOUR IMPACT
Double your gift!

We’re are so grateful to have received a matching challenge gift from Alander Construction for the third year in a row, which means every dollar donated will be doubled– up to $7,500!

Berkshire Pulse Dancers at NightWood

Nighttime picture at The Mount
@ericlimonphotography

Berkshire Pulse teaching artists and choreographers are performing site-specific duets at The Mount. Duets include Laura Coe and Liam Coote, Veronica Bone and Akinyemi Blackshear, Gillian Ebersole and Shannon Nulf.

📅 December 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23 

🕠 5:30 and 6:30pm 

TICKETS

Our Spring Schedule is Live!

Shakia instructing hip hop students

Start your new year with dance! Registration for 2024 classes opens next week on Monday, December 11.

VIEW THE SCHEDULE

In-School Program Spotlight

Sara Kiesel holding a tambourine for a little kid to hit

This Fall, Berkshire Pulse is piloting the Dance for the Special Child program at Muddy Brook Elementary and Undermountain Elementary School with Sara Kiesel, Pulse’s Special Education Curriculum Advisor and Teaching Artist. Each week, Sara visits 4 integrated pre-K classrooms and 1 substantially separate classroom.

Here’s what one classroom teacher has to say about the program:

“Sara is amazing! She has such a calm way about her that she draws all of my children to her and her calm nature. She integrates language into every aspect of dance and practices turn-taking, sharing, and breathing exercises, just to name a few.  

Sara explores body parts, spatial relationships, and dance elements to each child’s ability. Sara is great at differentiating what each child’s abilities are and how to help them progress. The children get very excited on Thursdays when they see Ms. Sara’s photo on our visual schedule and know she is coming. We love having Ms. Sara teach dance to our class and hope that this continues.

Having a program for special needs children as wonderful as this, in our small town, is nothing less than spectacular!!!”

We are grateful for YOU!

Posted on by Teak

Thank you for being a part of what makes Pulse so special – the people who bring our studios to life.

We wanted to share our annual impact report with you. Click the button below to learn more about our work inside and out of the studio and how to support the future of Pulse.

HOW YOU MAKE AN IMPACT
Annual Report cover page. Two young dancers oustide.

November is also Native American Heritage Month. We acknowledge that we are learning, creating, and gathering on the ancestral homelands of the Muhheaconneok people, who are the indigenous peoples of the land upon which Berkshire Pulse sits.

Despite the tremendous hardship of being forced from their land, today their community resides in Wisconsin and is known as the Stockbridge-Munsee Community.

You can read more about Native American Heritage Month at the Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness.

We are still open next Monday and Tuesday for classes. Our studios will be closed Wednesday, November 22 through Sunday, November 26.

In-School Program Spotlight

Kids break dancing in a gym

The Afterschool Dance Program at the Boys & Girls Club is a pilot partnership to provide free, high-quality, and youth-driven dance programming for Pittsfield middle and high school students. This fall, we are holding Hip-Hop and House classes taught by Madison Palffy and Laura Coe on Thursdays for 9 weeks, with 13 participating so far. We plan to continue and build this program for the Spring session as well as introduce a mini-intensive during their school February vacation. 

“We have a really great group of middle schoolers! They’re both enthusiastic and friendly with each other, I think they’re excited about the material Madison is bringing in and telling friends and siblings about it.” ~ Laura Coe, Teaching Assistant
READ MORE

Upcoming Workshops for Teens & Adults

A dance teacher addressing students on a dance studio
FRIDAY HIP HOP & STREET STYLE SERIES
📅 Fridays
🕕 6:15pm

Come dance with Dashawn Davis on November 17 and Shakia Barron in December and January from 6:15-7:45pm! For ages 12 to adult
ABSOLUTE BEGINNER FLAMENCO SERIES
📅 Mondays in November
🕤 9:30am

Joanne Bockemuehl-Jackson leads a beginner series this November. This series is targeted to everyone that is curious about tapping into their own passionate courage to allow themselves to stand up and be seen! For ages 18+
DUNHAM TECHNIQUE SERIES
📅 Thursdays during Community Modern starting November 9
🕕 6pm

Explore Dunham Technique, an Afro-Modern dance technique, with Saroya Corbett in this special series. For beginner and intermediate dancers ages 14+
SIGN UP HERE

In Case You Missed It…New Bean Bags!

Posted on by Teak

We’ve been busy making some updates in our space – including these fun new bean bags in our new lounge (formerly our music room). Next time you’re in our studios, peek in the back to check it out!

October brings so many new classes to our space. We’re excited to launch new classes in our Youth Performing Arts Program and continue to introduce workshops for teens and adults in our Community Class Program.

BROWSE CLASSES

Classes Starting in October

Three boys dancing onstage

There are a few classes starting this October in our Youth Performing Arts Program.

DANCE FOUNDATIONS 2
for ages 10-13
📅Mondays starting October 23
🕠5:25-6:25pm

DANCE FOR BOYS
for ages 10-13
📅Wednesdays starting October 25
🕓4-5:30pm

Coming soon: DANCES OF AFRICA
for ages 8-10
📅Tuesdays starting November 7
🕟4:45-5:45pm

VIEW CLASSES & REGISTER

Upcoming Hip Hop & Street Style Workshops

with Sereena Hunter, Andres Ramirez, Dashawn Davis, and Shakia Barron

Dancers posing in a dance studio

For teens and adults at beginner and intermediate levels, our Hip Hop & Street Style workshops feature guest teaching artists with experience in all different styles. Whether this is your first time in a Hip Hop & Street Style class or you’re excited to return, these workshops offer a chance for you to groove and have fun!

SATURDAY COMMERCIAL HIP HOP WORKSHOP
📅Saturday, October 7
🕛12:15pm

Sereena Hunter returns to teach a Commercial Hip Hop Workshop! This hip-hop class is a fast-paced and energetic dance style using the latest street/urban dance moves set to commercial hip-hop music. For ages 13 to adult
FRIDAY HIP HOP & STREET STYLE SERIES
📅 Fridays starting October 13
🕕 6:15pm

Join us for a special series of Beginners Funk Box Breaking for Adults and Teens with Andres Ramirez, on October 13, 20, 27 and November 3 from 6:15-7:15pm. For ages 16 to adult

Then, come dance with Dashawn Davis on November 17 and Shakia Barron in December and January from 6:15-7:45pm! For ages 12 to adult
SEE THE SCHEDULE

Wacky Wednesday Workshops

a rotating workshop series with classes for all levels

Dancers doing salsa in a studio

Each Wednesday, we have rotating workshops with guest teaching artists. All workshops are open to absolute beginners, meaning you don’t need any related experience to participate. Just bring your curiosity and an open mind!

We started with 4 weeks of Improv Theater with Liz Butler and Ben Jardine (last class October 4, it’s not too late to try)! Next, join us for 3 weeks of Salsa with Luana Dias David.

WACKY WEDNESDAY SERIES

for ages 12 to adult

📅 Wednesdays

🕡 6:45-8pm

SIGN UP HERE

Celebrating our love of dance

Posted on by Teak

Yesterday was National Dance Day, but we celebrate dance every day at Berkshire Pulse!

With our Youth Performing Arts Program and Community Classes in full swing, our studios are alive with movement and life.

BROWSE CLASSES
Berkshire Pulse is Hiring
We are expanding our staff and hiring for a few positions, both part-time and full-time, including a full-time Operations Manager, part-time Development Manager, and Front Desk Staff. View our open positions here.

Wacky Wednesday Workshops

a rotating workshop series with classes for all levels

Our newest workshop series is off to a great start!

Each Wednesday, we’ll have rotating workshops with guest teaching artists. All workshops are open to absolute beginners, meaning you don’t need any related experience to participate. Just bring your curiosity and an open mind!

WACKY WEDNESDAY SERIES

for ages 12 to adult

📅 Wednesdays

🕡 6:45-8pm

First up – 4 weeks of Improv Theater with Liz Butler and Ben Jardine! Next, join us for 3 weeks of Salsa with Luana Dias David.

SIGN UP HERE

Youth Classes Open for Registration

It’s not too late to sign up for our Youth Performing Arts Program. There is still time to get your young dancer signed up for class!

We are so excited to welcome every new mover to our studio (and welcome back so many familiar faces).

VIEW CLASSES & REGISTER

Upcoming Hip Hop Workshops

with Andres Ramirez, Dashawn Davis, and Shakia Barron

for beginner and intermediate levels, ages 16+

📅 Fridays starting October 13

🕕 6:15pm

Join us for a special series of Beginners Funk Box Breaking for Adults and Teens with Andres Ramirez, on October 13, 20, 27 and November 3 from 6:15-7:15pm.

Then, come dance with Dashawn Davis on November 17 and Shakia Barron on December 1, 8, 15, and January 12 & 19 from 6:15-7:45pm!

SEE THE SCHEDULE

Spirits of Chesterwood

Posted on by Teak

Thursday, July 27 at 4pm and 6pm

Rain date: Friday, July 28

Spirits of Chesterwood is an intergenerational dance project created by seven local choreographers in the Berkshire Pulse community. This roving, site-specific performance will be presented as a part of Chesterwood’s Arts Alive! series on Thursday, July 27, once at 4pm and again at 6pm, to allow an intimate group of audience members to follow the performers along the route. 

BUY TICKETS

Dunham Technique Workshop Series

With Saroya Corbett

A group of dancers pose for a photo in a studio.

Open level, for ages 13-adult

📅 Saturdays, August 5 – 26

🕦 11:30am – 1pm

In this series, Saroya Corbett, Arthur Levitt Jr. ’52 Artist-in-Residence Fellow at Williams College, will share her expertise in Dunham Technique, an Afro-Modern dance technique. 

SIGN UP

Sharing Summer Intensive Joy

A circle of student dancers surrounding a dance teacher in a dance studio

Our Dance Discovery Intensive brought together dancers ages 8 to 12 for two weeks of exploration! In particular, they loved their African Dance class with Nkoula Badila and Angel Lau (pictured here).

Upcoming Summer Intensives

It’s not too late to register for our upcoming summer intensives!

Hip Hop/Street Style Intensive
(July 31-August 4)
ages 12 to adult

Musical Theater
(August 7-12)
Day Camp: ages 10 to 14
Evening Series: ages 14 to adult

Deep Dive! Contemporary Intensive
(August 14-18)
for advanced teens and adults ages 17+

REGISTER TODAY

Upcoming Spring Workshops & Events

Posted on by Gillian Ebersole

Tickets are on sale now for our Spring Celebration, taking place on May 27 & 28 at the Daniel Arts Center at Simon’s Rock.

Did you know 100% of the proceeds from these performances will benefit our Tuition Assistance program?

This year, we’re inviting our community to help sell program ads in support of our Tuition Assistance Program. Whoever sells the most ads wins a Pulse sweatshirt! Learn more here.

BUY TICKETS

Structural Yoga Workshop

with Jovanina Pagano

📅 Saturday, May 6
🕑 2-4pm

In this workshop, we will focus on specific areas of our skeleton and its associated musculature and how they function to support every yoga pose – or asana – in our practice. Focusing on our internal systems can profoundly enrich any movement practice and can help us find curiosity and freshness even in poses that we have done over and over.

If you find anatomy fascinating, then this workshop is perfect for you! And if anatomy is a foreign land, then this workshop will present a new landscape for you to explore.

We will come together with the knowledge that all bodies are deeply wise. Questions, curiosities, and confusions are all welcome, as are all identities, bodies, and levels of experience.

REGISTER HERE

Contemporary Partnering Workshop

📅 Saturday, April 29 
🕦 11:30am to 1pm

Pulse alum Moscelyne ParkeHarrison and collaborator Chase Buntrock will lead participants through fundamental principles of contemporary partnering. The workshop will culminate in learning a section from ‘newave’, a duet that Moscelyne and Chase are restaging for BODYSONNET’s Season 4. The workshop approaches partnering through a post-gender lens and encourages listening and mutual support.

This workshop is open to dancers ages 13 to adult.

LEARN MORE

Summer Intensive Highlight

🎭Musical Theater (Ages 10+)

A teacher leads a musical theater class.

📅 Monday to Saturday, August 7 – 12  

with Tom Masters, Molly Welch, and Wendy Welch

All levels, full-day program for ages 10-14, evening series for ages 14+

🕘 9am – 3pm (day program)

This week-long intensive gives students the opportunity to jump right into the world of musical theater with classes in tap, broadway jazz, voice, acting, and improvisation. Students will learn healthy warm-up practices for the voice and body, and work on character development, expression, ensemble, and more. The program directors will work with students to produce an informal performance for the program’s final day.

🕔 5pm – 7pm (evening series)

This-week long evening series for students ages 14+ will give the students an opportunity to take a daily musical theater workshop rotating between singing, acting, and improv and work on developing something for an informal performance at the end of the week.

PUSH THE BUTTON

You’re Invited: Our Annual Spring Celebration

Posted on by Gillian Ebersole

Tickets are on sale now for our Spring Celebration, taking place on May 27 & 28 at the Daniel Arts Center at Simon’s Rock.

BUY TICKETS

Did you know 100% of the proceeds from these performances will benefit our Tuition Assistance program?

This year, we’re inviting our community to help sell program ads in support of our Tuition Assistance Program. Whoever sells the most ads wins a Pulse sweatshirt!

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

Contemporary Partnering Workshop

📅 Saturday, April 29 
🕦 11:30am to 1pm

Pulse alum Moscelyne ParkeHarrison and collaborator Chase Buntrock will lead participants through fundamental principles of contemporary partnering. The workshop will culminate in learning a section from ‘newave’, a duet that Moscelyne and Chase are restaging for BODYSONNET’s Season 4. The workshop approaches partnering through a post-gender lens and encourages listening and mutual support.

This workshop is open to dancers ages 13 to adult.

LEARN MORE

Summer Intensive Highlight

👟Hip Hop and Street Style (Ages 12+)

📅 Monday to Friday, July 31 – August 4
🕘 9am – 3pm

All levels, two groups: ages 12-14 and 15+

In this week-long program, dancers will learn foundational movements and techniques of hip-hop and street style dance, alongside discussions about the cultural meaning and significance of these dance forms. The program will create an encouraging space to try out what you learn and most importantly show off your unique style and personality while freestyling in daily cyphers.

GROOVE THIS SUMMER

Start the new year dancing!

Posted on by Gillian Ebersole

It’s not too late to register for Spring session classes! We’re so excited about everything on the schedule – from ballet and boxing, to belly dance, breaking, and more!

In-person registration is open in the evenings this week, and web registration continues online anytime!

CHOOSE YOUR CLASSES

We Met the Match!

Together, we met our matching gift challenge! You helped us raise over $10,000 for the Tuition Assistance Program in less than 3 weeks!

Thank you to Alander Construction and everyone in our incredible community who donated to match their generous gift.

You can still give to our Tuition Assistance Program for 2023 – help us continue to make our programming accessible to all people!

DONATE TODAY

January Classes & Workshops

We have classes and workshops for adults and kids alike running the whole month of January. Scroll to learn more, or click the button to view and register!

PUSH THE BUTTON

Contemporary 4 with Joe Poulson

📅 Tuesdays, January 3 to 24
🕓 4-5:30pm

Open to intermediate/advanced adults; requires commitment to all four classes.

Hip Hop Series with Dashawn Davis

📅 Fridays, January 6 to 27
🕓 4-5pm: ages 10-15; requires commitment to all four classes.

🕠 5:30-6:45pm: ages 14+, drop-in

Dunham Workshop with Saroya Corbett

📅 Saturday, January 7
🕤 9:30 to 11:30am

Open to all levels; ages 12+

Learn about Katherine Dunham Technique, a modern dance style that combines Caribbean folk movement with ballet and experience a Dunham Technique movement class!

African Dance Series with Nkoula Badila

📅 Mondays, January 9 to 30
🕓 4-5:30pm

Open to teens and adults of all levels; requires commitment to all three classes.

Take a peek inside our studios!

Posted on by Gillian Ebersole

Taekwondo with the Martial Arts Institute of the Berkshires began their fall classes in our studios this week. The space feels alive with movement and breath from our Youth Performing Arts Program and Community Classes.

Don’t miss the upcoming opportunities in this post – we hope to move with you soon!

Groove with Dashawn Davis

Open Level Hip Hop Workshop

Mark your calendars for Friday, October 28!

Pulse is hosting the first of our monthly workshops in Hip Hop and Street Style dance. Join Dashawn Davis from 4 to 6pm. Open to all levels; ages 14+.

REGISTER TODAY

Dance with Luana

Latin Dance Shines

at Simon’s Rock

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:15pm beginning October 25
Ages 16+

Take an in-depth course on Salsa and Samba at Simon’s Rock. In this class, you’ll learn to identify rhythms, develop movement from Salsa and Samba steps, and progress into a choreography true to the original rhythm.

SIGN UP TODAY

Can’t get enough? Luana’s Zumba class at Pulse starts Tuesday, October 25, at 1pm! Register for Zumba here.

Practice Authentic Movement

with Paula Josa-Jones

October 30 at 1pm
Ages 18+

Authentic Movement is a meditative, intuitive, improvisational movement. In this workshop, you will practice listening and attunement; slowing and opening to a deeper sensing of body and psyche. Give yourself the gift of this somatic and meditative experience!

REGISTER TODAY

Our Studios Are Buzzing with Summer Intensives!

Posted on by Jordyn Cormier

Summer Intensive season is finally in full swing! Here’s just a taste of what our jam-packed July schedule looks like: 

  • We are just wrapping up a fun, engaging, and challenging week of our Dance Discovery session.   
  • Our Hip Hop Intensive begins next week, which we couldn’t be more excited about. (Want to join? Scroll down for more info.) 
  • Our Contemporary Intensive starts on July 18th. Due to popular demand, we’ve decided to open up our Contemporary Intensive—as well as our August Ballet Intensive—to adults who are willing to commit to the entire program. If you’re interested, please feel welcome! 

Want to participate in any of our intensives? Click below to learn more and register!  

JOIN OUR INTENSIVES

SPECIAL OFFER!

Adult dancers (18+) can now join individual morning or afternoon classes from the summer Ballet, Contemporary, and Hip Hop/Street Styles Intensives!

This is a great option for adult dancers who can’t commit to a full day program, but crave a semi-intensive dance experience. Participants are required to commit to the daily class for the entire duration of the week or 2-week intensive. 

CHECK OUT THE CLASSES!

THIS SUNDAY! Authentic Movement Workshop

Sunday July 10th, 1-4:30pm

with Paula Josa-Jones

Authentic Movement is a meditative, intuitive, improvisational movement practice involving a mover and a witness. It is a practice of listening, attunement; slowing and opening to a deeper sensing of body and psyche. It was developed by dancer and psychotherapist Mary Starks Whitehouse, who, following her work with Carl Jung, became curious about moving without intention, or the practice of “waiting to be moved.” 

This simple meditation will provide the container for this workshop for both experienced movers and those who are new to this practice.

LET’S MOVE

STARTS NEXT WEEK! Hip Hop & Street Style Intensive

July 11-15th, 8am-3pm, ages 12-adult

Taught by Andres Ramirez, King Charles, Kelli Forman, and Jackson Whalan

In this week-long program, students will learn foundational movements and techniques of hip-hop and street style, alongside the cultural meaning and significance of these moves.

The program will create an encouraging space to try out what you learn (and, most importantly, show off your unique style and personality) while freestyling in daily cyphers. Styles will include beginner’s breaking, party grooves, and footwork. 

NOTE: The Celebration Jam and All-Styles Battle has been moved to Friday July 15th at 1pm.

REGISTER NOW

Don’t Miss These Upcoming Classes + Guest Artists!

MEET GUEST TEACHER – Daphne Zniemer

Daphne is teaching two classes this summer, starting July 13th:

Learn more about Daphne and each class by clicking below!

LEARN MORE + SIGN UP

NEW ON WEDNESDAYS – Intro to East Coast Swing

6-7pm, ages 16+

with Alex Bloomstein

This class is designed for people who have never taken a partnering ballroom class before. The class will introduce the participants to ballroom partnering and basic East Coast Swing steps. Students should sign up with a partner (or contact us if a partner is needed).

JOIN IN

*Photo credit for featured image: Susan Quinn

Berkshire Pulse