Berkshire Residents Dance Against Sexual Violence

Karen Allison taught the 'Break the Chain Dance.'

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Dozens of area residents fought against sexual violence Thursday by dancing.

WAM Theater, Human/Animal Violence Education Network and the Elizabeth Freeman Center teamed up to throw a dance party — joining millions of others across the globe in the One Billion Rising movement.

The dance party was one of many events in Berkshire County coordinated with the global movement to protest sexual abuse.

One Billion Rising was started by Eve Ensler as a call to action to show strength in numbers. It coincides with V-Day, which juxtaposes Valentine's Day with raising money and awareness for sexual violence victims.

"Through dancing, it is our way to be part of that global revolution," WAM Theater's Artistic Director Kristen van Ginhoven said.

The idea is that one billion women will be beaten or raped in their lifetime and the events rally men and women to made a stand against it.

"This is our movement," Janis Broderick, executive director of the Elizabeth Freeman Center, said. "If we want real change it is going to be us who makes it happen."

Organizers performed readings of Ensler's work and taught the attendees the "Break the Chain Dance" gathering room above Spice Dragon on North Street. The dance was to cap off the night for those participating in events across the county.

Janis Broderick rallied the attendees to take action to fight against sexual violence.

Additionally, Thursday was also the kick off to the city's 10X10 Arts Festival so the dance was incorporated as part of the festival. Ginhoven said the dance is a "one-time thing" because the days happened to match up.

Any proceeds — beyond paying for the event itself — will be split between the Elizabeth Freeman Center and WAM. Sue Birn, president of the center's board of trustees, said "fun" events like dances help spread awareness to more people.

"It brings a lot of people out," Birns said, calling it a "celebration of women's lives."

Birns said red arm bands were passed out during the day to help further spread awareness of sexual violence. The arm bands also acted as "a way for people to feel connected to the movement."

Also calling for the end to violence against women, Mayor Daniel Bianchi declared Thursday as One Billion Rising Day in Pittsfield. Bianchi addressed the crowd saying he is "hopeful that the 21st century" will change things.

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.