Berkshire Pulse Announces Summer Programs

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. —  Berkshire Pulse unveiled its Summer 2026 schedule of dance, music, and creative arts classes for area youth, teens, and adults.

Berkshire Pulse provides opportunities for dancers of all ages and experience levels to learn, grow, and be inspired. 

For the complete program schedule, please visit the Pulse website: 

https://berkshirepulse.org/summer-intensive-programs/

Dance Discovery (Ages 8-13)
July 6-10 | half-day option for ages 8-9 (mornings only)
Monday to Friday, 9am-3pm; 9am-12pm half day

An exciting journey into the engaging and rewarding world of dance, this week-long program provides an introduction to dance forms including ballet, modern, African, and more. Dancers will also have a chance to practice dance-making of their own!

Dance Adventure (Ages 4-7)
July 13-17 | half day
Monday to Friday, 9am-12pm

This program for our youngest dancers invites them on an expedition into the exciting, engaging, and rewarding world of dance. Classes will include creative dance, storytelling, drumming, and more!

Hip Hop and Street Style (Ages 10-adult)
July 20-24 | All levels
Monday to Friday, 9am-3pm

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. 

Musical Theater (Ages 10+)


July 27-August 1 (six days) | All levels
Monday to Saturday, 9am-3pm

This week-long program gives students the opportunity to jump right into the world of musical theater with classes in broadway jazz, voice, acting, and improvisation. 

Young Dancers and Choreographers Intensive (Ages 11+)
August 3-7 and August 10-14
Monday to Friday 9am-4pm
This intensive is for dancers with at least two years of dance experience.

This two week-long program will focus on interdisciplinary dance technique, including classes in ballet, modern, Simonson Jazz, African, Salsa and Flamenco. The second will focus on contemporary forms, dance-making, dance filmmaking, improvisation, and partnering.

Pre-Registration opens in February, pre-register by calling 413-274-6624, or going to our website at berkshirepulse.org

Pulse Accessibility Initiatives

Pulse is committed to making our programs affordable and accessible to all. New, prospective, and returning students and their families should be aware of the following Access offerings to support their ongoing participation: 

  • TUITION ASSISTANCE: Partial or full tuition waivers are available to any student with demonstrated financial need, 100% automatic waivers for EBT/WIC recipients. Visit the TA page on our website to learn more and apply. 

  • DANCEWEAR: Pulse maintains an inventory of clean, dress-code appropriate dancewear for youth students to borrow, whenever needed.

  • DANCE SHOES: Pulse maintains an inventory of gently-used tap, character, jazz, and flamenco shoes in youth and adult sizes for borrowing, whenever needed. 

  • SPANISH-TRANSALATION SUPPORT: Enrollment and tuition assistance applications are available both in English and Spanish. 

  • ADA-ACCESSIBLE FACILITY: There are several ADA parking spaces available at the front and side of the building, plus an elevator to the studios on the 3rd floor for anyone with mobility issues. 

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Reps. Leigh Davis, Bud Williams Filing Legislation Honoring Freeman

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — State Reps. Leigh Davis of the 3rd Berkshire District and Bud L. Williams, of the 11th Hampden District, are filing legislation establishing Aug. 22 as Elizabeth Freeman Day of Equality, Healing, and Remembrance in the commonwealth.
 
The legislation would direct the governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the courageous contributions of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved Black woman known as Mum Bett, whose landmark freedom suit helped spark the legal end of slavery in Massachusetts.
 
"Elizabeth Freeman's story began here in the Berkshires, but its impact reached every corner of the commonwealth," said Davis. "More than two centuries later, her legacy continues to inspire us. Establishing Elizabeth Freeman Day will ensure that future generations learn not only about her extraordinary bravery, but also about the power of one person to change the course of history."
 
In 1781, Freeman, of Sheffield at the time, challenged the institution of slavery by filing suit against her enslaver, Col. John Ashley. In the landmark case Brom and Bett v. Ashley, a Berkshire County jury ruled in favor of Freeman and her fellow plaintiff, Brom, granting them their freedom. The case demonstrated the power of the Massachusetts Constitution's declaration that all people are born free and equal and helped pave the way for the Quock Walker decisions that ultimately ended slavery in the commonwealth. 
 
"Freeman's courage changed the course of history in Massachusetts," said Williams. "At a time when the odds were stacked against her, she stood up and demanded that the promises of liberty and equality contained in our Constitution apply to her as well. She risked everything to challenge an unjust system, and her victory helped lay the foundation for the end of slavery in our commonwealth. Her legacy deserves to be recognized and remembered by every resident of Massachusetts."
 
Although unable to read or write, Freeman understood the meaning of freedom and equality and took extraordinary action to secure those rights for herself and others. Her story remains one of the most powerful examples of individual courage in the face of injustice. 
 
Elizabeth Freeman Day will provide an opportunity for reflection, education, healing, and remembrance, said Williams. 
 
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