Spring 2012 Community Class Descriptions
The Spring 2012 Calendar is HERE!
Spring 2012 session runs January 23 through June 2 (unless otherwise noted)
The Berkshire Pulse Community Membership Pass is an eight class pass which can be used for participation in all classes offered through the Berkshire Pulse Program (Instructor Rental Classes not included). The eight class pass membership fee is $110 and expires after 90 days of ‘no activity/no communication’, or one-year from purchase with regular attendance. In most cases, a one-time, trial class can be taken for $15, and can be applied towards the purchase of The Pass.
Where stated, Community Classes are open to students under Age 18, who are enrolled in the Berkshire Pulse Performing Arts Program (PAP).
Private classes
Private lessons are tailor made for the seriously committed dance student. This supplement to weekly group classes facilitates accelerated progress. Please contact us to schedule an instructor consultation.
Ballet
BALLET FOUNDATIONS
Tuesday 5:30-6:45 PM
Inter-generational Ages 18+ and PAP Students Ages 12+ w/Ilana Siegel
$15 per class – $12.50 with Community Pass purchase
Enjoy this great opportunity to stretch and strengthen the body!
This Foundations level class will offer beginners and students with prior experience the opportunity to learn and deepen their knowledge of classical Ballet. Class will include barre and centre floor exercises, with combinations moving across the floor. Emphasis is placed on correct body alignment, and development of whole body movement and musicality.
Modern & Jazz
DANCER WITHIN
Thursdays 10:00 – 11:15 AM
Inter-generational Ages 18+ w/Andrea Borak
$15 per class – $12.50 with Community Pass purchase
This gentle dance class for adults is based on breath and flow. Find the joy of movement through simple phrases, kindness to the body, and a re-awakening of the dancer within.
DANCE Foundations for Men – Beginner+
Mondays 6:45 – 8:00 PM
Inter-generational Ages 18+ and PAP Students Ages 14+ w/Tom Masters
$15 per class – $12.50 with Community Pass purchase.
No prancing, promise! Just lots of jumps, turns and powerful movements that will help you connect with your inner dancer! All levels are welcome but this class will mostly cater to the beginner student interested in experiencing modern dance movement vocabulary that increases flexibility, strengthens alignment and improves muscle control.
MODERN FOUNDATIONS
Tuesday 10:00-11:15 AM
Inter-generational Ages 18+ and PAP Students Ages 12+ w/Andrea Blacklow
$15 per class – $12.50 with Community Pass purchase
This class introduces adults to the technique and vocabulary of modern dance. We will focus on alignment, strength, balance and rhythm, while exploring movement qualities and the creative expression of modern dance. Class structure includes warm-up, strengthening exercises, center work and traveling across the floor. No prior experience is required to participate in this class.
MODERN DANCE EXPLORATIONS
A Class for All Levels!
Thursday 5:30-6:45 PM (No Class February 23 & April 19)
Ages 13-17 w/ Annabelle Coote
Full Session commitment required – $221
This class provides an opportunity to explore various aspects of modern dance with an emphasis on improvisation and dance making. Students will be encouraged to discover and expand movement qualities and vocabulary, while developing both skills and creativity that will support growth as a dancer. Technical skills in dance will be nurtured as building blocks for dance expression. Less experienced dancers will be have the opportunity to experiment with the creative process while dancers with more preparation can delve deeper into creative expression and the craft of dance-making. Above all, the class aims to foster connection to and passion for dance.
MODERN Advanced Intermediate
Monday 5:30-7:00 (No Class February 20)
Inter-generational Ages 18+ and PAP Students Ages 12+ w/Andrea Blacklow
Adult dancers are welcome to enroll in this Performing Arts Program class with a full semester commitment – $221
In this class students will broaden their dance vocabulary with new and increasingly difficult technique work. This work will continue their development of strength, flexibility, alignment and musicality. In addition, students will be challenged to push the limits of their stamina, strength and focus, and inspired to deepen their understanding of the art of performance and demands of physical practice at this level. In this, they will work toward the versatility and integration necessary to move into advanced modern work. Topics frequently emphasized will be breath, presence and creative expression.
World Music and Dance
WORLD MUSIC Drum and Song -Advanced
Tuesday 5:30-6:15 PM (No Class February 21 & April 17)
Inter-generational Ages 18+ and PAP Students Ages 9+ w/ Aimee Gelinas
Full Session commitment required – $221
This class is for the more experienced hand-drummer and percussionist and requires articulation of tone/slap/bass and sound stick technique. Students will have the opportunity to arrange music and take part in drumming and singing multi-part rhythms. Students will learn advanced breaks, solo phrasing, intricate percussion parts, advanced compositions, and singing while playing. Progression at this level will include drumming for the Afro-Caribbean community dance class (directly after drum class) and for various performances throughout the year. Placement in this class is at the sole discretion of the instructor. A trial class may be required.
BELLYDANCE
Tuesday 8:00-9:00 PM
Inter-generational Ages 18+ and PAP Students Ages 12+ w/Ilana Siegal
$12 per class – 10 class card for $110
We will work on body positions, isolations, shimmies, and undulations, as well as traveling steps, turns of traditional bellydance, working with props and on choreography. Beginners/Advanced Beginners are welcome with a commitment. Enjoy the opportunity to build and practice from week to week and to revel and rejoice in your most feminine qualities.
FLAMENCO Dance Workshop
Saturdays – February 4, 11, March 10, 24, April 7, 14, May 12, 26 & June 2
1:30-3:00 PM
Inter-generational Age 18+ and PAP Students 13+ w/Kati Garcia-Renart
$162 with Full Session Commitment
$25 per class
This is the ideal workshop to start dancing Flamenco. The hour and a half class will introduce students to the main elements of flamenco dance: vocabulary, footwork, upper body coordination, compás, palmas (hand clapping) and the proper postural attitude uniquely associated with this dance form.
This workshop is also open to students with previous flamenco dance experience. Students will dive deeper into all elements of flamenco working on their basic skills and coordinating footwork, upper body, compas and marcajes.
What to Wear: Flamenco shoes, or any comfortable shoes with sturdy, wide heels and comfortable clothing.
Tap – Inter-generational
Beginner TAP Inter-generational – $221
Monday 5:15-6:15 PM (No Class February 20 & April 16)
Ages 5+ w/ Tom Masters
Full Session commitment required
Tap dance is a timeless dance style that inspires us to combine music and percussion. This class will focus on building a strong foundation of fundamental tap steps, including shuffles, flaps and time steps. Various tap styles will be introduced such as rhythm tap and Broadway tap. This class is for all levels of tap dancers, so shuffle on in. The second half hour of class will be combined with the advanced beginner/intermediate class to practice and reinforce steps taught.
TAP Inter-generational – $221 – Advanced Beginner/Intermediate
Monday 5:45-6:45 PM (No Class February 20 & April 16)
Ages 10+ w/ Tom Masters
Full Session commitment required
Tap is all about rhythm, footwork, and taking dance beyond the visual to the auditory, using your feet as a percussive “instrument” to create sounds as you dance. Key elements in tap class are timing, rhythm, and musicality. A variety of tap styles including Broadway tap and Rhythm tap will be taught. This class is for Advanced Beginner/Intermediate tap students with some experience.
For the following classes payments are made directly to the instructor:
Yoga/Fitness/Movement
YOGA STRETCH & Core Strengthening – For All Levels
Monday and Wednesday 9:00 – 10:00 am
Inter-generational Ages 18+ w/Ilana Siegal
$12 per class – 10 class card for $110
Influenced by the John Friend’s “Universal Principles of Alignment”, Ilana works to help her students to move towards their own “optimal blueprint” – the most effective and efficient way to use their body. This is a time to stretch, strengthen and focus the body and the mind. This class will emphasize core strengthening. For more information, please call Ilana at (646) 734-9501
KRIPALU YOGA for Beginners
Wednesday 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (No Class February 22 & 29, March 7 & 14)
Inter-generational Ages 18+ w/ Michael Pulitzer
$20 per class or Series of 6 Classes $100
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
This Kripalu Yoga class explores body, breath, and mind. Kripalu Yoga is the yoga of compassion where the practitioner works from a sense of feeling to find their individual expression. Then with the breath moves into full awareness of each posture. The student is guided through the postures to a point where a sense of joy and confidence is realized allowing awareness for movement into meditation in motion, an individualized expression of Yoga.
The pace is gentle to moderate, without judgment and concern for body’s attributes. This class is for “everyone and every body.” The intent is to explore your own yoga with personalized adaptation and attention within a small group. The class is designed to break down myths that yoga is only for strong and flexible bodies with balance.
Equipment (mats, blocks, blankets, and straps) is provided to assist your stretches. Wear comfortable clothing. Taught by Michael Pulitzer, a certified Kripalu yoga teacher, the instruction is multi-dimensional, building strength and healthy alignment, creating flexibility and calming the mind. Call Michael at 413.717.1560 or e-mail michael2@me.com to further discuss your interest in this class. Beginners are requested to call before attending first class.
If time is not convenient please be in touch regarding classes forming in the PM
KRIPALU YOGA
Wednesday 7:00 – 8:30 AM (No Class February 22 & 29, March 7 & 14)
Inter-generational Ages 18+ w/ Michael Pulitzer
$15 per class or Series of 6 Classes $75
This Kripalu Yoga class explores body, breath, and mind. Kripalu Yoga is the yoga of compassion where the practitioner works from a sense of feeling to find their individual expression. Then with the breath moves into full awareness of each posture. The student is guided through the postures to a point where a sense of joy and confidence is realized allowing awareness for movement into meditation in motion, an individualized expression of Yoga.
The pace is gentle to moderate, without judgment and concern for body’s attributes. This class is for “everyone and every body.” The intent is to explore your own yoga with personalized adaptation and attention within a small group. The class is designed to break down myths that yoga is only for strong and flexible bodies with balance.
Equipment (mats, blocks, blankets, and straps) is provided to assist your stretches. Wear comfortable clothing. Taught by Michael Pulitzer, a certified Kripalu yoga teacher, the instruction is multi-dimensional, building strength and healthy alignment, creating flexibility and calming the mind. Call Michael at 413.717.1560 or e-mail michael2@me.com to further discuss your interest in this class. Beginners are requested to call before attending first class.
If time is not convenient please be in touch regarding classes forming in the PM
KRIPALU YOGA for Guys
Friday 7:00 – 8:30 AM (No Class February 24, March 2, 9 & 16)
Inter-generational Ages 18+ w/ Michael Pulitzer
$15 per class or Series of 6 Classes $75
This Kripalu Yoga Class explores body, breath, and mind. Kripalu Yoga is the yoga of compassion where the practitioner works from a sense of feeling to find their individual expression. Then with the breath moves into full awareness of each posture. The student is guided through the postures to a point where a sense of joy and confidence is realized allowing awareness for movement into meditation in motion, an individualized expression of Yoga.
The pace is gentle to moderate, without judgment and concern for body’s attributes. This class is for “everyone and every body.” The intent is to explore your own yoga with personalized adaptation and attention within a small group. The class is designed to break down myths that yoga is only for strong and flexible bodies with balance.
Equipment (mats, blocks, blankets, and straps) is provided to assist your stretches. Wear comfortable clothing. Taught by Michael Pulitzer, a certified Kripalu yoga teacher, Call Michael at 413.717.1560 or e-mail michael2@me.com to further discuss your interest in this class. Beginners are requested to call before attending first class. For more information Please see the studio website at Berkshirepulse.com/classes/community-classes/, including information on Kripalu Yoga.
If time is not convenient please be in touch regarding classes forming in the PM
TAI CHI and QI GONG
Wednesdays 6:45 – 8:15 PM
Inter-generational Ages 18+ w/Sifu David Crowe & Sifu Kathy Crowe
$15 per class or $98 for 8 classes
First class is FREE.
Manage stress and enhance your health and vitality with the ancient Chinese art of tai chi.
A unique form of “moving meditation,” tai chi calms the mind, relaxes the body and strengthens the spirit. Much of tai chi is practiced slowly and gently, ideal for people of all ages and health conditions. Classes will include qi gong, along with stretching and conditioning exercises. Sifu Kathy Crowe and Sifu David Crowe of Berkshire Tai Chi, are certified lineage teachers of authentic Ch’ang style tai chi.
ZUMBA
Tuesday 7:00-8:00 PM
Thursday 8:45-9:45 AM and 7:00-8:00 PM
Saturday 8:15-9:15 AM (No Class February 25)
Inter-generational Ages 18+ w/Ilana Siegal
$12 per class – 10 class card for $110
A workout disguised as a party! Follow along for an up-beat and energetic fitness experience. Absolutely no experience necessary – plenty of fun for all. Awesome, international style rhythms and movements, to learn and enjoy. Have a blast doing something great for your body and your soul. For more information, please call Ilana at (646) 734-9501
World Music & Dance
AFRO-CARIBBEAN DANCE
Tuesday 6:30-7:45 PM
Inter-generational Ages 18+ w/Kim Waterman and Joanne DelCarpine
$13 per class
PAP Students Ages 12+ are welcome to enroll in this class with a full semester commitment – $221
Explore traditional African dance in the many African-rooted dances of Haiti, Cuba and Brazil in this high-energy class. Students move through a warm up filled with yoga, isolations and rhythmic movement into a dance combination that travels across the floor. No prior experience is required for participation in this class. WITH LIVE DRUMMING AND SONG! For adults ages 18+ and Students ages 12+ (Registration by Parent Required)
LATIN DANCE
Friday 6:45-7:45 PM
Inter-generational Ages 18+ w/Yezid & Phillip Valdes
$12 per class – $40 for 4 classes
NYC and Miami-style Salsa and Mambo make this the hottest sizzling class in the Berkshires. Follow and lead instruction for basic and intermediate levels. Couples and singles welcome! No prior experience necessary. Open to teens and adults.
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE
Wednesday 7:15-9:15 PM
Inter-generational Ages 18+ w/Susan Eisley and Jean Campbell
The 1st class is free, after which we ask a donation of $7 per class.
Scottish Country Dancing is an ancestor of American contra dancing and a cousin to English country dancing. It is “set” dancing in that the dances are done in groups of dancers who interact with each other as they perform figures similar to those found in contra dancing and square dancing. Dances are done to jigs, reels, and a slower tempo called “strathspey.” Everyone is welcome, although we ask that children under 12 not attend, as the group is geared towards adults. No partner is required, and no experience is needed. Participants should wear comfortable clothes to exercise in and soft-soled shoes such as unblocked ballet slippers or tennis shoes.
Cost: The 1st class is free, after which we ask a donation of $5 per class. There are times when we do not have enough people available to hold class, so it is wise to call the information number below before attending to make sure the class is meeting. FOR MORE INFORMATION Call Jean at Call 518-672-4243 or Susan at 413-448-8621
Private Wedding Choreography w/Tom Masters
Dancing at your reception is a lovely way to bring an air of elegance and family togetherness to a wonderfully happy and joyous occasion. It is also a lovely way for the newly married couple to display their love for each other, and surprise and entertain their guests with a beautiful choreographed dance routine. At Berkshire Pulse, we will customize your wedding dance to match your personalities, your favorite moves, and most importantly the ever-so-special connection between the two of you. Please call for free consultation w/Instructor Tom Masters.
