Rhythmscape – a free, outdoor Summer Dance Series that activates public spaces downtown
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. has announced a new summer dance series titled “Rhythmscape” on Dunham Mall, select Sunday afternoons from 6 to 8 pm, June 1 – August 31. Dunham Mall can be located by entering 100 North Street on your GPS.
Each session will highlight a different rhythm and instructor from our local community, reflecting the many identities that make Pittsfield home. Rhythmscape is free and open to all and encourages everyone to experience the joy of movement and the beauty of cultural exchange. No experience is necessary to participate.
Rhythmscape seeks to activate public spaces in Downtown Pittsfield through joyful, inclusive dance and music events that celebrate community, movement, and cultural diversity.
The vision of Rhythmscape is to create a vibrant, welcoming Pittsfield where the streets come alive with music and movement — a city where residents of all ages, races, cultures, and abilities feel seen, celebrated, and connected through dance in public spaces.
Schedule of Instructors:
Sunday, June 1: BSKE Dance Community presents Prashad Abeysinghe with DJ Daniela Sthisel – Beginner and intermediate level Bachata and Salsa lesson with social dancing.
Sunday, June 8: Tara Borgilt and Bruno Trindade teach Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art and game that includes elements of dance, acrobatics, music, and spirituality.
Sunday, June 15: Sandra Zarate teaches Zumba®
Sunday, June 22: Salsa Styling & Social Dance with Luana Dias David
Sunday, June 29: Berkshire Sole Society – Founded by Erica Shrader – Powered by Women of the Westside+ – Soul line dancing
Sunday, July 13: Sandra Zarate teaches Zumba®
Sunday, July 20: Luana Dias David teaches TBD
Sunday, July 27: Luana Dias David teaches TBD
Sunday, August 10: Andres Ramirez from the Funk Box Dance Studio teaches hip-hop
Sunday, August 17: Andres Ramirez from the Funk Box Dance Studio teaches hip-hop
Sunday, August 24: Mica Farias and Manu Uriona – Fusion of Latin rhythms and live percussion
Sunday, August 31: BSKE Dance Community presents Prashad Abeysinghe with DJ Jeffrey Jay – Beginner and intermediate level Bachata and Salsa lesson with social dancing.
This series is supported by MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Cohort program in partnership with Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and Mill Town Foundation.
Prashad Abeysinghe
Prashad Abeysinghe is a Latin Dance instructor and event organizer by night; Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center Aquatics Director by day. Prashad and his fellow “BSKE Dance Community” instructors have been teaching weekly dance lessons and host dance socials in the Berkshires. BSKE stands for Bachata, Salsa, Kizomba, Etc.!
Prashad will be teaching a beginner and intermediate level Bachata and Salsa lesson, and there will be social dancing after each lesson for you to practice your moves with a live DJ playing your favorite tunes!
Tara Borgilt and Bruno Trindade
Tara and Bruno are instructors with Capoeira Gunga do Vale, a community of dedicated kids and adults playing capoeira in Northampton, MA. They offer multiple classes a week for all ages.
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art and game that includes elements of dance, acrobatics, music, and spirituality.
Tara and Bruno’s approach is accessible, creative, and holistic and involves movement, music, and play in every class. Through interactive games and exercises, students explore trust and expression, and gain body-awareness, flexibility, and strength. Tara and Bruno love to share this nourishing art form that feeds body, mind and soul!
Sandra Zarate
Sandra Zarate is a Colombian Zumba® instructor with over 10 years of experience sharing her passion for dance and fitness with people of all ages and skill levels. Since 2013, she has been teaching Zumba® and holds multiple certifications, including Aqua Zumba, Zumba Sentao, Zumba Toning, Zumba Step, Zumba Gold, and Zumba Jr. & Kids.
Sandra loves what she does and finds great joy in helping her students reach their goals while having fun along the way. She believes that in today’s fast-paced and hyper-connected world, it’s essential to create moments to disconnect and focus on ourselves. Her classes are designed to be that space — a place to move, laugh, sweat, and feel alive.
Her mission is to cultivate a fun, energetic, and welcoming environment where everyone feels inspired to dance, express themselves, and enjoy the journey to better health.
Luana Dias David
Luana Dias David is a performing artist and choreographer based in the Berkshires. With over two decades of experience, Luana embodies a profound passion for dance and a steadfast commitment to cultural preservation and community engagement. Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, Luana excels in various dance forms including Samba, Capoeira, Break dancing, Latin dance, Jazz, and Classic Ballet. Her rich cultural heritage is evident in her teaching and choreography, ensuring that every performance is an authentic blend of tradition and innovation.
June 22 – Salsa Styling & Social Dance with Luana Dias David
Elevate your Salsa from the ground up in this fun and dynamic class! We’ll start with strong foundations and build on them through body movement, arm styling, footwork, and musicality. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced dancer, you’ll be challenged in the best way — learning to move with rhythm, confidence, and using your own unique flair.
Come solo or with a partner—everyone is welcome!
Also, experience Bachata, merengue, cumbia, samba, and forro in a guided open social dance.
Erica Shrader
Berkshire Sole Society is a Berkshire-based soul line dancing crew bringing together rhythm, movement, and community one step at a time. Founded by Erica Shrader and powered by Women of the Westside+, their meetups are packed with smooth steps, feel-good music, and unapologetic joy. Whether you’re a seasoned stepper or just learning your first slide, there’s always room for you on the dance floor. Come for the steps, stay for the vibe.
Andres Ramirez
Andres Ramirez is a professional Breakdancer, instructor, and owner of The Funk Box Dance Studio in Pittsfield. He travels and competes frequently as well as hosts his own Hip Hop festival in his hometown. Andres trains and coaches young athletes and dancers who compete at both national and world-level events. His biggest passion, besides being a dad to 2 boys, is passing down knowledge to his students and promoting the positive influence that Hip Hop culture can bring to communities. Andres also performs and choreographs many pieces for his studio which have been displayed in theaters and stages across the region including Jacob’s Pillow.