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 on select Sunday afternoons. 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.

This series is supported by MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Cohort program in partnership with Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and Mill Town Foundation.

Schedule of Instructors:

Sunday, September 14: Sandra Zarate teaches Zumba®

At the Sunday, September 14 session, enjoy a free Zumba® class with Sandra Zarate open to all ages and fitness levels. Beginners are welcome!

Sunday, September 21: SíncoPaz, Raíces y Ritmos (Roots & Rhythm)

At the final Sunday, September 21 session, enjoy a free interactive event, where you can build your own instruments to use in collaborative music-making and dancing.

What happens when rhythm becomes a language of belonging?

SíncoPaz, Raíces y Ritmos (Roots & Rhythm), is a new community-based music project that invites people of all ages and backgrounds to create sound together.

Part workshop and jam – and definitely a celebration – SíncoPaz is less about performance and more about what emerges when we listen and respond to find resonance with one another.

SíncoPaz explores the power of síncopa (syncopation) and paz (peace) as metaphors for collective life: How might we hold tension and release?

How do we find the pulse between difference and unity? How can rhythm become a bridge across language, cultures, and experiences?

Participants will have the chance to build their own instruments — cajóns, rattles, drums — and use them in collaborative music-making and dancing that emphasizes connection over perfection. SíncoPaz’s intention is to create a space where finding the beat together and coming into sync is an act of community.

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.

July 20 & 27 – Intro to Forró & Social Dancing with Luana Dias David

This Intro to Forró class will introduce you to the vibrant Brazilian partner dance, Forró. Expect to learn foundational steps, rhythms, and partner connection techniques, all while enjoying a fun and social atmosphere. No prior experience or a partner is needed.

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.

Manu Uriona

Manu Uriona is an Argentinian musician, drummer, percussionist, and producer, focused on the study of the roots of Afro-Latin folk music. Manu is trained in the USA, Cuba, Uruguay, and Argentina. He has recorded on multiple award-winning albums by the most prominent artists.

Michelle Decepida

When she’s not working her engineering job, Michelle reenergizes by listening to Latin music, dancing to Latin music, and teaching to Latin music! She learned ballroom dance in middle school with Spencer Nyemchek at the Dancesport School of Ballroom Dancing in Bergen County, NJ, but her passion for Salsa and Bachata evolved when she went to college in Troy, NY. Michelle and her 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.!

Michelle 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!