The Beat Goes On At Berkshire Pulse 10th Anniversary Gala

Lisa Green reports from Great Barrington.Berkshire Pulse’s tenth anniversary gala celebration on Saturday, June 6 was a triumph in so many ways. The energy, artistry and emotion that beat through the heart of Berkshire Pulse dancers and drummers on the stage at Bard College at Simon’s Rock were evidence that nothing — not a forced move or a flood in its new quarters — can stop this center for the creative arts. Needing no tutus or glittered tap shoes, students of all ages (youngest: 9, oldest: 89) showed the serious work that goes on in the modern, ballet and world dance classes at the company’s new 6,000-square-foot studio space in Housatonic, which officially opened last September. The performance was preceded by a cocktail reception and followed by a buffet, music and, of course, dancing. Above, Founder/Artistic Director Bettina Montano, Associate Director Ruby Aver and Ellen Gorman, a dancer, choreographer, faculty member and marketing staffer.

Ruslan Horblyuk, John Louw and Eric Bjorseth;Andy Reynolds, Pulse's grant writer, and Amy Humes, a dance parent and member of the gala committee.

Mark Lefenfeld with Richard Malik and actress Tyler Malik, whose daughter studies at Pulse.

Jeff Diamond with Jennifer Connell and Stephan Green of Clark + Green, architects who worked on the new space pro bono; Michele DiSimone, whose children have been going to Pulse since it opened, and Rosalind Mae Reis.

Ellen Gorman, Tom Gorman, a faculty member, and Carrie Petrik-Huff, a student and class assistant; graphic designer and Pulse's website administrator Dianne Steele and June Doyle, a dance mom.

Dianne Pearlman, president of Pulse's board of directors, with major donors Weston and Ann Hicks.

Kristin Murphy and Susan Ingersoll of the administrative staff; Brittany Brouker of CATA and Sophia Romeu of the Berkshire International Film Festival.