Berkshire Pulse is thrilled to share the culminating event of its Spring 2022 Moving Life Stories (MLS) program. Led by Tom Truss, creator, teacher and Berkshire Pulse Outreach Program Director,  MLS invites immigrants and their allies from around Berkshire County to come together and tell their stories through movement. In partnership with Berkshire Immigrant Center, this program has been ongoing since September in the auditorium at St. Stephen’s Church in Pittsfield.  

In this free public event, guests will be led through a sample class. Later, guests will have the opportunity to bear witness to the movement stories created during the series, accompanied by an original sound design featuring poetry and interview clips from MLS participants. Following the event, all guests and participants are welcome to share in a simple feast of authentic Mexican fare prepared by Yuri’s Kitchen. Music and dancing will follow the meal. “We are grateful to be celebrating this unique event in such a special place. The home, studio and gardens of Daniel Chester French have become a place for so many of our artistic inspirations.” Bettina Montano, Berkshire Pulse Founder and Artistic Director.

Sponsors and Partners: Berkshire Immigrant Center, Latinas413, LitNet, Chesterwood

Funders: National Endowment for the Arts, Lee Bank, Town of Pittsfield, Stockbridge Local Cultural Council

Chesterwood’s support for this event was made possible by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Arts Build Community fund.

The Berkshire Pulse mission is to build and strengthen community life through diverse and accessible programming in performing, movement and creative arts. By promoting participation in these educational and health-sustaining activities, we enrich the lives of families and individuals of all ages throughout the region. 

Moving Life Stories (MLS) is a creative movement class specifically for the immigrant population in the Berkshires. Each class is centered around a theme such as Trust, Connection, Transitions, Sanctuary. Participants are led through a playful warm-up followed by a group conversation about the theme of the class in which all are invited to share their thoughts, and to listen and to be heard in a supportive environment. Based on this conversation, a dance is co-created and shared at the end of the class. This program is open to all interested participants, regardless of cultural background, age, or ability.