Persip Park, 175 North Street, will feature interactive performances presented by the Wandering Dance Society as part of the August 2 First Fridays at Five and the free Downtown Pittsfield Summer Music Series. Dancers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate throughout the evening.

East Coast Swing Lesson with Rushelle Bowie: 5 to 6:15 pm

Step & Dance with Youth Alive: 6:30 to 8 pm

Rushelle Bowie will be teaching a basic lesson in East Coast Swing from 5 to 6:15 pm. East Coast Swing is a fun, upbeat dance guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. The lesson will be followed by a short demo and open dancing.

Rushelle has been sharing her passion for dancing for over 15 years, offering group and private lessons in East Coast Swing, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Foxtrot, and Waltz. She also provides personalized dance instruction for weddings, parties, and other special events. Her dance studio is located in Dalton, MA, where it is always ‘Time to Dance’.

There will be a performance of Step & Dance with Youth Alive from 6:30 to 8 pm. Youth Alive, Inc. (YA) is a multi-cultural, community-based organization founded in 1995 by two teenagers, Akilah Edgerton and Erica Young, in Pittsfield, MA. The purpose of YA is to teach life skills to youth aged six to eighteen using performance arts as the teaching vehicle. YA performs at major cultural institutions such as Jacob’s Pillow, MASS MoCA, and Williams College, and YA has performed and been recognized at the Massachusetts State House for their impact. YA has impacted hundreds of young people’s lives in the Berkshires, who are now contributing adult citizens – some in key leadership positions locally and beyond. The New Era of YA steppers, dancers, and drummers are being coached by YA phenomenal alumnus: Step Coach Chyenne VanBramer, Dance Coach Serina Saunders, and Musical Director, Percussionist and Spoke

In the case of inclement weather, the Wandering Dance Society performances will be at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue.