Chloe is Rhythms' Mascot- she takes her job as a greeter very seriously. She loves hiking, swimming digging holes and chewing on bones (and sometimes shoes). She is part of the Rhythms staff.

Aimee Gelinas, a locally based Berkshire drummer, percussionist, vocalist and educator is also the co-founder of the all-women world music ensemble, Gaia Roots (www.gaiaroots.com).  She has taught and studied Afro-Cuban and West African percussion and singing for over 12 years, having studied in Havana and Mantanzas, Cuba;  Senegal and Gambia, West Africa, as well as with local master drummer, Joe Platz.  She was a vocalist and percussionist with Abdul Baki Roots Reggae, has played with Holyoke’s Enchanted Circle Theatre’s Roots, Rhythm and Rapture, an Afro-Caribbean percussion and dance troupe, and currently sings lead, writes, and is co-founder of the Berkshire-based rock group SIFER (www.sifer.net).  She also teaches drumming to children and adults in the Berkshires  at Canyon Ranch, Berkshire Pulse, Valley Head School and Residencies, and plays lead percussion with Tracy Vernon’s Afro-Caribbean dance class at Rhythms.

Carol received a B.F.A. in dance and movement studies from Montclair State University in 1975. She continued her dance education at the American Dance Festival at Duke University and in New York City. Her early years were spent in professional modern dance, while also studying the work of Alexander, Feldenkrais, and Laban. Her combined love of dance and healing arts led her to a degree in Physical Therapy from New York University in 1984. During Carol’s 24-year career as a physical therapist and lifelong dancer, she pursued postgraduate studies in neurodevelopment movement concepts, sen-sory/motor/balance integration, sports rehabilitation, dance and yoga. Carol is a certified Shake Your Soul® instructor and teaches at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health and is a certified Weight Trainer through I.W.A. She has taught physical education, creative movement and yoga to the children at Sinai Academy of the Berkshires, Knesset Israel’s preschool program and throughout Berkshire County. Carol practices as a Pediatric Physical Therapist and offers dance and yoga classes to children with special needs at Central Berkshire Regional school district. She is a movement instructor for community Access for the arts (C.A.T.A.).  Carol’s unique fusion of inspirational and creative dance techniques and therapeutic exercises contribute to her integrative approach to movement and wellness.

Dawn Meltzer

Dawn has had a passion for movement since she began studying dance at the age of 4.  She started teaching ballet and jazz while in college.  After dancing for 30 plus years, she developed a sincere interest in the disciplines of yoga and qigong, which eventually led to her teaching certifications in each.  She nurtures her students and encourages them to take an active role in their health and well-being. Dawn is the owner of New Dawn Healing Arts in the historic district of Lenox, Massachusetts.  She is a spiritual healer, licensed acupuncturist and medical qigong therapist, holding masters degrees in acupuncture and medical qigong.

Jane Ciepiela

Jennilee has recently relocated to the Berkshires from San Diego, California. She teaches power yoga, slow flow yoga, iron flow yoga and an ancient folk form of bellydancing. She is also a personal trainer and a muscular therapist. Jennilee has recently received her masters in Mythological Studies from Pacifica Graduate Institute and is getting her second masters in Transpersonal Psychology: Body/Mind Wellness.

Jennilee loves to teach! "After practicing Bikram and Baptiste yoga for years, I decided to become an instructor. Teaching, practicing and learning from my students is an amazing and fulfilling way to live my life! I’m in love with I do! Yes!"

Karen holds a M. Ed. in Exercise Science, is a Registered Yoga Teacher (Yoga Alliance), Certified Personal Trainer (American Council on Exercise, National Academy of Sports Medicine), and Certified Group Exercise Instructor (American Council on Exercise).   Her passion and interests include teaching and experiencing yoga, dance and athletic play which inspire people to deeply feel and believe in their potential and their being.  Karen’s enthusiasm spans healing improvisational dance like African or NIA-based styles to choreographed Latin or Funk. 

Kat Gurley

Yael Shacham and Lara Gonzalez, Marafanyi's founders and artistic directors, have been studying, teaching and performing West African drum, dance and song for over a decade.  They travel frequently to Guinea to study and collaborate with master artists there.  Marafanyi Percussion has a holistic approach to drum, dance and song that is fun, encouraging and accessible, with the focus on joyful exploration.  Known for their creative diversity, they hold a commitment to the therapeutic, educational and transformative power of drum, dance and song for all ages, populations, and the community at large.

Oliva Wilber is young and talented, and possesses great enthusiasm and a breadth of dance experience, including Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Swing and African Dance.  She has been a devoted student of dance for seven years, studying with the Albany Berkshire Ballet and Berkshire Pulse.  Olivia has taught at Muddy Brook Elementary School and Community Action for the Arts (CATA) for four years.

Paul Marshall & Jackie Wong