
We connect and support people in building and sustaining vibrant communities through participatory dance, music, and song traditions that have roots in English and North American culture. Learn more
What’s New
Fall 2023 CDSS News
The Fall 2023 CDSS News is now available! Hear how Hoggetowne Fancy keeps ECD music fresh in Florida; play a tune in remembrance of Rosemary Lach; dance online with Symmetry ECD; learn how the CDSS Educators Task Group is bringing dance, music, and song to the next generation; and much more.
John Dexter Leaves a Legacy of Joy
John Dexter—morris dancer, musician, teacher, fearless leader and guiding light of New York City’s Bouwerie Boys—passed quietly from this world in May 2023, leaving behind a 50 year legacy of incalculable breadth. Thank you, John! Thank you for the legacy of your years of dancing, playing, and teaching, and for your generous legacy gift, which will help CDSS to flourish this year and well into the future. Read more about John and his gift to CDSS.
Lifetime Contribution Award Celebration
Registration is open for the 2023 CDSS Lifetime Contribution Award Celebration honoring the New England Dancing Masters on Sunday, October 15, in Greenfield, MA. Learn more and register!
From the Mic Episode 16: Catherine Burns
In this episode of From the Mic, Mary speaks with Catherine Burns, who has been at the heart of the Ottawa contra dance scene for decades. In the early 1980s, Catherine worked alongside her husband, Gord Peeling, who helped form the Old Sod Folk Music Society with musician Ian Robb. In the late 90s, she encountered contra dancing and became Ottawa’s house caller—and the rest is history.
Generational Transition Survey Coming Soon
Are you 18-44 years old and part of the folk community? We’d love to hear from you to better understand your and your community’s needs. Visit this link after September 25 to share your thoughts!
September 2023 Song of the Month
Judy Cook introduces “Cock Robin.” The identity of the murderer of Cock Robin may not be a mystery (spoiler: it was the sparrow), but the origins of the British-American folk song certainly are.
In our history, CDSS has…
published 87 hours of podcasts
fostered 108 years of tradition
sold well over 50,000 morris bells
bestowed 30 Lifetime Contribution Awards
In the past year, CDSS has…
awarded 11 grants for local communities and special projects
hosted over 1,093 campers
published over 550 calendar events
added over 60 repertoire resources for callers
Upcoming Community Events