
We connect and support people in building and sustaining vibrant communities through participatory dance, music, and song. We steward the living traditions of English country dance, contra and square dance, morris and sword dance, and the music that is an integral part of these traditions. Learn more
What’s New
January 2024 Song of the MonthAndrew Calhoun plays and sings “The Hills of Tandragee,” a traditional ballad from Northern Ireland. The song was collected by James Carmichael of Ballymena, Ulster and printed in Sam Henry’s Songs of the People.
Pack & Wrap Session with Karen Axelrod and Sarah-Hadley YakirWe’re delighted to welcome Karen Axelrod (piano) and Sarah-Hadley Yakir (violin) to CDSS for the second episode of the Pack & Wrap Sessions! They talk about how they met and what they take to every gig and play two English country dance tunes. Help support CDSS programs (including these videos!) by donating to our year-end appeal.
Winter 2023 CDSS NewsCozy up with the Winter 2023 issue of CDSS News! Read about our new Strategic Plan and other updates from the Board; learn more about Sharon Green, our 2024 Lifetime Contribution Award recipient; take inspiration from the Dancing Bears of Alaska; and much more.
Job Opportunities at CDSSWe are in search of a new Director of Development, Accounts Payable Coordinator, and several camp staff for summer 2024. Please check the Jobs page for details on the positions and how to apply.
December 2023 Song of the MonthMarc Bernier introduces “Christmas in the Trenches” by John McCutcheon. The song tells the tale of the 1914 Christmas Truce between the British and German lines in the First World War from the perspective of a fictional British soldier.
Photos and Video from the 2023 LCA CelebrationIn October 2023 in Greenfield, MA, we presented the Lifetime Contribution Award to the New England Dancing Masters: Mary Alice Amidon, Peter Amidon, Mary Cay Brass, and Andy Davis. See some photos and video from the ceremony.
In our history, CDSS has…
sold well over 50,000 morris bells
bestowed 30 Lifetime Contribution Awards
fostered 108 years of tradition
published 87 hours of podcasts
In the past year, CDSS has…
added over 60 repertoire resources for callers
hosted over 1,093 campers
published over 550 calendar events
awarded 11 grants for local communities and special projects
Upcoming Community Events


Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.
Michael Wood
Wendy Clarke
Sandy Knudson
Luanne Stiles
Margaret Bary
About
About
Joel Bluestein
Avia Moore
Gaye Fifer
Jeremy Carter-Gordon
Marni Rachmiel
David Smukler
Glenn Manuel
Michael Bean
Juliette Webb
Justin Morrison
Dena Ross Jennings (Group Facilitator)
Hannah Assefa
Cayley Buckner
Rima Dael
Ezra Fischer
Nadia Gaya
Aravind Natarajan
Stephanie Voncannon
Bailey Walton
Earl White
Susan English
Jenna Barron
Norman Farrell
Alice Kenney
Robbin Marcus
Craig Meltzner
Diane Silver
Chris Weiler
















