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
Giving to dance, music, and song creates healing through togetherness.
Donate to our fall appeal today
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Help us reach our goal of 400 donors!
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Total raised so far towards our goal of $140,000!
What’s New
- From the Mic Episode 10: Chrissy Fowler
In episode 10 of From the Mic, Mary interviews Chrissy Fowler. Chrissy co-founded a dance series in Belfast, Maine, which has evolved into a thriving participatory arts nonprofit—Belfast Flying Shoes. In her Flying Shoes bio, Chrissy describes herself as an organizer, leader, dancer and cheerleader. She likes to cultivate community by organizing fun stuff, including BFS programs and Puttin’ On the Dance, a conference for Northeast dance organizers.
- January 2023 Song of the Month
Judy Cook introduces “Bed Is Too Small,” an anonymous American lullaby that she learned in Girl Scout camp.
- Winter 2022 CDSS News
The Winter 2022 CDSS News is now available! Step into Jane Austen’s world with Graham Christian; learn about positional calling from Louise Siddons; listen to gender conversations with Scott Higgs; and get a year-end update from the CDSS Board, Community Resources Manager, and member survey. Plus much more!
- Thanks for checking out our new website!
If you’re having trouble finding something or if something isn’t working, please fill out this form. We will get in touch to help as soon as we can.
- December 2022 Song of the Month
Matthew Byrne introduces “Jack Ashton,” the tale of a storyteller who brought a little escapism to poor children in a postwar factory town.
- From the Mic Episode 9: Sue Rosen
In episode 9 of From the Mic, Mary interviews Sue Rosen. A leading caller of contras, squares, English country dance and family dance programs, Sue has been actively calling for 30 years in the Boston area, across the country, and overseas. She has built a collection of great dances and has written contras that have become part of the standard repertoire of dance callers across the contradance world.
In our history, CDSS has…
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published 114 hours of podcasts
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fostered 109 years of tradition
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bestowed 31 Lifetime Contribution Awards
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sold well over 50,000 morris bells
In the past year, CDSS has…
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awarded 34 grants for local communities and special projects
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hosted over 1,093 campers
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added over 60 repertoire resources for callers
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published over 600 calendar events
Upcoming Community Events