Contra dancers at the 2023 Lifetime Contribution Award ceremony

Country Dance & Song Society

Individuals nourished and communities strengthened by dancing, singing, and making music together

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

Photo by Doug Plummer

Giving to dance, music, and song creates healing through togetherness.

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Help us reach our goal of 400 donors!
Total raised so far towards our goal of $140,000!

What’s New

July 2024 Song of the Month
Harry Tuft introduces “Matty Groves,” an old ballad of an unfaithful wife who shares a sad fate with her lover when they are caught by her returning husband. The song may trace its roots as far back as the fifteenth century.
New in the store!
A Musician’s Guide to Contra Choreography

Andrew VanNorstrand, guitarist and fiddler from the beloved contra dance band Great Bear, brings his insight from more than 18 years of playing to this new booklet. Useful for both new and veteran musicians, A Musician’s Guide to Contra Choreography dives into exactly how to play for contra dances, including connecting with dancers, working with callers, and taking your playing from ordinary to extraordinary (as anyone who has danced to Andrew’s playing can attest!).

Find it in the CDSS Store as a physical booklet or a downloadable PDF.
June 2024 Song of the Month
Mara Levine introduces “Tree of Life” by Eric Peltoniemi. The song comes from the 1983 musical theater production Plain Hearts: Songs and Stories of Midwestern Prairie Women by Lance Belville, and most of the lyrics are the names of quilt block patterns.
From the Mic Episode 24: Rick Mohr
This episode of From the Mic features Rick Mohr. Rick’s calling and choreography have delighted dancers for decades, from local barn dances to dance weeks and weekends across North America. He says “My goal is always to make a fantastic experience for the dancers, so they really feel the joy of dance and music and community. That means planning programs that really shine, practicing clear calls and walkthroughs in advance, and creating a fun welcoming vibe.”
Welcome New Director of Development!
We are thrilled to announce the new CDSS Director of Development, Charmaine Slaven!

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May 2024 Song of the Month
Dave Para introduces “Seth Davy” by Glyn Hughes, also known as “Come Day, Go Day” or “Whiskey on a Sunday.” Seth Davy was a Jamaican sailor who entertained children on the streets of Liverpool around the turn of the 20th century.