CDSS: Country Dance & Song Society
Country Dance & Song Society

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2024 CDSS Governing Board members standing outdoors

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

People holding hands in an outdoor dance
Photo by Doug Plummer

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

Donate to our fall appeal today

  • Help us reach our goal of 400 donors!

    Created using the Donation Thermometer plugin https://wordpress.org/plugins/donation-thermometer/.400Raised 17 towards the 400 target.17Raised 17 towards the 400 target.4%

  • Total raised so far towards our goal of $140,000!

    Created using the Donation Thermometer plugin https://wordpress.org/plugins/donation-thermometer/.$140,000Raised $6,720 towards the $140,000 target.$6,720Raised $6,720 towards the $140,000 target.5%
 

What’s New

  • From the Mic with David Smukler From the Mic Episode 18: David Smukler

    In this episode of From the Mic, we hear from the most wonderful David Smukler. A dance caller, scholar, organizer, choreographer, teacher, champion of chestnuts…the list goes on. David joined Mary over zoom from his home in Syracuse, New York. He grew up singing folk songs with his mom and began dancing contras in New Hampshire as a teen. In 1981 he was drafted to call for his local dance and has been calling ever since. David calls contras and squares, English country dances, and family and community dances.

  • Illustration of a young person in a sailor suit November 2023 Song of the Month

    Sally Rogers presents a recording by Gordon Bok of “The Handsome Cabin Boy,” a classic with a gender twist. 

  • Sharon Green, 2024 LCA recipient 2024 Lifetime Contribution Award Recipient: Sharon Green

    We are delighted to announce that Sharon Green of Oakland, CA, is the 2024 recipient of the CDSS Lifetime Contribution Award. Sharon is an English country dancer, caller, teacher, choreographer, and tireless promoter of the talents of others.

  • A fiddler and accordionist play for a dance in a sunlit hall Annual Report Now Available

    The 2022 CDSS Annual Report is now available! Take a look back at our programs and financials. 

  • From the Mic with Susan Petrick From the Mic Episode 17: Susan Petrick

    In this episode of From the Mic, we head to northern California for a conversation with the wonderful Susan Petrick. An avid dancer for many years, Susan started calling for contra dances in 2000 and teaching couple dances, including waltz, cross-step waltz, and hambo, shortly thereafter. She is known for her clear teaching, efficient guidance, and expert pacing, making even complex dances accessible to all.

  • An adult seal nuzzles a baby seal on the beach October 2023 Song of the Month

    Our song for October is “Seal Lullaby,” with lyrics from a poem by Rudyard Kipling and music by Cindy Mangsen.

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CDSS: Country Dance & Song Society Individuals nourished and communities strengthened by dancing, singing, and making music together.