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 CDSS is a vote for joy and positivity.
Donate to our spring appeal today
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Help us reach our goal of 100 donors!
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Total raised so far towards our goal of $40,000!
What’s New
- From the Mic Episode 23: Cis Hinkle
The latest guest on From the Mic is Cis Hinkle. Cis has delighted contra and square dancers since 1985 with her skilled teaching, welcoming manner, playful enthusiasm and masterful selection of dances. She talks with Mary about the first time she stumbled into a contra dance in her native Atlanta; shares how she overcame stage fright and began calling all over the world; and brings us right up to her most recent pursuit, learning to call modern western squares.
- From the Mic Episode 22: David Millstone
Mary’s guest on this episode of From the Mic is David Millstone. David started contra dancing with Dudley Laufman in the early 1970s and has been calling dances for forty-five years: contras old and new, squares from different regional traditions, English country dances, and plenty of family-friendly events.
- Affiliate renewals are now open!
Your current Affiliate Membership, insurance, and 501c3 status will expire on May 1st, so remember to renew as soon as possible. Renew now, or see instructions for renewing as an Affiliate.
- April 2024 Song of the Month
Sara Grey presents “Cobweb of Dreams” by Joy Masefield and Leon Rosselson. This love song is not dedicated to a person—it’s to the town of Towersey, Oxfordshire, England.
- New Week-Long Intensive This Summer
Learn something extra this summer at camp! Max Newman will lead an Air Guitar Intensive during Family Week at Agassiz Village. Learn more.
- Spring 2024 CDSS News
The Spring 2024 issue of CDSS News has sprung! Give a hand to the bands that sparked the contra revival; try a new dance with Princess Katie; take a folk dance tour through the Czech Republic; and much more.
In our history, CDSS has…
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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
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published 114 hours of podcasts
In the past year, CDSS has…
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published over 600 calendar events
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awarded 34 grants for local communities and special projects
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added over 60 repertoire resources for callers
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hosted over 1,093 campers
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