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
- 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.
- Generational Transition Survey
Are you 18-44 years old? Do you participate in folk music or dance? Take our survey!
- Fall 2023 CDSS News
The Fall 2023 CDSS News is now available! Hear how Hoggetowne Fancy keeps ECD music fresh in Florida; play a tune in remembrance of Rosemary Lach; dance online with Symmetry ECD; learn how the CDSS Educators Task Group is bringing dance, music, and song to the next generation; and much more.
- John Dexter Leaves a Legacy of Joy
John Dexter—morris dancer, musician, teacher, fearless leader and guiding light of New York City’s Bouwerie Boys—passed quietly from this world in May 2023, leaving behind a 50-year legacy of incalculable breadth. Thank you, John! Thank you for the legacy of your years of dancing, playing, and teaching, and for your generous legacy gift, which will help CDSS to flourish this year and well into the future. Read more about John and his gift to CDSS.
- From the Mic Episode 16: Catherine Burns
In this episode of From the Mic, Mary speaks with Catherine Burns, who has been at the heart of the Ottawa contra dance scene for decades. In the early 1980s, Catherine worked alongside her husband, Gord Peeling, who helped form the Old Sod Folk Music Society with musician Ian Robb. In the late 90s, she encountered contra dancing and became Ottawa’s house caller—and the rest is history.
- September 2023 Song of the Month
Judy Cook introduces “Cock Robin.” The identity of the murderer of Cock Robin may not be a mystery (spoiler: it was the sparrow), but the origins of the British-American folk song certainly are.
In our history, CDSS has…
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sold well over 50,000 morris bells
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bestowed 31 Lifetime Contribution Awards
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fostered 109 years of tradition
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published 114 hours of podcasts
In the past year, CDSS has…
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awarded 34 grants for local communities and special projects
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published over 600 calendar events
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hosted over 1,093 campers
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added over 60 repertoire resources for callers
Upcoming Community Events