
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
What’s New
Contra Pulse with Becky Tracy
On this episode of Contra Pulse, Julie sits down with fiddler Becky Tracy. Becky has been a defining presence in some of the most popular and innovative contra dance bands from New England—Wild Asparagus and Nightingale.
January 2022 Song of the Month
Tim Edwards introduces “Tom o’Bedlam’s Song,” an early 17th-century tune that has been described as the finest anonymous poem in the English language. Tom is a licensed beggar discharged from the Hospital of St. Mary of Bethlehem in London (“Bedlam”).
Winter 2021 CDSS News
The Winter 2021 CDSS News is now available! Learn about Ignatius Sancho, a country dance composer who started life on a slave ship; dance the Pandemic Waltz; get some tips for weathering the winter together; and remember that “Songs Stay Sung.” Plus much more!
2022 Lifetime Contribution Award Recipient: Ed Stern
The Country Dance & Song Society is proud to announce that Ed Stern of Minneapolis, MN, is the 2022 recipient of the CDSS Lifetime Contribution Award.
In our history, CDSS has…
sold well over 50,000 morris bells
fostered 108 years of tradition
published 87 hours of podcasts
bestowed 30 Lifetime Contribution Awards
In the past year, CDSS has…
published over 550 calendar events
added over 60 repertoire resources for callers
hosted over 1,093 campers
awarded 11 grants for local communities and special projects
Upcoming Community Events