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

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Country Dance & Song Society

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

Whirling contra dancers at ContraQuebec in spring 2024
Photo by Armelle Lorcy, ContraQuebec Spring Buds.

Singing, dancing, and making music together is important work.

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  • Number of donors toward our goal of 100:

    Created using the Donation Thermometer plugin https://wordpress.org/plugins/donation-thermometer/.100Raised 39 towards the 100 target.39Raised 39 towards the 100 target.39%

  • Total raised so far toward our goal of $40,000:

    Created using the Donation Thermometer plugin https://wordpress.org/plugins/donation-thermometer/.$40,000Raised $27,380 towards the $40,000 target.$27,380Raised $27,380 towards the $40,000 target.68%

Photo by Armelle Lorcy, ContraQuebec Spring Buds.

What’s New

  • 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.

  • Younger dancers with arms around each other Generational Transition Survey

    Are you 18-44 years old? Do you participate in folk music or dance? Take our survey!

    Take the Survey Share a Flyer

  • Dancers under a rainbow at CDSS's Family Week at Agassiz Village. Photo by Hamish Swanson. 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 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.

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