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.
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What’s New
- From the Mic Episode 7: Chris Page
In episode 7 of From the Mic, Mary talks with caller and choreographer Chris Page, who has called contras and English country dance in San Diego for about 15 years.
- September 2022 Song of the Month
Ed Miller introduces “London Town,” written by the world-renowned fiddler Kevin Burke. The song is a tribute to the many Irish laborers who helped rebuild London after World War II.
- August 2022 Song of the Month
Bob Bovee introduces “Yuba Dam,” an old-time song with a humorous tale of verbal misunderstandings.
- July 2022 Song of the Month
Kim Wallach introduces “Bibble A La Do.” Also known as “Buttermilk Hill” and “Shule Aroon,” “Shule a Ghra,” “Siúil a Rún,” and by many other names, the song laments a lad gone for a soldier—sometimes one for whom the singer has sold everything to supply with the tools of war, only for them to die anyway.
- Summer 2022 CDSS News
The Summer 2022 CDSS News is now available! Take a deep dive into the Irish Howle with Graham Christian; remember Lifetime Contribution Award recipient George Fogg; dance via Zoom at a Ball-That-Would-Have-Been; find out how the recorder can shine as a musical star; hear an oral history of old-time and modern Western dance from Bill Alkire; and much more.
- June 2022 Song of the Month
Joel Mabus introduces “The Golden Willow Tree,” in which a duplicitous sea captain strikes a bargain with a cabin boy to take down a pirate ship.
In our history, CDSS has…
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fostered 109 years of tradition
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published 114 hours of podcasts
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sold well over 50,000 morris bells
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bestowed 31 Lifetime Contribution Awards
In the past year, CDSS has…
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hosted over 1,093 campers
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added over 60 repertoire resources for callers
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published over 600 calendar events
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awarded 34 grants for local communities and special projects
Upcoming Community Events