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
- Lifetime Contribution Award Celebration for Sharon Green
You are cordially invited to a special celebration honoring Sharon Green, our 2024 Lifetime Contribution Award recipient!
- February 2024 Song of the Month
Derek Piotr presents “I Wonder When I Shall Be Married.” The best-known version is by the Ritchie family of Viper, Kentucky, but writer Roxana Robinson sings it to a different tune, learned from her family in Pine Mountain, KY.
- Job Opportunities at CDSS
We are in search of a new Director of Development and several camp staff for summer 2024. Please check the Jobs page for details on the positions and how to apply.
- From the Mic Episode 20: Susan Kevra
Mary’s guest this month on From the Mic is Susan Kevra, a dance caller, musician, and singer who makes her home in Nashville, Tennessee. Dancers on both sides of the Atlantic appreciate her diverse repertoire of singing squares, Western patter calls, contras, and English country dances. Susan is noted for her warmth, clear teaching, and lovely voice.
- January 2024 Song of the Month
Andrew Calhoun plays and sings “The Hills of Tandragee,” a traditional ballad from Northern Ireland. The song was collected by James Carmichael of Ballymena, Ulster and printed in Sam Henry’s Songs of the People.
- Pack & Wrap Session with Karen Axelrod and Sarah-Hadley Yakir
We’re delighted to welcome Karen Axelrod (piano) and Sarah-Hadley Yakir (violin) to CDSS for the second episode of the Pack & Wrap Sessions! They talk about how they met and what they take to every gig and play two English country dance tunes. Help support CDSS programs (including these videos!) by donating to our year-end appeal.
In our history, CDSS has…
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fostered 108 years of tradition
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sold well over 50,000 morris bells
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published 87 hours of podcasts
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bestowed 30 Lifetime Contribution Awards
In the past year, CDSS has…
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hosted over 1,093 campers
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awarded 11 grants for local communities and special projects
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added over 60 repertoire resources for callers
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published over 550 calendar events
Upcoming Community Events