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.
Donate to our spring appeal today
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Help us reach our goal of 100 donors!
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Total raised so far towards our goal of $40,000!
What’s New
- Summer Camp Job Opportunities
We are in search of several camp staff for summer 2024. Please check the Jobs page for details on the positions and how to apply.
- March 2024 Song of the Month
Mary Garvey introduces “The Badger Drive,” written in 1912 by John V. Devine. Although the name suggests that it is about hunting badgers, the song instead sings the praises of log drivers—lumber workers who risked their lives wrangling logs through the rivers near Badger, Newfoundland, Canada.
- Digitization of the CDSS Organization Archives at UNH has begun!
You can see the first items—historic posters, maps, broadsides, and other print memorabilia—online now. The collection will eventually include around 8,000 items. Check it out.
- Playing All Bob McQuillen’s Tunes
Bob McQuillen (1923-2014) wrote over 1,700 tunes in his lifetime. In 2023, over 750 people in more than 140 places around the world played Bob’s tunes and sent in notes, remembrances, and photos. We’ve now added the archive of this centenary celebration to our Online Library.
- From the Mic Episode 21: Penn Fix
On this episode of From the Mic, Mary talks with dance caller, composer, organizer, and devotee Penn Fix. Penn learned to dance in the Boston area and grew to love it in the Monadnock Valley of New Hampshire. After three years of dancing five nights a week, he moved back to his native home in Spokane, WA. There, he says, he had no choice but become a caller and help build the dance community he wanted to be part of.
- Lifetime Contribution Award Celebration for Sharon Green
You are cordially invited to a special celebration honoring Sharon Green, our 2024 Lifetime Contribution Award recipient!
In our history, CDSS has…
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published 114 hours of podcasts
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bestowed 31 Lifetime Contribution Awards
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fostered 109 years of tradition
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sold well over 50,000 morris bells
In the past year, CDSS has…
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awarded 34 grants for local communities and special projects
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added over 60 repertoire resources for callers
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published over 600 calendar events
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hosted over 1,093 campers
Upcoming Community Events