Campers singing outdoors in colorful outfits

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

Photo by Doug Plummer

Giving to dance, music, and song creates healing through togetherness.

Donate to our fall appeal by December 31

Help us reach our goal of 400 donors!
Total raised so far towards our goal of $140,000!

What’s New

The Contra Connection
The Contra Connection was a series of articles for organizers and beginning callers by Larry Jennings, Dan Pearl, and Ted Sannella, published in the Country Dance & Song Society News between 1988 and 1995. All 24 articles are now in the Online Library for your perusal.
New Historic Photos
New in the CDSS digital archives! A collection of historic photos (c. 1920s-1960s, many undated) from Pinewoods, morris events in England, and other dance festivals and events. It can be accessed online by anyone and is still growing! From the Milne Special Collections and Archives at the University of New Hampshire.
Fall/Winter 2024 CDSS News
The Fall/Winter 2024 issue of CDSS News has arrived! Meet the three recipients of the 2025 Lifetime Contribution Award; dance Mr. Smukler’s Inauguration; solve an ECD emoji puzzle; and much more!
September 2024 Song of the Month
Judy Cook introduces “Waterbound,” a play-party song from Grayson County, Virginia. The earliest known recording was 1929 by the Grayson County Railsplitters, and Judy shares a 1971 version by The New Golden Ring.
Free and Open Dancing for All
We’re excited to make Isaac Banner’s book of contra dances, Free and Open Dancing for All, available in the Resource Portal! This free book includes nearly 50 new dances, along with tips for running a workshop, glossary, and index by figure and dance type. It’s a great resource for new callers, as well as experienced callers looking for new dances. Check it out, as well as dozens of other resources for callers.
New in the Store!
Rapper Sword Dance in America, by Rhett Krause, details the 110-year history of rapper in the US, with details of the movements, music, stepping, and major influences, along with how the dance has evolved differently in America than in the UK. All proceeds from this book benefit the Anthony Barrand Research & Stewardship Fund, which provides financial support to the next generation of song and dance researchers.