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
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Fall 2025 Appeal for Support—please give by December 31!
Together we can make a real difference in the lives of those who are nurturing the living traditions we love.
All donors are entered automatically in a drawing for fabulous prizes!
Photo by Laura Lewis, Cleveland Butterfly Twirl, CDSS Community Grant recipient.
What’s New
Save the Dates for the 2025 LCA Celebrations!Save the dates for the celebrations of our 2025 CDSS Lifetime Contribution Award winners:
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John Roberts
May 10, 2025, Schenectady, NY -
David Surette
October 19, 2025, Concord, NH -
Tony Parkes
November 22, 2025, Concord, MA
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December 2024 Song of the MonthPete Coe helps us get ready to “Bring the New Year In.” The song carries on the English tradition of mummers’ plays, which have been performed at Christmas since the 17th century.
Work with us!CDSS has two year-round positions open! Might you or someone you know be the perfect fit? Find more info here, and please help spread the word to folks who may be interested.
From the Mic Episode 28: David KaynorThe newest episode of From the Mic is out now, featuring the one and only David Kaynor (yes, really!). In this episode, host Mary Wesley shares an interview she recorded with David in 2011, ten years before his passing.
November 2024 Song of the MonthApril Grant introduces “Jolly Roving Tar.” Although it may sound like an old English sea ballad, the song was written in the United States for the Broadway musical Old Lavender.
Summer Camp Job OpportunitiesWe are in search of several camp staff for summer 2025. Please check the Jobs page for details on the positions and how to apply.
In our history, CDSS has…
bestowed 34 Lifetime Contribution Awards
published 121 hours of podcasts
sold well over 50,000 morris bells
fostered 110 years of tradition
In the past year, CDSS has…
added 7 resources for callers and organizers
hosted over 1,174 campers
published over 700 calendar events
awarded 20 grants for local communities and special projects
Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.