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
- We moved…down the hall!
Hello from our new office, just down the hall from the old one! If you’d like to visit the CDSS store in person, check out the new directions for finding us in the building.
- “…whatever Laurel touches turns to morris gold.”
How lucky we are to have Laurel Swift as a co-Program Director at CDSS Family Week at Agassiz Village this summer! Laurel is leading classes on tin whistle and clog dance and a special performance class just for teens, and she was just featured in this article from Tradfolk. Find out more and register for camp.
- Check out the last Web Chat: Recruiting and Keeping Volunteers!
The slideshow, video, resources, and transcript from our March 2023 Web Chat are now available. Executive Director Katy German hosted this discussion about volunteer management and addressed key volunteer-related questions.
- March 2023 Song of the Month
Sue Burgess introduces “Free and Easy to Ramble Along.” Sue writes: “A man goes on his rambles in Ireland and Scotland, having a good time meeting women, and perhaps breaking a few hearts along the way. In 2007, I was interested to hear well-known singer Peta Webb sing a version where the genders are reversed and the story told from a woman’s point of view.”
- From the Mic Episode 11: Will Mentor
In episode 11 of From the Mic, Mary talks with Will Mentor, who began his calling career in Fairfield, Iowa, in 1995. Since then, he has called dances, dance weekends, and weeklong dance camps all over the United States. Canada, and Europe. His guiding principle as a caller is “It’s about the dancers!”
- CDSS Receives $75,000 Grant
CDSS has received a $75,000 Cultural Sector Recovery Grant from the Mass Cultural Council. Mass Cultural Council, an independent state arts agency, is charged with bolstering Massachusetts’s creative and cultural sector. MCC’s efforts advance economic vitality, support transformational change; and celebrate, preserve, and inspire creativity across all Massachusetts communities.
In our history, CDSS has…
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published 87 hours of podcasts
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bestowed 30 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 11 grants for local communities and special projects
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published over 550 calendar events
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hosted over 1,093 campers
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added over 60 repertoire resources for callers
Upcoming Community Events