Contra dancers at the 2023 Lifetime Contribution Award ceremony

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

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!

Donate now Drawing info

Photo by Laura Lewis, Cleveland Butterfly Twirl, CDSS Community Grant recipient.

What’s New

Submit a Song of the Month!
We’re excited to announce that our long-running song sharing archive is now accepting submissions! Have a favorite song that works at pub sings, song circles, and other community singing events? Share it here!
December 2025 Song of the Month
Tim Edwards introduces the Child ballad “James Harris,” also known as “The Demon Lover” or “The House Carpenter.” He writes: “The story of the lost love reappearing after the traditional 7 years in demonic form captivated me.”
From the Mic Episode 32: Lindsey Dono
From the Mic is back! This episode features Lindsey Dono. Lindsey is a mainstay on the national contra circuit, and has been on staff at camps, weeks, and festivals for over a decade. She is known for her precise teaching and welcoming stage presence.
November 2025 Song of the Month
Bob Bovee introduces “Back to My Wyoming Home.” Bob says that it’s an old-time song, not an “authentic” cowboy song, but it evokes the mood of a cowboy singing by a campfire.
2025 Supporter Thanks Concert Replay
Thank you for all your support this year! Please enjoy this concert with Supertrad, featuring Stuntology with Sam Bartlett.
Free Online Workshop: Unpacking the CDSS Community Culture & Safety Toolkit
Join Diane Silver this fall (Tuesdays, Oct. 28, Nov. 4, Nov. 11) for a free three-part online workshop on building community culture and safety guidelines for your local dance, music, and song events. Learn more and register!