We are proud to announce that Mary Alice Amidon, Peter Amidon, Mary Cay Brass, and Andy Davis are the 2023 recipients of the CDSS Lifetime Contribution Award.
Collectively known as the New England Dancing Masters, for the past four decades they have spread the joy of traditional music and dance across North America.
Starting with The Chimes of Dunkirk in 1991, the New England Dancing Masters produced a treasure trove of books, CDs, and DVDs with crystal clear instructions for dances and singing games. Their live performances, workshops, school residencies, and leadership at family dance camps have encouraged and trained countless teachers to bring traditional dance, music, song, and storytelling into schools and communities.
In recent years, the Dancing Masters’ teaching blog and YouTube channel brought resources and inspiration to everyone at home during the pandemic.
Thank you Mary Alice, Peter, Mary Cay, and Andy!
Award Celebration
The New England Dancing Masters were honored with an award celebration in October 2023.
Watch a video of the celebration.
See a slideshow of the NEDM over the years.
Photos above by Jeff Bary.
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“I just experienced some of the dances in your books Listen to the Mockingbird and Chimes of Dunkirk at a workshop. It was an incredible experience…My students will really enjoy these dances. The movement instructions are the clearest I’ve seen in a resource like this! Thank you!”
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“This is hands-down one of the best resources for American folk dances for children. Dances are carefully selected, instructions are easy to follow, and the recordings are delightfully authentic.”
Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.