What’s New

This week, we talk to Benjamin Foss and Bennett Konesni in Belfast, both hailing from Waldo County, Maine. Throughout the episode, they reflect on their deep commitment to nourishing our local culture of participatory music and dance, their love of contra music new and old, and the value of social connections of playing and dancing, including the links among various cultures of music and dance (those branches we love exploring in this podcast). Listen and subscribe!

Contra Callers’ Corner is a series of free monthly Zoom calls for contra callers of all levels. It’s a place to ask questions, network, and address hot topics from your local dance community in a safe space. 

Hosted by Seth Tepfer
Featuring Will Mentor
Wednesday, February 18
8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT)
Register here

Learn more or make a nomination. Nominations for the 2027 award are due by March 1.

We’re excited to share that the December issue of the CDSS News is returning! This issue will feature ads for 2027 events, plus dances, puzzles, and other fun! Ad reservations for all three 2026 issues are available now. See deadlines and rates here.

Judy Cook introduces “Three Men of Gotham,” a poem by Thomas Love Peacock set to the tune “Courtiers.” The three men set sail in a bowl to try to rake the moon from the sea—but are they foolish or wise?

This episode, Chrissy sits down with the wonderful Carol Compton and Thal Aylward of Trip to Norwich to talk about the wild paths each of them have taken to playing English country dance and contra and contra music. Listen and subscribe!

Support staff positions are now open at all of our camp locations. Most jobs are for single camp sessions, which are 4-7 days long. If you’re interested in a longer commitment, check out the two 6-week positions at Pinewoods.
We’d love to have you join our 2026 camp team! Learn more about open positions and apply here.

This episode of From the Mic features Bill Olson, a contra and square dance caller, guitarist, and dance composer. It’s a fascinating look into the mind of someone who has dedicated himself to keeping these traditions alive in Maine and everywhere.

Episode 4 of the Flying Shoes Radio Hour involves chatting (and laughing) with the Quebecois band Genticorum. Listen and subscribe!

We are delighted to announce that David Millstone of Lebanon, NH, is the recipient of the 2026 CDSS Lifetime Contribution Award. David is a dancer, caller, teacher, historian, and leader specializing in contra dance, New England squares, and English country dance.

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!

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.”