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 dance, music, and song creates healing through togetherness.
Donate to our fall appeal
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Help us reach our goal of 400 donors!
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Total raised so far towards our goal of $140,000!
What’s New
- Camp registration open now!
Magic is waiting for you at our 2023 summer dance, music, and song camps! Whether you’re a beginning fiddler or a professional bagpiper, a third grader or a grandparent, a brand-new contra dancer or a seasoned morris squire, you are welcome here. Join us for nine weeks of camps at four camp locations across the U.S. this summer. Learn more.
- From the Mic Episode 10: Chrissy Fowler
In episode 10 of From the Mic, Mary interviews Chrissy Fowler. Chrissy co-founded a dance series in Belfast, Maine, which has evolved into a thriving participatory arts nonprofit—Belfast Flying Shoes. In her Flying Shoes bio, Chrissy describes herself as an organizer, leader, dancer and cheerleader. She likes to cultivate community by organizing fun stuff, including BFS programs and Puttin’ On the Dance, a conference for Northeast dance organizers.
- January 2023 Song of the Month
Judy Cook introduces “Bed Is Too Small,” an anonymous American lullaby that she learned in Girl Scout camp.
- Winter 2022 CDSS News
The Winter 2022 CDSS News is now available! Step into Jane Austen’s world with Graham Christian; learn about positional calling from Louise Siddons; listen to gender conversations with Scott Higgs; and get a year-end update from the CDSS Board, Community Resources Manager, and member survey. Plus much more!
- Thanks for checking out our new website!
If you’re having trouble finding something or if something isn’t working, please fill out this form. We will get in touch to help as soon as we can.
- December 2022 Song of the Month
Matthew Byrne introduces “Jack Ashton,” the tale of a storyteller who brought a little escapism to poor children in a postwar factory town.
In our history, CDSS has…
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published 121 hours of podcasts
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fostered 110 years of tradition
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sold well over 50,000 morris bells
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bestowed 34 Lifetime Contribution Awards
In the past year, CDSS has…
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awarded 20 grants for local communities and special projects
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published over 700 calendar events
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added 7 resources for callers and organizers
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hosted over 1,174 campers
Upcoming Community Events