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
The latest issue of the CDSS News is out now! Read an exciting update about Rise Up Singing; hear from the Village Green Dancers, who are celebrating their 50th year in Manitoba; get a glimpse into Dance Musicians’ Week at the John C. Campbell Folk School, and more.
Ruairidh Greig introduces us to an ancient holiday tradition in the north of England. Teams of performers travel to houses and inns, using a horse’s skull as a puppet while they sing. “Poor Old Horse” is a song from this tradition, collected in Dore, Sheffield in 1970.
Exciting things are on the horizon for CDSS camps! Over the next two years, we’ll incorporate a number of changes and additions to our regular lineup of camp sessions. From shorter, more affordable options (including a new mini-session at Pinewoods) to a beautiful new-to-CDSS location in the Pacific Northwest, there’ll be more to experience and explore! Learn more here.
Starting in 2027, CDSS will take over the long-standing Lady of the Lake June Music and Dance Week in Harrison, ID. The Lady of the Lake board invited us to assume responsibility for June Week to ensure that the beautiful and successful camp they created continues far into the future.