Childgrove Dance Video Archives
This website, hosted by the Childgrove Country Dancers, hold a wide range of videos of contra dances, English country dances, morris dances, and square dances. They are organized by dance title for easy reference by callers, musicians, and dance leaders.
Lock and Dam: A Longsword Dance for the 21st Century
This article describes the history of the dance ‘Lock and Dam’ in addition to all of the dance figures.
From CD+S Online by Douglas Allchin
CDSS Executive Director Katy German had a conversation with three contra dance organizers who have resumed in-person dancing. They described adjustments they’ve made to their “normal” processes, what impacted their decision to resume, what they’re asking of participants, and what they recommend to others. We also presented a new online resource: Groups that Have Resumed In-person Events.
This online collection contains an extensive set of dance notes from various traditions as collected by Roy Dommett. It also includes articles on other topics such as sport injuries, playing music for morris, clowning in morris, and more.
by Dr. Anthony Barrand
One Hundred Years of Morris Dancing in America
An article on the history of morris dance in the US by Rhett Krause.
From the CDSS News
City Folk: English Country Dance and the Politics of the Folk in Modern America
A book describing the history of English country dance, from its 18th century roots in the English cities and countryside to its transatlantic leap to the U.S. in the 20th century. Written by a renowned historian and folk dancer, immersed in the rich history of the folk tradition.
By Daniel Walkowitz
The Evolution of KAOS (Kick Ass Oberlin Sword)
Hannah Lindner-Finlay describes the creation of a sword team at Oberlin College and provides some tips for others starting college teams.
From the CDSS News
Tunes from Bacon’s “A Handbook of Morris Dances”
Hundreds of morris dance tunes as appeared in Lionel Bacon’s “A Handbook of Morris Dances”.
From The Morris Ring
Be Square: Old-Time Square Dance Handbook – A Southern Subset
T-Claw
This resource for square dance callers and organizers touches on many aspects of the dance and community, particularly some that are often not mentioned elsewhere, including geography, politics, and patriarchy.
During this down time, there is work we can be doing to ensure a joyful and fulfilling return to the dance floor. We talked about our evolving expectations for reentry, the changes we need to prepare for, and the important role organizers can play in preparing our communities for a bright future.
Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.