Tips and distilled wisdom from CDSS for how to craft a vision for your event, series, team, or group.
The CDSS multigenerational dance video series, is our response to dancing at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
American Folk Dancing with Evo Bluestein
This is a 10 minute video snapshot of an American Folk Dance Residency by Evo Bluestein. With a large repertoire of traditional dances and songs as his tools, Evo introduces a fun social and cultural experience and at the same time, teaches courtesy and important social rules of behavior. Evo introduces students to fiddle, accordion, Appalachian dulcimer and many other instruments. It is no small feat that he can demonstrate the steps, call the dance and play old time fiddle at the same time. The week, culminates in a rousing Friday night “barn dance.”
Square Dancing with 3rd Graders
This is a 17-minute documentary (2013) about a project in Berkeley that involves musician and caller Erik Hoffman. The work builds on folk dance instruction by 3rd grade teacher Susan Graubard Archuletta. Mention is made of the 4 C’s: courtesy, cooperation, concentration, and community. You’ll see shots of Zodiac, Texas Star, the Virginia Reel, and even a bit of Sellinger’s Round. Nicely edited mix of the adults talking to the camera along with plenty of shots of a very diverse group of kids dancing and having lots of fun.
From Crabtron
Country Dancing as a College Course
Brooke Friendly describes her experience leading an English and Scottish country dance college course, including getting the course approved, evaluating students, and more. Includes example course proposal and syllabus.
From the CDSS News
Hilton Baxter describes his experience leading a college dance course including getting it approved, the goals of the course, and much more.
From the CDSS News
Wondering how to bring the next generation to dance and song? Read these collected reprints from the CDSS News recounting readers’ experiences, success stories and practical advice for teaching traditional country and ritual dance in school settings.
This resource is free for CDSS members and is available for purchase through the CDSS Online Store.
Lots of useful information on creating, programming, and organizing a family dance from contributors Dudley Laufman, Andy Davis, Bob Dalsemer, Marian Rose, and Joan Shimer. Includes an extensive resource list.
This resource is free for CDSS members and is available for purchase through the CDSS Online Store.
This website provides research for music educators on unsung narratives in U.S. folk music, resources, and tools for decolonizing practices.
Dinah, Put Down Your Horn: Blackface Minstrel Songs Don’t Belong in Music Class
In this article, Dr Katya Erolaeva makes the case to remove racist songs from school music programs and discusses a number of songs with racist messaging.
From Medium
Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.