Youth Desk

Welcome

CDSS Youth Desk

CDSS supports youth involvement and leadership in English and American dance, music, and singing traditions. We're here to help young dancers, musicians, callers, singers, and organizers - and their mentors - make things happen. We want to ensure that throngs of young people become enthusiastic participants and skilled leaders in our dance and music scene. As a part of our mission of supporting and promoting intergenerational communities, we offer these youth-focused programs and resources. Take a look, and let us know what you think. 

Resources from CDSS

CDSS offers a wide range of resources to help young people organize things, develop dance, music and song related skills, and connect with the CDSS community. We also offer organizers of all ages tools to increase youth participation and train the next generation of leaders. Check out the resources page for more information.

Youth Projects Intern 2009-2010!

This September Max Newman became the second CDSS Youth Projects Intern. Max grew up dancing and playing for dances in Alaska and has been living on the East Coast since graduating from Harvard. He is looking forward to hearing from and speaking to folks across the country and developing some new, exciting programs and resources. You can contact him by e-mail at max@cdss.org or by phone at 413-268-7426 x 114.

The Adventures of Ethan

Ethan Hazzard-Watkins worked as CDSS Youth Projects Intern from April 2008 to 2009. He traveled extensively, meeting people, taking the pulse of the youth dance and music scene, and providing assistance to organizers and leaders. He compiled this report about his adventures, and offers advice and information throughout these pages, most notably in the Starter Kits he developed.

Groups and Events

The youth dance and music scene all over the continent is thriving. More and more young folks are getting excited about contra and English dancing, joining Morris and sword teams, playing traditional music, or learning how to call. They are organizing events on college campuses and in their communities, and getting involved in promoting traditional dance and music to their friends. This partial list of groups and events highlights some of what is going on in this vibrant scene.