We connect and support people in building and sustaining vibrant communities through participatory dance, music, and song traditions that have roots in English and North American culture.
CDSS thanks the Massachusetts Cultural Council for its generous support.
New and Noteworthy
Register now for the next Web Chat!
Weathering the Winter Together
Monday, November 1, 7:00-8:45 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT)
An online discussion for organizers of music, dance, and song communities
As we prepare for another pandemic winter season, we know many of you are considering how to keep your groups safe and connected. So we’re using this upcoming Web Chat to generate lots of ideas for keeping communities engaged during the coming months. We’ll share some suggestions from Affiliates and use breakout rooms to brainstorm. We’ll also hear current news and perspectives from a public health professor, Dr. Kimbi Hagen, about how the pandemic is progressing. Visit the Web Chat page for full details.
Contra Pulse
Julie's guest this episode is contra dance pianist and CDSS Lifetime Contribution Award recipient Sue Songer. In addition to playing piano, Sue also plays fiddle, coordinates and directs the Portland Megaband, and with her collaborator Clyde Curley complied the 3 volumes of The Portland Collection. In the interview, Sue describes her journey from Suzuki violin lessons to support her daughter to becoming a fully fledged contra dance musician and organizer extraordinaire.
Songs that Speak
CDSS is pleased to support "Songs that Speak," a monthly YouTube series by Saro Lynch-Thomason. Learn about the history, folklore, and modern-day relevance of traditional songs, and sing along as Saro teaches each song through sing-and-repeat. Saro's latest offering is "Mother Shipton."
October 2021 Song of the Month
Shelley Posen presents a song called "Somebody’s Waiting for Me"—which, when sung by a Newfoundland sea captain named Mac Masters, is titled "Country Garden."
Check out the last Web Chat
The video, slides, and transcript for our most recent Web Chat are now available. We heard latest news from a public health professional, as well as experiences from two organizers whose groups have resumed in-person events. Email us with questions.
Fall 2021 CDSS News
The Fall 2021 CDSS News is now available! Come frolic with cows with Clara Byom; march with Prince Rupert with Graham Christian; travel across Canada with Bev Bernbaum and Rosemary Lach; waltz with Anna Alter and Alternative Roots; try some one-couple English country dances with Don Bell; and much more!
Celebrating Kate Barnes
On September 26, we hosted a celebration for our 2020 Lifetime Contribution Award winner, Kate Barnes! View the ongoing scrapbook and the slideshow, and add your own mementos.
Reentry Resources for Organizers
In our most recent Web Chat, a lawyer, epidemiologist, dance organizer, and the CDSS Insurance Manager addressed many of our community’s concerns as we begin to safely emerge from the pandemic. This compilation of Reentry Resources includes extensive Q&A sections from the Web Chat, along with a list of considerations to help smooth your journey.
5 Things...Inside the Dancing Mind of...
A one-hour chat with Q&A from movers and shakers in the English country dance community from across the country about the five things that they feel are important to our passion for ECD and why. Hosted by the Historical Tea and Dance Society.
Dance It Yourself!
This multigenerational dance video series helps teachers, students, and families dance at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about the series and download the new Teacher's Guide!