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.
The third Monday of every month is Common Time, a monthly measure of exploration, inspiration, and conversation. This month's offering is Contra Pulse: Mentors and Inspirations, on Monday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT). Julie Vallimont will lead a panel discussion with four contra dance greats: Becky Tracy, Pete Sutherland, Rodney Miller, and Kate Barnes. Learn more and register!
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."
Contra Pulse
This episode, Julie sits down with fiddler Amy Larkin of Falmouth, MA – a quintessential part of the New England contra dance scene, playing in too many bands and musical groups to count: Uncle Gizmo, Heyday, LocoMojo, Mr. Spanky, to name a few; and a Cajun Zydeco band with her husband, Jonathan Larkin.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.