Morris dancers wave white handkerchiefs and jump in the air

Country Dance & Song Society

Individuals nourished and communities strengthened by dancing, singing, and making music together

We connect and support people in building and sustaining vibrant communities through participatory dance, music, and song. We steward the living traditions of English country dance, contra and square dance, morris and sword dance, and the music that is an integral part of these traditions. Learn more

Fall 2025 Appeal for Support—please give by December 31!

Together we can make a real difference in the lives of those who are nurturing the living traditions we love.

All donors are entered automatically in a drawing for fabulous prizes!

Donate now Drawing info

Photo by Laura Lewis, Cleveland Butterfly Twirl, CDSS Community Grant recipient.

What’s New

From the Mic Episode 32: Lindsey Dono
From the Mic is back! This episode features Lindsey Dono. Lindsey is a mainstay on the national contra circuit, and has been on staff at camps, weeks, and festivals for over a decade. She is known for her precise teaching and welcoming stage presence.
November 2025 Song of the Month
Bob Bovee introduces “Back to My Wyoming Home.” Bob says that it’s an old-time song, not an “authentic” cowboy song, but it evokes the mood of a cowboy singing by a campfire.
2025 Supporter Thanks Concert Replay
Thank you for all your support this year! Please enjoy this concert with Supertrad, featuring Stuntology with Sam Bartlett.
Free Online Workshop: Unpacking the CDSS Community Culture & Safety Toolkit
Join Diane Silver this fall (Tuesdays, Oct. 28, Nov. 4, Nov. 11) for a free three-part online workshop on building community culture and safety guidelines for your local dance, music, and song events. Learn more and register!
October 2025 Song of the Month
Joel Mabus presents his original song “Panhandle Prairie,” a Dust Bowl ghost story. Folklorists would find it similar to “The Unfortunate Rake,” “The Dying Cowboy,” and others.
Fall/Winter 2025 CDSS News
The latest issue of the CDSS News is out now! Read an exciting update about Rise Up Singing; hear from the Village Green Dancers, who are celebrating their 50th year in Manitoba; get a glimpse into Dance Musicians’ Week at the John C. Campbell Folk School, and more.