
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
What’s New
New at Camp in 2026 and 2027
Exciting things are on the horizon for CDSS camps! Over the next two years, we’ll incorporate a number of changes and additions to our regular lineup of camp sessions. From shorter, more affordable options (including a new mini-session at Pinewoods) to a beautiful new-to-CDSS location in the Pacific Northwest, there’ll be more to experience and explore! Learn more here.
CDSS Camps Spread to the Northwest!
Starting in 2027, CDSS will take over the long-standing Lady of the Lake June Music and Dance Week in Harrison, ID. The Lady of the Lake board invited us to assume responsibility for June Week to ensure that the beautiful and successful camp they created continues far into the future.
July 2025 Song of the Month
Lee Murdock introduces “We’re Going to Pump Out Lake Erie,” sourced from Captain Pearl Nye of Akron, Ohio. This tongue-in-cheek song encapsulates the endless toil of canal work.
Grant funding for 2025 events and projects is still available!
Thanks to your generous giving to our recent appeals and to demonstrated value and need in our community, the CDSS Board recently approved a $10,000 increase in available grant funding for this year.
See our Community Grants page for more information and how to apply.
Natural Disaster Support
We are helping to connect donors with dance and music community members who have been directly affected by natural disasters. If you are one of those affected, please fill out this form to be included in the list.
June 2025 Song of the Month
Cate Clifford introduces “The Old Songs,” a poem by Bob Copper set to music by Peter Bellamy. Cate includes both Peter’s recording and her own version of the lyrics, slightly altered to include singers of all genders.
In our history, CDSS has…
bestowed 34 Lifetime Contribution Awards
published 121 hours of podcasts
sold well over 50,000 morris bells
fostered 110 years of tradition
In the past year, CDSS has…
added 7 resources for callers and organizers
hosted over 1,174 campers
awarded 20 grants for local communities and special projects
published over 700 calendar events