Country Dance and Song Society facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | CDSS |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1915 |
| Type | Nonprofit organization |
| Headquarters | Easthampton, Massachusetts |
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Region served
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United States and Canada |
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Membership
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2400 individuals and 260 affiliate groups |
| Katy German | |
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Budget
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$1.2 million (2021) |
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Staff
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12 |
| Website | www.cdss.org |
The Country Dance and Song Society, or CDSS, is a group that helps people enjoy traditional dance, music, and songs. They focus on styles that come from England and North America. CDSS is a nonprofit organization, which means they use their money to support their mission, not to make a profit. They want everyone to be able to join in and have fun with these old traditions.
History of CDSS
The Country Dance and Song Society started in 1915. It began as several American groups connected to the English Dance and Folk Society. These first groups were set up by a person named Cecil Sharp.
In 1933, many of these US branches joined together. They formed the English Folk Dance and Song Society of America. May Gadd became its first national director. The organization became even more united in 1940. In 1949, its name changed to Country Dance Society. The words "and Song" were added in 1967.
CDSS moved its main office from New York City to western Massachusetts in 1987. Around the same time, they started a mail-order store. This store sold books, music, and supplies for dancers and musicians. Their website was launched in 2009. Today, CDSS supports more than 260 local groups that are connected to them.
CDSS Leadership
The Country Dance and Song Society has had many leaders over the years. These leaders help guide the organization and its mission.
- Bob Dalsemer, (1990-1996)
Fun Activities with CDSS
CDSS helps people learn and enjoy many types of traditional dances. These are dances where everyone can join in.
Some of the dances they promote include:
- Contra dance: A lively social dance done in two long lines.
- English country dance: Elegant and graceful dances, often done in sets of couples.
- Square dance: A folk dance for four couples arranged in a square.
- Morris dance: A traditional English folk dance, usually performed by groups of men. Dancers often wear bells on their legs.
- Rapper sword: A fast and energetic sword dance from England.
- Clogging: A type of folk dance where the dancer's shoes make rhythmic sounds.
CDSS also runs several week-long summer camps. These camps are held at places like Pinewoods Dance Camp in Massachusetts, Camp Cavell in Michigan, Agassiz Village in Maine, and Camp Louise in Maryland. At these camps, people can learn and practice traditional dance, music, and song. They also offer online programs and web chats throughout the year.
