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 (CDSS) is a special group that helps people learn and enjoy traditional dance, music, and songs. These traditions come from places like England and North America. CDSS is a nonprofit organization, which means it uses its money to support its goals, not to make a profit.
Contents
What is the Country Dance and Song Society?
CDSS helps keep old traditions alive. They focus on dances, music, and songs that people can join in and do together. This means it's not just about watching, but about participating! They want everyone to have fun dancing and singing.
How Did CDSS Start?
The Country Dance and Song Society began a long time ago, in 1915. It started as smaller groups in America. These groups were part of a bigger organization from England called the English Folk Dance and Song Society. A person named Cecil Sharp helped set up these first American groups.
In 1940, all these smaller American groups came together to form the CDSS we know today. Since then, the organization has grown a lot. Now, it helps more than 260 local groups across the United States and Canada.
What Kinds of Activities Does CDSS Offer?
CDSS promotes many exciting types of dances where everyone can join in. They also organize music and singing events.
Popular Dance Styles at CDSS
CDSS teaches and celebrates several fun dance styles. These include:
- Contra dance: This is a folk dance done in two long lines. Dancers move up and down the lines, switching partners as they go. It's very social and energetic!
- English country dance: These dances are often done in sets of couples. They can be graceful and elegant, with patterns that involve weaving and circling.
- Square dance: As the name suggests, dancers form squares. A "caller" shouts out moves, and everyone follows along. It's a classic American folk dance.
- Morris dance: This is a traditional English folk dance. Dancers often wear special costumes with bells and use sticks or handkerchiefs. It's lively and often performed outdoors.
- Rapper sword: This is a fast, energetic sword dance from England. Dancers link together using flexible "swords" and perform quick, intricate steps.
- Clogging: This dance involves making rhythmic sounds with your feet. Dancers wear special shoes with taps, similar to tap dancing, but often with a more upright posture.
CDSS Camps and Online Programs
CDSS runs special week-long summer camps where people can dive deep into dance, music, and song. These camps are held in different places, like Pinewoods Dance Camp in Massachusetts. They are a great way to learn new skills and meet other people who love traditional arts.
Besides camps, CDSS also offers online programs. They have web chats and other activities available all year round. This means you can learn and connect with CDSS even from home!
