We just received a $500 grant as a contribution toward the purchase of our new stage risers. The grant is from CDSS – the Country Dance and Song Society, who I refer to as the mothership of contra, English and other forms of traditional folk dance and song. They are based in western MA and support a number of different initiatives.

One initiative they have had is to help local contradance organizations foster more involvement by youth. A three year effort hired Elixir fiddler Ethan Hazzard-Watkins, followed by erstwhile Alaskan Max Newman, then New England caller Mary Wesley as youth interns to do this promotion. This effort led to the formation of the annual Youth Dance Weekend to bring under 30’s together to dance and work on leadership skills.

While Contra Borealis Dancers, as an organization, is a member of CDSS, individuals can also become members and thus part of the community of dancers.

They also have an online store of a variety of items including CD recordings.

Please see www.cdss.org for more info on this valuable organization to our dance community.