CDSS Mission Statement
Country Dance and Song Society
Continuing the traditions. Linking those who love them.
MISSION STATEMENT -- OUR PROMISE
The Country Dance and Song Society (CDSS), through its resources, programs and enthusiasm, celebrates and preserves traditional English and Anglo-American dance, music and song; promotes their new expression; connects people who enjoy them; and supports communities where they can continue to thrive.
OUR ORGANIZATION:
The Country Dance and Song Society is an organization composed of individual members and affiliate groups, primarily in the United States and Canada. CDSS strives to meet needs for community-based activity, active participation, sharing and keeping historical and folk traditions alive, and continuing the creative process. The Society is a service bureau and a facilitator in building, nurturing, maintaining and energizing local and regional dance, music and song communities.
The Country Dance and Song Society:
- Promotes English country, ritual and American community dance, music and traditional song both broadly and on a local level.
- Provides opportunities for dancers, musicians, and organizers - young and old - to enjoy activities together and to continue to grow their skills and deepen their level of involvement
- Provides information, leadership training, advice and assistance to those who organize dance, music and song activities
- Provides programs for adults, youth, families and children
- Organizes week-long summer dance and music courses, plus other special events
- Collects relevant historical materials, and maintains access to archives of those materials
- Provides the leadership needed to develop and distribute new services, materials and resources
- Produces and encourages others to produce dance, music and song resources
- Maintains directories of groups and individuals who share a love of and commitment to English and Anglo-American dance, music and song.
OUR CORE VALUES:
The core values of the Society are based on a belief in the importance of maintaining links to the past and in the value of preserving, sustaining and enhancing traditional English and Anglo-American dance, music and song. We are committed to creating enjoyable, meaningful, and educational experiences for all, within a community framework. We are committed to the maintenance of a high standard of quality in all of the activities, assistance and leadership that we provide. We are committed to expanding the community of individuals and groups who cherish traditional English and Anglo-American dance, music and song.
The Society will always, to the maximum extent possible:
- Encourage the participation of all - young and old; beginners and experts; dancers, musicians, and singers of all aspects of Anglo-American traditions
- Involve our members and affiliate groups in the process of creating and sustaining the vision of the Society
- Be open, inviting and welcoming to members and non-members, alike
- Recognize and honor our members and leaders of long experience who provide us a link between past and present
- Encourage new leaders to develop their skills, knowledge and passion
- Learn from each other and seek the advice of the "doers" within the Society as we develop and implement our vision
- Do all we can to enable members and affiliate groups to develop and maintain unique, self-directed, autonomous local and regional programs and activities
- Bridge the multiple interests of our members by introducing elements of song, early music and various styles of country dance to as many of our programs as possible
- Engage leaders of the highest quality in our programs and activities
- Promote the traditions, while providing an environment where they can continue to grow and evolve for the enjoyment of future generations