As part of our 2015 Centennial Celebration, CDSS is launching The CDSS Story Project, a growing collection of stories documenting our traditions and the people who love them. By the end of 2015 we want to have video, photos and written stories that talk about who we were, where we danced, where we played music and where we sang in 2015.

In some ways this project is not new, but ongoing. CDSS has institutional archives reaching back to our beginnings and we continue to gather stories through our newsletter, publications and other events. CDSS is the repository, but the stories we gather live in you — the members of song and dance communities worldwide. You are our reason for being, so in 2015 we want the repository to be flooded with new material, new energy and new stories to carry us forward into our next 100 years.  

What kind of stories are we looking for? Here are some ideas:

• Histories of your music or dance community. How did it get started? How long have you been around? What have been your challenges and triumphs?
• Stories about your local heroes, people who quietly persevere in spreading the joy of music, dance and song. Find out more about the CDSS Local Heroes project 
• Transformative stories - how has participating in these traditions changed your life? Find out more about the CDSS "What We Believe" project

These are broad ideas. To help you find structure and inspiration, we will be releasing specific story prompts every month or two leading up to and throughout 2015. We hope you will participate in as many as possible! Check back with us here for updates and watch for CDSS e-blasts announcing new story ideas.  

Feel free to contact us with any questions: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.