CDSSP: History and Organization History CDSSP is one of the oldest English folk dance groups in the U.S. and is a branch of the Country Dance & Song Society. The group was founded by English musicologist Cecil Sharp in 1915, when he taught and lectured here in Pittsburgh for several days, numbering among his students the novelist Willa Cather and her friends Isabelle McClung and May Willard. Of his visit Sharp later wrote: "I worked terribly hard at Pittsburgh, taking five and six hours' classes each of the four days I was there and lecturing three times." Of her experiences, Willa Cather recalled that May proved the best dancer of the three of them, but that all "regained a youthful exuberance from the dancing classes."
With such a distinguished beginning, Pittsburgh has long enjoyed a tradition of English country dancing. The current group can trace its beginnings to mid-1950s, when dances were held at various members' houses. CDSSP burgeoned with its annual participation in the Pittsburgh Folk Festival and at other festivals and celebrations in the western Pennsylvania area.
In 1971 the group began a tradition of holding a Valentine's Day Dance, complete with a cakewalk and the prize of a heart-shaped cake. For the past twenty-plus years, Bare Necessities has provided the exquisite music for this well-loved event, which draws participants from as far away as Alaska.
We also encourage membership in the national organization, CDSS. Visit www.cdss.org.
The Country Dance and Song Society of Pittsburgh is governed by a board that meets monthly. Members are invited to attend board meetings.
Officers:
President: Dorolyn Smith Vice-President: Allison Thompson Secretary: Ellen Gozion Treasurer: Maro Avakian Members-at-Large: Donna Isaac, Heidi Wettlaufer, Jo Schlesinger
For a mere $15/year ($25 for two people at the same address) receive discounted admission to our dances, email or first class mailing of our monthly newsletter, and the satisfaction of supporting your local English dance organization. Dues for 2009/2010 may be mailed to the CDSSP Secretary, Ellen Gozian at 321 Whitney Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15221. Checks should be made payable to CDSSP. If you have had a change of address, telephone number, or e-mail address, please pass that information along. New memberships are welcome. |