Fall 2020
Dear dance, music, and song organizers,

This issue of Shop Talk is full of resources to support you and your communities while we remain physically distant. Many of these resources are either brand new or have been newly updated.

We hope you enjoy!
Upcoming Web Chat: Let’s Talk About Reentry - Working Together Now for a Strong Return to Dancing
An online discussion for contra, English country, and community dance organizers

Wednesday, Oct. 21 7:00-8:30 p.m. EDT

So much of what we love is on hold or shifting to online formats. But there will be a time when we dance together again. And there is work we can be doing during this down time to ensure a joyful and fulfilling return to the dance floor! In this second installment of the Let’s Talk About Reentry series, we’ll talk about our evolving expectations for reentry, the changes we need to prepare for, and the important role organizers can play in preparing our communities for a bright future. 

Please note: Based on feedback, we’ll be changing our usual format a bit for this Web Chat. Instead of lining up guest speakers, we’ll have a kick-off message from Katy, followed by longer chat room sessions that will include conversation prompts and time for interactive follow-up and discussion.

REGISTER online by October 19.

Soon after you register, Zoom will send you a confirmation email with your own personal link. You’ll need this info for joining the Web Chat! To keep track of it, we recommend saving the email and/or creating a calendar event.

Please share this invite with dance organizing friends! Questions? Contact resources@cdss.org.
Photo by Sarah Lee.
The CDSS Online Events Calendar has been updated!

We have made a number of significant updates to our online events calendar. There are dozens of virtual song, music, and dance events happening every week, and we have posted links to several other online event calendars that you may find useful.

Despite our inability to gather in person, the calendar includes many amazing opportunities for people to gather in community, make connections, and engage in dance, music and song. 

Spread the word about these amazing online opportunities and invite your local community to join in!
COVID-19 Resources for Organizers & Freelancers: Add Your Ideas!

We recently reorganized all of our resources in response to COVID-19. Check out what’s available for organizers, freelancers (musicians, callers, singers & sound techs), and the general public.

We are currently expanding the resources listed in both the organizer and freelancer sections. If you know of resources for organizers, musicians, callers, singers, and sound techs that are especially helpful during the pandemic, please share them here or email portal@cdss.org!

In response to COVID-19, dance callers and choreographers Claire Takemori and Seth Tepfer, along with Shared Weight, have launched a new email group list to discuss traditional dance within the context of virtual spaces and distanced dancing.

Callers and choreographers of contra, ECD, community dance, square dance, family dance, Morris dance, and other folk traditions are welcome, so please share the news with those in your area who may be interested. Dance organizers might also find the discussion interesting!
Helpful Video Discussions for Organizers During the Pandemic

Below are many web chats and webinar videos that your local organizing team may find helpful for navigating the pandemic.






  • Traditional dance, music, and song communities explore big questions about reentry—when and how we will be able to gather again in person. (CDSS, July 2020)


  • Members of the broader folk music world (e.g., folk festivals) discuss a range of issues relating to cancelling and postponing events. (Folk Alliance International, May 2020)





All past CDSS Web Chats are available here.

If you know of other great videos to support organizers and presenters, please share them here or email portal@cdss.org.
Advertise in the winter issue of the CDSS News!

Quarter-page ads start at just $25 for CDSS Affiliates. Find out more here, or email news@cdss.org to reserve your space. This issue will be published in print and online in mid-December.
Wishing you all the best,

Emily Addison (Consultant) & Linda Henry (Community Resources Manager)
 
For specific requests or advice , email Linda at resources@cdss.org. If you have comments about this issue or suggestions for the next Shop Talk, email emily@cdss.org.
During this time of uncertainty, we are committed to continuing our work fostering connection. Your financial support would mean a lot, and will help to ensure that we emerge from this crisis as strong as ever. Make a gift or become a member.