About CDR

Country Dancers of Rochester (CDR) sponsors traditional New England Contra Dances and English Country Dances. Our dances are participatory, open to all, with live music, smoke-free and alcohol free. Newcomers are always welcome. Dances are taught and prompted, with more teaching at the beginning of the evening. No partner or special dress needed — dress comfortably and wear soft-soled, low-heeled shoes.

CDR is a member of the Country Dance and Song Society (CDSS), a national organization dedicated to traditional dance and song.

Organization

The Country Dancers of Rochester, Inc. is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization operating as a Group Affiliate of the Country Dance and Song Society of America under Guidelines established by the Society. CDR is an educational organization dedicated to the preservation, study, teaching, enjoyment and continuing evolution of English and American traditional and historical dance and dance music. CDR furthers these objectives through activities and programs open to the general public.  Find out more in our bylaws.

There are 3 primary committees that run CDR:

  • The Executive Committee oversees the general organization of the club and administers shared services and expenses.  It meets quarterly.
  • The Contra Planning Committee arranges for the Thursday Night Contra Dances.  Thanksgiving Festival planning is arranged by a subcommittee.
  • The English Planning Committee arranges for the Sunday English Country Dances.  Jane Austen Ball planning is arranged by a subcommittee.

CDR officers and committee chairs are listed on the Contact CDR page.