CALLERLAB

Hi all,

As many of you have seen or heard, CALLERLAB on May 29, 2025 passed a new Program Policy Statement. This new policy simplifies our Program structure and sets a clearer path for how dancers and clubs can enter and progress in modern square dancing. This new policy will become effective September 1, 2026. The following link is a video that explains why this change was proposed.

https://callerlab.org/the-proposal/

What does this change mean? It will make it easier to teach and retain new dancers and callers. It will balance the number of calls between programs. Basic and Mainstream programs were 68 calls and will become one Mainstream program of 50 calls. These 50 calls are primarily the most frequent calls that dancers currently hear at their Mainstream dances. For those dancers who currently dance through Plus, they will see minor changes as calls dropped from Basic/Mainstream will be added to Plus.

Q: Is the proposal active now?
A: Yes. It is official policy, with implementation taking place over 14 months.

Q: Do I need to change how I teach right away?
A: No. You can continue with your current materials while TIPPP develops new resources.

Q: What do I teach for my Fall 2025 classes?
A: Continue using the current Basic, Mainstream, SSD, or Plus lists.

Q: What happens on September 1, 2026?
A: The updated CALLERLAB program lists take effect September 1, 2026. Starting that date, teaching should begin from the new lists. CALLERLAB recognizes there will be a transition period while callers and dancers adjust to the new definitions and program content. As a caller, use your best judgment to keep your dancers successful, informed, and comfortable on the floor during this transition. Read the Dancer & Caller Transition Guide for more information about the transition.

Q: Will CALLERLAB provide new teaching materials?
A: Yes. A full set of teaching tools will be available well ahead of the September 2026 launch.

Q: What if my group only danced SSD before?
A: Teach or workshop 1/4 Tag the Line, 3/4 Tag the Line,, and Spin the Top. Do not call Circle to a Line.

Q: What if my group only danced Mainstream before?
A: Include Single Circle to a Wave. Do not use calls moved to Plus.: Allemande Thars, Shoot the Star, Slip the Clutch, Circle to a Line, Cloverleaf, Dixie Style to a Wave, Do Paso, Eight Chain Thru, Pass to the Center, Spin Chain Thru, Turn Thru, Walk and Dodge, Walk Around / See Saw.

Q: What if my group only danced Plus before?
A: If your group previously danced Plus: Existing dancers know calls added from Basic & Mainstream. Watch for updates once the new Plus list is finalized.

Q: How can I give feedback or get involved?
A: Opportunities will be shared through email, and CALLERLAB Members are invited to share feedback via the committee discussions.

Q: Can we really start a new dancer program more than once a year?
A: Yes. One of the key benefits of the new "New" Mainstream entry program is flexibility. Clubs can start classes when it makes sense locally, whether that's once, twice, or multiple times a year, based on interest and opportunity.

Q: Will new dancers be able to dance right away with experienced dancers?
A: Yes. Mainstream will be a universal entry program worldwide, and new dancers will learn the most widely used and important core calls. This shortened program allows them to invite friends, dance with experienced dancers sooner, and feel connected right away.

Q: Why will the Plus program no longer be used as the entry program?
A: The Plus Program was never meant to be an entry program and is now being expanded to grow in complexity. Plus, will become the program it was always meant to be, a dance program for those who dance more frequently and want greater complexity in.

Dana Schirmer

President KSDCA

785.554.7221