✅ The Proposal Has Passed
What This Means for You, Your Club, and the Future of Square Dancing
Effective Immediately • Transition Phase Underway • Full Implementation by September 1, 2026
Page last updated: January 4, 2026
Disclaimer
While the new lists go into effect on September 1, 2026, we do not expect all dancers to be familiar with every call that has been added as of that date. Callers are encouraged to exercise professional judgment when using the new lists during the initial transition period of approximately six months to one year following the effective date.
January 2026 Press Release – New Plus List Available!
The CALLERLAB Plus Committee has officially approved the new Plus Program list, reflecting the simplified Program structure approved earlier this year.
Please note: the new list will not go into effect until September 1, 2026. (Yes—2026!)
Want to be the first to know when new information is released? Sign up for our free press releases and you’ll receive an email as soon as the information is available.
December 2025 Press Release – (New) Mainstream Program Teaching Order
October 2025 Press Release – Dancer & Caller Transition Guide for (New) Mainstream Program
September 2025 Press Release – New Mainstream List Available!
The CALLERLAB Mainstream Committee has officially approved the new Mainstream Program list, reflecting the simplified Program structure approved earlier this year.
Please note: the new list will not go into effect until September 1, 2026. (Yes—2026!)
Want to be the first to know when new information is released? Sign up for our free press releases and you’ll receive an email as soon as the information is available.
What this means for you:
- Between now and September 1, 2026, clubs and callers will continue to use the current Mainstream, Basic, and SSD lists.
- The Mainstream Committee is developing a recommended teaching order for the new list.
- Supporting resources are underway, including lesson plans, a new Mainstream Playbook, and additional teaching documentation.
- All calls not included in the new Mainstream list will move to the Plus Program. The Plus Committee is reviewing these updates and will release a finalized Plus Program list, also effective September 1, 2026.
Resolution Results:
In a vote of 336 to 112, CALLERLAB members have officially approved a revised Program Policy Statement as of May 29, 2025. This resolution introduces a simplified Program structure, including a newly defined entry-level program and a streamlined path forward for modern square dancing.
The most significant change in Draft E is:
Dance Program size is determined by the committees, with the following exceptions:
a. Mainstream – Must be less than or equal to 50 calls
b. Plus – Must be 50 calls or greater
We’ve created this public webpage to keep you informed with real-time updates, draft documents, FAQs, and a clear roadmap. Check back often and watch for email updates as we move through the next TIPPP.
The Proposal Has Passed
With a 92% approval rating at Convention and a 75% approval rating by the full membership, CALLERLAB has passed a new Program Policy Statement on May 29, 2025. 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.
So What Does This Mean?
- The policy is now official CALLERLAB policy.
- We are entering the next TIPPP — a 14-month phase-in period to prepare for full implementation.
- Final rollout of the new Program structure is planned for September 1, 2026.
What Is TIPPP?
TIPPP = Transitionary Implementation Phase of the Program Policy.
It’s our work-in-progress phase where we:
- Finalize a new entry-level 50-call list and subsequent 50-call list.
- Develop a recommended teaching order
- Create a teaching plan/playbook and guidance materials
- Update existing documents with expiration dates and revision timelines
- Engage callers, clubs, and dancers to prepare for implementation
What’s the Timeline?
*Tentative dates; subject to change
| Phase | When? | Complete? |
| Resolution Approved | May 28, 2025 | ✓ |
| TIPPP Begins | Now! | In progress |
| Create “New” Mainstream Committee | June 2025 | ✓ |
| Develop “New” Mainstream Committee Brief | June 2025 | ✓ |
| “New” Mainstream Committee finalize maximum 50-call list | June 2025 – September 2025 | ✓ |
| USDA Webinar | July 19, 2025 | ✓ |
| “New” Mainstream Committee develop Teaching Order and Playbook | September 2025 – March 2026 | in progress |
| Plus Committee finalize minimum 50-call list | September 2025 – March 2026 | ✓ |
| Plus develop Teaching Order and Playbook | March 2026 – September 2026 | in progress |
| Worldwide Implementation | September 1, 2026 |
What’s Happening Now?
- The Executive Committee has formed a new Mainstream Committee – with Members from both the Basic and Mainstream Committee and Social Square Dance Committee. Members can request to join the committee here: https://callerlab.org/committees/joincommittees/.
- Members from the New Mainstream, Plus, Definitions, and Choreographic Applications Committees are collaborating.
- Currently developing:
- New entry-level 50-call Mainstream list
- Subsequent 50-call Plus list
- Teaching Order
- Playbook and caller resources
- Current documents will be labeled with expiration dates and updated as progress is made.
Stay Connected
- CALLERLAB Members will receive email news blasts throughout the process.
- Non-Members may sign up to receive email updates here: callerlab.org/2025subscriber/.
- Legacy documents will note expiration dates as new documents become available.
- New documents will be posted to this page as available.
Catching Up?
If you’re just hearing about this now, no problem. Here’s all the background information:
Frequently Asked Questions
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 their dancing.
️