Introduction

The CALLERLAB Mainstreaam Dance Program Definitions describe in detail all the formations, terms, and calls (including styling and timing) used in the Mainstream Dance Program. In addition, various conventions on how to call, dance, and combine the calls are documented.

History

The Mainstream Dance Program is historically closely interrelated to the Basic Dance Program. The Basic Program was established in 1969 with 50 calls, as a result of codifying the Modern Western Square Dance movement following the work done by the Sets in Order American Square Dance Society in 1969. It was expanded in 1971 by publishing the Extended Basic Program with an additional 25 calls, which laid the ground work for what would become Mainstream.

Starting in the late 1970’s, the Mainstream Definitions Committee undertook to define each of the calls in the Basic and Mainstream programs. Their work took several years and 13 drafts, and resulted in a set of definitions published by CALLERLAB that has received worldwide use and acceptance.

Two other committees, the Timing Committee and the Styling Committee, developed standards and guidelines for their aspects of Basic and Mainstream dancing. Once the definitions, styling, and timing were complete, the results were combined and published as the “CALLERLAB Basic & Mainstream Definitions”. The Basic Dance Program list now includes the first 51 calls, and the Mainstream Dance Program list contain the 17 calls that follow the Basic Program.

In 1994 these definitions were made available on the Internet, which further encouraged dissemination, standardization, and discussion. By 1995 it became clear that the current definitions were not of sufficient detail and precision to decide some of the finer points of modern calling. In some cases, the definitions were confusing, poorly worded, or ambiguous. Using the existing definitions as a starting point, and considering numerous comments, suggestions, and complaints, a complete rewrite was undertaken starting in 1999, resulting in this document. The revision of definitions continued, and in 2016, in conjunction with the Definitions Committee, the Mainstream Committee began moving this process forward at an increased pace.

In addition, in 2016, the Mainstream Committee voted to divide the Basic and Mainstream lists and number them separately. This was followed by a vote in 2017 to publish the two lists separately. This document contains the definitions for the Mainstream Dance Program calls. Please refer to the Mainstream Dance Program Definitions for information on those calls.

From the earliest days of codifying square dance calls and lists, the Basic and Mainstream Programs have had a shared evolution and developmental history. Because of this shared history and interrelationship both programs are overseen by the Mainstream Committee.

Scope

These definitions describe what is called, and danced, when this document was first written (i.e. in 2003). They attempt to define what is clear, what is confusing, and what is considered marginal usage. Each call in the Mainstream dance program is described in a way that covers all the common and most of the less frequently used applications. Finally, these definitions do not attempt to document historical usages that today’s dancers are not expected to be taught.

What the caller or knowledgeable dancer will gain from this document includes:

1. A precise description of each call
2. Examples of calling commands
3. Styling and timing
4. The ability to distinguish acceptable call applications from improper applications

These definitions are neither a new dancer manual nor a new caller manual, nor are they written to allow an isolated group who has never square danced to acquire this skill easily. The definition of a call may not be the best way to teach a call. By the same token, the words used to best teach a call, or quickly remember a call, are not necessarily a good, precise, or complete definition. Other publications that may better serve those needs can be found in Appendix C.

The timing and styling information is based on documents developed by the former Timing and Styling Committees. The reader who is interested in how the various calls are most often used is referred to the Mainstream Standard Application booklet developed by the Choreographic Applications Committee.

In an attempt to be precise and complete and to settle certain discussions and debates over the finer points of unusual and infrequent call applications, these definitions will occasionally delve into more detail and explanation. Most of this detail has been relegated to the comment section of each call’s definition, and to the “Additional Detail” section.