The Basic and Mainstream program is designed by Callerlab, the international association of square dance callers. The program is divided into three levels (Basic One, Basic Two and Mainstream). It starts with the most basict calls and adds more as dancers gain experience.
Callerlab recommends that the Basic level calls be taught over a period of at least 44 hours of instruction with an additional 15 or more hours of instruction for the Mainstream level.
In September 2026, a new Mainstream program will be intrduced. It reduces the number of calls in the program from 67 to 50. Some current Mainstream calls will move to the Plus program. Click here to learn more about the new program.
Basic and Mainstream Calls – Teaching Order
A one-page list of all Basic and Mainstream calls – listed in the Callerlab teaching order.
Basic and Mainstream Calls – Alphabetic Order
A one-page list showing the level of each call and the Social Square Dance (SSD) lesson number
Basic Level One
Videos and descriptions of the easiest calls from “Circle Left” to “Dive Thru”. These calls are danced in square, circle and line formations.
Basic Level Two
Videos and descriptions of the next level of calls from “Wheel Around” to “Flutter Wheel”. These calls introduce dancers to waves and other formations.
Mainstream Level
Videos and descriptions of the final level from “Cloverleaf” to “Recycle”. In September 2026, the Mainstream level will be reduced to 50 calls while the Plus level will be increased to 50 calls.
Social Square Dance (SSD) Program
This program omits some of the Basic and Mainstream calls so that dancers can complete the lessons in a twelve week period. In September 2026, it will be replaced by the revised Mainstream program.
Plus Program
After gaining experience with the Mainstream Program, dancers may be interested in learning more calls in the Plus Program. The local
Acey Pluses club offer Plus level lessons.
Advanced & Challenge Programs
Experienced dancers who wish more challenge can advance to these levels. The Double A’s club offers this level of lessons.
RESOURCES
Taminations
The Taminations website offers excellent animations of all Basic, Mainstream and Plus calls. It is available as a free download for desktop computers, tablets and mobile phones.
North Shore Squares
This club provides videos of individual square dance calls in the mainstream program. It is a recommended resource for new dancers.
Video Square Dance Lessons
The Saddlebrook Squares club offers videos of Basic and Mainstream calls. Several calls are included in each video, so that you can see how different calls are combined together.