Basic and Mainstream

Resources for the Basic and Mainstream Program

History

The Basic Dance 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 Basic.

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. 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 Basic 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.