New CALLERLAB-Program
What Square-Dance-Clubs in Europe need to know now
Dear callers, dear teachers, dear square dance friends,
Something's happening at CALLERLAB – and it's really fundamental! At the end of May 2025, the international association adopted a comprehensively revised program. This new policy affects all of us – whether club, caller, or teacher. And as always, when something changes internationally, we at ECTA are, of course, on board to support the transition here in Europe.
To help you keep track, we've compiled the most important information here – understandable, concise, and with a clear overview of how we support you.
1. What has been decided?
On May 29, 2025, the so-called Program Policy Update (Draft E) was officially adopted at CALLERLAB – with a clear majority (336 to 112 votes). This isn't a minor update, but a comprehensive restructuring of the programs.
Since June 1, 2025, we have been in the so-called TIPPP phase (Transitionary Implementation Phase of the Program Policy) – and this phase lasts until September 1, 2026, when all clubs worldwide are expected to start using the new system.
2. What is the timeline?
To ensure everyone gets through the transition smoothly, the introduction will follow clearly defined steps:
June–September 2025
🔹 Completion of the final Mainstream list (50 calls)
September 2025–March 2026
🔹 Development of a recommended Teaching Order for the Mainstream
🔹 Creation of a Caller Playbook for the Mainstream
🔹 Completion of the Plus list (also 50 calls)
March–September 2026
🔹 Teaching Order & Playbook for the Plus program
From September 1, 2026
🔹 Official launch of the new Mainstream and Plus programs worldwide
3. What is ECTA doing?
Quite simply: We are taking care of implementation and support here in Europe. For this purpose, we have established a dedicated ECTA square dance council committee that will actively support the entire transition phase.
Our goals:
✅ Provide information in a timely and understandable manner
✅ Coordinate translations of official documents
✅ Be the contact person for questions from clubs and callers
✅ Organize training courses and workshops (in planning)
4. Where can I get the latest information?
📬 ECTA News & Bulletin: Here we regularly inform you about all developments and dates, and publish clear summaries.
🌐 ECTA & EAASDC Website & Members Area: There we collect all official documents – both in the original and in German translation (as soon as available).
🎤 Webinars & Seminars: Live formats are also being planned – so you can ask questions and join the discussion directly.
And now?
Stay relaxed – we'll take you along on this journey! Even if it seems like a lot of adjustment at first, our common goal is clear: A globally consistent, understandable, and well-structured square dance instruction. And we are convinced: This is a great opportunity for the future of our hobby!
If you have any questions, please contact us at any time – we look forward to speaking with you.
With warm regards and looking forward to what's to come,
Your ECTA Square Dance Council Komitee
Martin Kull, Peter Höfelmeyer, Paddy Bley, Christian Sorge, Jan Kador and Philipp Aff
Callerlab "The Proposal"
Informations of Callerlab Chairman Ted Lizotte about the new program structure:
At the 49th Callerlab Convention
At the 73rd National Square Dance Convention
Your Opinion about this:
At a first step we are interested in your opinion. At this Link you'll find the survey.
You have to be a member of the SD-Council to reply to this surrvey.
More Information
CALLERLAB Press-release about the new program policy.
CALLERLAB TIPPP - Information page