What Callers and Square-Dance-Clubs in Europe need to know now (Information call from January, 18th 2026)
The Proposal: Responsibility for the Future of Square Dance
Square Dance thrives on community, continuity, and the willingness to pass on knowledge and enthusiasm. At the same time, it faces developments that make change necessary. This proposal was created with exactly that awareness: not as a break with tradition, but as an invitation to keep Square Dance vibrant and accessible for future generations.
Why Change Is Necessary
In many clubs, a similar situation has been evident for years. The average age of active dancers is often between 55 and 70. While new dancers still find their way into our clubs, their numbers are declining. In addition, many dancers decide not to continue dancing long-term after graduation.
This development is not necessarily a sign of a lack of enthusiasm for Square Dance, but rather an expression of changing life realities. Professional demands, family responsibilities, and an increasingly diverse range of leisure activities create new expectations regarding time, flexibility, and learning effort.
Many callers do not use the full potential of 68 (65) figures anyway, but only a portion of the Mainstream program. Fewer figures allow for more focus on those that remain and encourage creativity. Mainstream does not become more boring as a result; it can actually become more interesting.
Impact on Callers and Training
These developments affect not only dancers, but also callers. The number of active callers is declining, while it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract new ones. Training is time-consuming and requires a high level of commitment, which represents a significant hurdle for many interested individuals.
Without targeted adjustments, there is a risk of a vicious circle: fewer callers mean fewer clubs, which in turn makes it harder for new dancers to get started. The proposal addresses this issue directly and seeks solutions that make training and entry more attractive and realistic again.
Who the Proposal is Primarily Intended for
One central point must be emphasized repeatedly: this proposal is not primarily aimed at existing dancers or callers.
The focus is deliberately forward-looking. It addresses future generations of dancers and callers. The goal is to make entry clearer and more manageable. Shorter class durations, clearly defined programs, and a reduced number of calls are intended to make the first steps in Square Dance easier.
This also gives clubs more time between graduation and the next class to consolidate the dancing level.
The Path of the Proposal
The proposal was first presented in April 2024 at the CALLERLAB Convention. Since then, ECTA callers have been regularly informed through Zoom sessions, articles in the Bulletin, and opportunities to actively participate in discussions.
An important aspect was enabling as many callers as possible to take part. This included invitations to become CALLERLAB members at reduced rates in order to actively participate in votes and decision-making processes.
The CALLERLAB vote took place at the convention in April 2025. Following the convention, all active CALLERLAB members were surveyed again by email, resulting in an approval rate of approximately 75%.
At the same time, ECTA members were asked whether ECTA should continue to support the chosen path. About 80% of participants voted in favor, with the main argument being the preservation of worldwide consistency.
Implementation and Transition
The transition is deliberately not planned as a short-term change. The new structure is to be implemented gradually by September 1. From that point on, both the Mainstream and Plus programs will each consist of 50 calls. There are already initial classes that are specifically working toward the new programs.
From September onward, all dances are to use the respective valid programs.
If deviations from the programs occur, this must be clearly indicated.
There are, of course, still some details that have not yet been fully clarified. For example, it is not yet clear what the Student Jamboree will look like in the future. This will be a topic at this year’s ECTA Convention.
Another question that comes up repeatedly concerns standard applications.
It is clear that standards are local practices. Therefore, nothing will change in Europe; the programs will continue to be used in full, just as they have been up to now.
A Shared Look Ahead
The proposal is an offer to take responsibility for the future of Square Dance. The idea is to create structures that will still function in ten or twenty years. Structures that invite new people to join, to get involved, and to become part of our special community.
Change can be challenging. But it also means further developing the foundation so that it remains strong. Throughout its history, Square Dance has repeatedly adapted and evolved. This proposal stands firmly in that tradition.
Recommendation from October, 5th 2025
Implementation of the new mainstream list from 1 September 2026
CALLERLAB has adopted a revised mainstream list that will go live worldwide on September 1, 2026. The ECTA adopts this decision and sets the same start date.
The committee has been looking at how to manage the transition and how to deal with classes that have only recently started and whose graduation is very close to the transition date.
All classes that start in 2026 and end after September 1 must therefore be held according to the new list.
Transitional period
An analysis shows:
- Figures 1–50 are almost identical in the old and new lists. In terms of content, only four figures from the previous basic list are dropped: Do Paso, Walk Around the Corner, See Saw and Circle to a Line.
- From this it can be deduced that the class milestones that have been established as student levels at the student events will remain unchanged.
- All other program changes are not relevant for student events, as they rarely go beyond figure 50.
- The actual transition period therefore only affects the months of April to August 2026.
Recommendations for Callers and Clubs
- Each caller/club should decide together whether a currently running class is taught according to the old or the new list.
- The currently valid teaching order should be used in both cases.
- In order to maintain the uniformity that is absolutely necessary for student classes, we recommend in any case to teach the Basic in its entirety to the previous extent (including the figures Do Paso, Walk Around the Corner, See Saw and Circle to a Line, which will be dropped later)
- The figures from the current MS program that will be dropped in the future can either still be taught or omitted.
- When all MS figures are taught: The class lasts longer, the dancers learn more than is needed later, but they are immediately able to dance at all MS events.
- If dropped MS figures are not taught: Attendance at MS events will only be possible for these dancers after September 1, 2026.
We recommend that callers make an early and careful transition from the existing to the revised list. In our opinion, teaching a currently running class according to the new list is a suitable method for this. This transition period is useful to familiarize yourself with the new list and to adapt your own calling material to the revised list.
This is the only way to reliably ensure that all callers can work safely and confidently with the new list from 1 September 2026.
Objective of the Committee
The committee is developing recommendations for the transitional period and is currently collecting opinions on them.
👉 Please send your contributions directly to Philipp Aff or use the contact form below.
Note
We cannot answer questions or criticism about the composition of the list or the decision-making process – our task is to implement it.
- Existing structures are to remain stable.
- New dancers should be affected as little as possible.
- Our common goal remains to welcome new dancers into our community quickly, motivated and with joy.
Communication of September 25th, 2025
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
Information fom CALLERLAB
New program policy
(May 2025)
Acceptance of new program policy
(September 29, 2025, with alphabetical list)
Press-release about the transition
(October 2025)
New teaching order
(December, 2025, with sorted list)
Acceptance of new plus list
(January 1, 2026, with alphabetical list)