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 simplest moves (or “calls”) and adds more as dancers gain experience. Callerlab recommends that the Basic level moves be taught over a period of at least 44 hours of instruction with an additional 15 or more hours of instruction for the Mainstream moves.
Basic and Mainstream Moves – Teaching Order
A one-page list of all Basic and Mainstream move – listed in the Callerlab teaching order.
Basic and Mainstream Moves – Alphabetic Order NEW
A one-page list showing the level of each move and the Social Square Dance (SSD) lesson number
Basic Level One
Videos and descriptions of the easiest moves from “Circle Left” to “Dive Thru”. These moves are danced in square, circle and line formations.
Basic Level Two
Videos and descriptions of the next level of moves from “Wheel Around” to “Flutter Wheel”. These moves introduce the dancers to waves and other formations.
Mainstream Level
Videos and descriptions of the final level from “Cloverleaf” to “Recycle”.
Social Square Dance (SSD) Program
This program omits some of the Basic and Mainstream moves so that dancers can complete the lessons in a twelve week period.
Plus Program
After gaining experience with the Mainstream Program, dancers may be interested in learning even more moves in the Plus Program. The Acey Pluses and Tom’s Plus clubs 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 moves. It is available for Apple iPhones and iPad tablets.
North Shore Squares
This club provides videos of individual square dance moves 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 moves. Several moves are included in each video, so that you can see how different moves are combined together.