The Two Most Common Square Dance Programs
If you've been square dancing for any length of time, you've almost certainly heard the terms Mainstream and Plus. These are the two most widely danced program levels in modern western square dancing, and understanding the difference between them is essential for both new dancers choosing their first class and experienced dancers deciding where to go next.
What Is the Mainstream Program?
The Mainstream program is the foundational level of modern square dancing. It consists of 68 officially defined calls as established by Caller Lab, the international association of square dance callers. Mainstream is where virtually every square dancer begins their journey.
A typical Mainstream class runs over several months, introducing calls gradually and allowing dancers to build muscle memory before progressing. Common Mainstream calls include:
- Circle Left / Circle Right
- Do-Sa-Do
- Swing Thru
- Star Thru
- Pass the Ocean
- Spin the Top
- Trade the Wave
Mainstream dances are widely available, welcoming to newcomers, and tend to be run at a relaxed, community-focused pace.
What Is the Plus Program?
Plus is the next step up from Mainstream. It adds approximately 30 additional calls on top of everything learned at Mainstream. These calls tend to be more complex, involve more individual decision-making, and require stronger spatial awareness within the square.
Some well-known Plus calls include:
- Acey Deucey
- Chase Right
- Coordinate
- Explode the Wave
- Linear Cycle
- Relay the Deucey
- Track II
Plus dances often move faster, require quicker reaction times, and attract dancers who've been active in the activity for at least a year or more.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Mainstream | Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Number of calls | 68 | ~98 total (68 + ~30 more) |
| Entry requirement | None — beginner-friendly | Mainstream graduation |
| Moderate | Moderate to fast | |
| Availability of dances | Very common | Common, especially in active clubs |
| Complexity | Foundation level | Intermediate |
Should You Move to Plus?
Most dancers are ready to consider Plus classes once they feel genuinely comfortable — not just passable — at Mainstream. A good rule of thumb: if you can dance Mainstream without consciously thinking through each call, you're ready to expand your vocabulary.
It's also worth noting that many clubs run combined Mainstream/Plus nights, where the caller moves between the two programs in the same evening. Being comfortable at Plus opens up more dance nights and more calling variety.
Beyond Plus
For those who want to continue, Caller Lab also defines Advanced (A1 and A2) and Challenge (C1, C2, C3A, C3B, C4) programs. These are significantly more demanding and represent a small but passionate segment of the square dance world.
For most recreational dancers, however, Mainstream and Plus offer a lifetime of fun, challenge, and community — no further levels required.