The Organization Behind the Standardization

If you've ever walked into a square dance club in a different city — or a different country — and found that the calls meant exactly the same thing as they do at your home club, you have Caller Lab to thank. Caller Lab (officially, Callerlab – The International Association of Square Dance Callers) is the professional body that defines, maintains, and promotes the standardized programs and calls used in modern western square dancing around the world.

Founded in 1974, Caller Lab brought together callers who recognized that the activity was fragmenting — different regions were using the same call names for different movements, and dancers couldn't travel between clubs without being lost. Standardization was the solution.

What Caller Lab Does

Caller Lab's work falls into several key areas:

  • Defining the program levels: Caller Lab establishes and maintains the official call lists for Basic, Mainstream, Plus, Advanced (A1/A2), and Challenge (C1–C4) levels. Every call on every list has a precise, agreed-upon definition.
  • Caller education: Caller Lab offers educational resources, workshops, and conventions aimed at helping callers improve their craft at every stage of their career.
  • Annual convention: Each year, Caller Lab holds a convention where callers from around the world gather to vote on program changes, attend seminars, and network.
  • Promoting the activity: Caller Lab advocates for square dancing as a healthy, social, and inclusive recreational activity, and supports clubs and callers in growing attendance.

Why Caller Lab Membership Matters

When a caller is a Caller Lab member, it signals a commitment to professionalism and standardized quality. Caller Lab members agree to use the official definitions for all calls — meaning that when they call "Swing Thru," it means the same thing in Ohio as it does in Oregon or Ontario.

For event organizers and dance clubs, booking a Caller Lab member offers confidence that:

  • The caller has access to ongoing professional development resources.
  • The calls used at the event will be universally understood by traveling dancers.
  • The caller is part of a community of peers with shared standards of conduct.

How Caller Lab Shapes the Programs You Dance

The program lists that define what you dance at Mainstream or Plus level are living documents — Caller Lab reviews and occasionally revises them based on input from the calling community. A call can be added, moved between levels, or retired based on how widely it's taught, understood, and used.

This evolutionary process means the programs stay relevant and manageable. Over the decades, some calls that were once rarely used have been retired, while others have become cornerstones of the activity.

Getting Involved with Caller Lab

Caller Lab membership is open to any caller who calls for groups on a regular basis. If you're a caller looking to grow professionally, attending a Caller Lab convention — even once — is a transformative experience. The combination of seminars, live calling sessions, and peer connections is unmatched in the square dance world.

For dancers, understanding what Caller Lab is and does helps you appreciate the structure underlying the activity you love. The next time you travel to a dance in a new city and feel right at home on the floor, remember: that standardization didn't happen by accident.