Program Lists and Definitions

The CALLERLAB dance program committees want to encourage quality dancing at all CALLERLAB dance programs. The primary impediment to achieving this goal comes from dancers moving through dance programs too quickly.

Each of the CALLERLAB dance program committees recommends that dancers stay and enjoy each program for as long as possible. Moving on is not a recommended way to become proficient at one*s current dance program. Also, moving on is not implied nor expected simply because subsequent programs exist.

ALL dancers who wish to learn the next program should have:
1. Thorough comprehension (intellectual knowledge) of the material called at their current and prior programs.
2. Competency in execution of the calls (physical response).
3. Exposure to multiple callers at the current program (live or recorded).
4 The ability to execute calls according to definition in one's current program and in all prior programs.
5. Sufficient floor time to give automatic dance response to the calls in one's current program. (The amount of this floor time will vary from individual to individual.)
6. The ability to help dancers on the floor at the current program.
7. The interest to explore more complex ideas found at the next program.
8. The time commitment to learn a new program.

Dancers who wish to learn the Advanced and Challenge Programs should also have:
1. The ability to recognize formations and one's position within a formation.
2. The ability to understand concepts and to apply this to unfamiliar situations.

MENTAL EXERCISE
HELPS PREVENT ALZHEIMER’S

Square dancers have known for a long time how beneficial this activity can be. One of the major benefits is the joy of joining with other square dancers for an evening of dancing and friendship. The social benefits of being with friendly people who also enjoy our activity are tremendous. Now we have a medical study which provides even more ammunition to the discussion that square dancing is good for you. The following article provides information about this study. Please read it and make copies of this Press Release for your friends. Let them know how much square dancing can benefit them.

WASHINGTON, June 19 (UPI) -- Mentally challenging activities like playing chess or bridge can significantly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease according to a new study. Seniors who engaged in pastimes like playing a musical instrument or even checkers lowered their risk of developing dementia by as much as 75 percent, the Washington Post reports, compared with those who didn't exercise their minds. Citing a study lead by Joe Verghese, a neurologist at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, the results add to an increasing body of evidence. "I see a lot of elderly patients -- They have so-called senior moments -- they go in a room and forget why they are there. One thing I advise is for them to increase their participation in cognitively stimulating activities." Such benefits are widely available and inexpensive and seem to benefit all levels of education and intelligence. Unfortunately, the Post reports, watching television doesn't count.

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CALLER IN SCHOOLS HANDBOOK (CISH) Is Released

Gerry Hardy, Chairman of the Education Committee, is proud to announce the completion and release of a new CALLERLAB document to help callers who call in schools. This document is the result of several years effort by the Education Committee. It contains a wide variety of very valuable and useful information for callers who are calling in schools and for those callers who would like to be part of this exciting aspect of the calling profession.
The document contains sections on the following topics:
     INTRODUCTION
     THE ENTRY PROCESS
          Introductory Letter
          Introductory Letter Sample
          Contracts
     WORKING WITH TEACHERS AND PARENTS
     PREREQUISITES FOR WORKING WITH CHILDREN
     DANCE PROGRAMS
          Kindergarten
          First and Second Grades
          Third and Fourth Grades
          Fifth thru Tenth Grades
          Eleventh and Twelfth Grades
     REFERENCES
     MUSIC LIVE AND RECORDED
     ADVERTISING
          Pamphlets/Flyers
     SUGGESTED PREPARATIONS
     HELPFUL HINTS FROM THE EXPERTS
          Help by Phone Organizations That Give Seminars
     APPENDIX
          Confirmation Agreement
          Evaluation Form
          Kindergarten
          Additional References

The CISH document is copyrighted and is available in the following media:
     CALLERLAB Members:
          .PDF electronic format (E-mail) - cost $10.00
          Hard copy (paper) - cost $20.00
     Non-CALLERLAB Members:
          .PDF electronic format (E-mail) - cost $15.00
          Hard copy (paper) - cost $25.00

If you are interested in this document, please contact the CALLERLAB office: 467 Forrest Ave, Suite #118, Cocoa, FL 32922;
Phone 800-331-2577; OR E-mail: CALLERLAB@aol.com

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2003

THE FOUNDATION
For The Preservation And
Promotion Of Square Dancing

New Song And Dance Routine Brochures
Order Form

Name__________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________
City: __________________ State: ______ Zip: _________ 
Country: _____________

A donation of $15.00 per hundred, plus shipping and handling should accompany each order.
Contact the Home Office for shipping charges. Please enclose check, money order, or credit card (Visa or Master Card only) information:
 

Item	Quantity	Flat	Folded	Donation	Total
New Song & Dance Brochures

Shipping & Handling
Total

     The Foundation for the Preservation and Promotion of Square Dancing is pleased to announce the availability of an education grant program made possible by a very generous donation to the Foundation by Grand Square Incorporated (GSI). This education grant program is known as the GSI Education Fund and is administered by the Foundation. 
     The GSI Education Fund was created to provide financial assistance to dancers, callers, clubs, or associations for educational purposes to help better serve square dancing. The fund is administered by the Foundation. Applications may be obtained from the Foundation office at 467 Forrest Avenue, Suite 118, Cocoa, FL 32922. Additional information can be obtained by calling the office (321-639-0039) or by E-mail: FoundationFL@aol.com

PURPOSE OF THE FUND 
     In compliance with the wishes and objectives of Grand Square Inc, proceeds from the Fund are intended for use by:

1) A deserving dancer who has indicated a desire to learn how to better serve square dancing, 
2) A deserving caller who has a background of calling or dancing; and who has indicated a desire to learn to call or a desire to improve his/her, OR 
3) A square dance organization which has indicated a desire to sponsor a seminar or clinic to provide training to dancers or callers to help them better serve square dancing

Fund Disbursements:

• Grants shall be awarded based on the following priorities: need, existing skills, training, intentions, and educational aspects of the event/school.
• For an individual application, no single award shall exceed 80% of the combined cost of tuition and room and board, if room and board are a normal part of the cost of the school and only if the participant takes advantage of the room and board. Otherwise, no single award shall exceed 80% of the tuition cost, and awards will normally NOT exceed $250.
• In the event that a husband/wife or other "team" should apply, any award given the "team" shall not exceed $500 in total. The award shall not exceed 80% of combined tuition costs, and room and board costs if applicable.
• If an organization should apply, any award given the organization shall normally not exceed $1000. The award shall not exceed 80% of the total cost of the event.
• Applicants must complete the enclosed application form in its present or later amended form. Applications will be accepted at the Foundation Office until May 1st of each award year. All applications received by May 1st will be considered by the Foundation Executive Directors. The application contains a statement of intention.  Each applicant must complete the statement of intention.
• No single individual shall receive more than one grant from this Fund. No husband/wife or other "team" shall receive more than one grant award from this Fund, considered jointly or severally. Normally an organization shall not receive more than one grant from this Fund.
• The Foundation Executive Directors shall review each application and may award additional grants as deemed appropriate by the circumstances of the application.

     Contributions (payable to the Foundation) and inquiries may be mailed to THE GRAND SQUARE INCORPORATED EDUCATION FUND, c/o The Foundation, 467 Forrest Ave, Ste 118, Cocoa, FL 32922.

     Jon Jones, Chairman of the Application Review Committee (ARC) announces that the committee has completed the review of four questions regarding the usage/application of certain calls as follows:

1) Is it proper to call "All Rollaway, Head men center, Tea Cup Chain?" 
The committee voted YES because the CALLERLAB definition specifically states that this is proper. The committee discussed the question of whether it would be proper to workshop this and then call it? There was agreement that this committee does NOT make decisions as to what should or should not be work shopped.

2) Would it be proper to call "Reverse Spin The Top?" 
The committee decision is NO. There is a call, # 190 in the Burleson Encyclopedia, named "Reverse The Top" that describes this very action. The consensus of the committee is that if this action is to be used ( w/o work shopping the call Reverse The Top) it should be called "In Reverse Order, Spin The Top." The committee further recommends that this type action should NOT be used at Mainstream and Plus . 
3) Would it be proper to call "Reverse Spin Chain Thru?"

The committee voted NO! The proper term would be "In Reverse Order" but should not be used at Mainstream nor Plus. This type usage should only be for those dancers who are thoroughly familiar with that terminology.

4) Is it proper to call "Reverse Star Thru?" 
The committee's decision is NO. There already exists, in the Advanced Definitions, the term "Left Star Thru" and there is no need to change. The term "Reverse Star Thru" tends to implicate one of two things; A) The lady should use her right hand and the man his left with the man going under the arch as the lady goes around and behind the man OR B) The action would cause the dancers to "undo" the Star Thru while going backward. The word "Reverse" means to go backward. This usage is NOT in the Mainstream nor Plus programs.

The following was reprinted from January 1994 Mayo Clinic Health Letter, with permission from the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.

SOCIAL DANCING Jazz up your fitness routine with a regular dose of dance.
   Evelyn resolved that in 1994 she'd exercise regularly. But it's only the beginning of the new year and she's already bored with her new stationary bike. The rowing machine and treadmill at the YWCA also hold little appeal. 
   When a friend coaxed her to go along for an evening of free dance lessons, she realized exercise doesn't have to be a chore. 
   It's true. Whether you're swirling across the floor to a Strauss waltz or doing do-si-dos to the commands of a square dance caller, you're getting exercise -- and probably having fun too.

Dancing pairs you up with more than a partner.
From burning calories to socializing with friends, dancing offers these health benefits: 
* Calories - Dancing can burn as many calories as walking, swimming or riding a bicycle. During a half hour of sustained dancing you can burn between 200 and 400 calories. 
   One factor that determines how many calories you'll expend is distance. In one study, researchers attached pedometers to square dancers and found each person covered nearly five miles in a single evening.

* Cardiovascular conditioning - Regular exercise can lead to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure and an improved cholesterol profile. 
   Experts typically recommend 30 to 40 minutes of continuous activity three to four times a week. Dancing may not provide all the conditioning you need, but it can help. The degree of cardiovascular conditioning depends on how vigorously you dance, how long you dance continuously and how regularly you do it.

* Strong bones - The side to side movements of many dances strengthen your weight bearing bones (tibia, fibula and femur) and can help prevent or slow loss of bone mass (osteoporosis).

* Rehabilitation - If you're recovering from heart or knee surgery, movement may be part of your rehabilitation. Dancing is a positive alternative to aerobic dance or jogging.

* Sociability - Dancing contains a social component that solitary fitness endeavors don't. It gives you an opportunity to develop strong social ties which contribute to self-esteem and a positive outlook.

Would you like to dance?
   Tomorrow night when you consider settling down for a little television, turn on the music instead. After a few spins around the living room, you'll have so much fun you may forget you're exercising.

The following is an excerpt printed from the USDA News, reprinted from Dancin'News of Central Florida.

LIVE TEN YEARS LONGER!    Square Dancing will add ten years to your life, a surprising new study shows. Dr. Arron Blackburn states, "It's clear that square dancing is the perfect exercise. It combines all the positive aspects of intense physical activity with none of the negative elements." 
   The study was based on their physical examinations which indicated that both female and male square dancers could expect to live well into their '80's. 
   The square dance movements raise the heart rate like any good aerobic exercise should. All the quick changes of direction loosen and tone up the muscles - but not so severely as to cause injury. In square dancing, when you're not moving, you're clapping hands or tapping feet, which all contributes to long term fitness.

Source: Callerlab Release June, 2001   uploaded June/02
Editor's Note:  For information on square or round dancing clubs in your area contact the Association close to you - check out the Federation/Association page

 
News Release June, 2002

WHO ARE WE?

   One of the goals of the Phoenix Plan is to attract corporate sponsors to provide financial assistant to the Foundation. The funding from these corporate sponsors could be used for national advertising, assistance to local or regional associations, or purposes to help promote square dancing. 
   One of the requirements of any potential sponsor is information about who we are and the demographics of the activity. The only way to obtain this information is, all of us, callers and dancers alike, supporting the efforts of those in collecting this vital information. 
   The Research and Development Committee is drafting a demographic survey from and plan in which to collect the data needed. This plan will include sending the survey form to callers and dancers with a request to complete the form and return it to us. 
   The information gathered for this project will only be used to support our efforts in obtaining corporate sponsorship. The information and names received in response to the survey will be used only for the purpose intended and is for the express use of CALLERLAB and will not be made available to anyone for any purpose. 
   CALLERLAB is asking you to help the Foundation in this very important project.

Source: Callerlab Release June, 2002

PAUL BRISTOW, Middlesex, ENGLAND
AL BRUNDAGE, Port St. Lucie FL - Emeritus
DARYL CLENDENIN, Portland OR
LARRY COLE, Marian, IN
BILL DAVIS, Sunnyvale, CA - Emeritus
DECKO DECK, Arlington, VA - Emeritus
RANDY DOUGHERTY, Mesa, AZ
HERB EGENDER, Green Valley, AZ - Emeritus
ED FOOTE, Wexford PA
BENGT GELEFF, Gothenburg, SWEDEN
BETSY GOTTA, North Brunswick, NJ
PAUL HENZE, Chattanooga TN
MIKE JACOBS, Flemington, NJ
DEBORAH JONES (aka Deborah Carroll-Jones), Arlington, TX
JON JONES, Arlington TX
JERRY JUNCK, Wayne, NE and Mesa, AZ
JOHN KALTENTHALER, Pocono Pines, PA
JOE KROMER, Tannhiem, GERMANY
LORENZE KUHLEE, Hanau, GERMANY
FRANK LANE, Estes Park, CO - Emeritus
FRANK LESCRINIER, Upland, CA
MARTIN MALLARD, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan CANADA
TIM MARRINER, Register, GA
JIM MAYO, Hampstead NH
TONY OXENDINE, Sumter, SC
RANDY PAGE, Danbury CT
VAUGHN PARRISH, Berthoud CO - Emeritus
BILL PETERS, Zephyr Cove NV - Emeritus
KENNY REESE, Griesheim GERMANY
KEN RITUCCI, W Springfield MA
GLORIA ROTH, Clementsport, Nova Scotia CANADA
JOHN SAUNDERS, New Smyrna Beach, FL
AL STEVENS, Pforzheim, GERMANY
JEANNETTE STAEUBLE, Zurich, ZWITZERLAND
DON WILLIAMSON, Greeneville TN
JIM WOOLSEY, Oklahoma City, OK

   The CALLERLAB Application Review Committee (ARC) reviews and votes as to whether the questioned usage is Proper or Improper. And, we ask the Square Dance world to use these terms rather than "Legal or Illegal"
   Jon Jones, Chairman of the Application Review Committee (ARC) announces that the committee has completed the review of three questions regarding the usage/application of certain calls as follows:

Question 1. Is it proper to call ACEY DEUCY from a 3/4 Tag Formation?
The ARC voted NO. The concept is too ambiguous and the dancers should not be expected to decide who the centers are. Those in the wave have both Centers and Ends, therefore it is too confusing.

Question 2. Is it proper to fractionalize LOAD THE BOAT?
The ARC voted YES. The definition clearly defines four parts for both Centers and Ends. It is pointed out that the timing is a real problem and callers should make themselves aware of this. Also, the ends wind up back to back with each other after the first three parts.

Question 3. Is it proper to call PAIR OFF from;
a. Lines Facing Out?
The ARC voted NO. This Does Not Comply with the definition of "Facing Dancers".
b. Single File Right or Left Handed Columns?
The ARC voted NO. This too, Does Not Comply with the definition of "Facing Dancers".
c. Double Pass Thru?
The ARC voted YES, But, for the center dancers ONLY!! Only the center dancers can execute the call.

Callers and/or dancers may submit questions concerning proper or improper application of calls to: Jon Jones - 1523 Bluebonnet Tr. - Arlington, TX 76013-5009 or E-mail: JonJonesSDC@aol.com, or to the CALLERLAB office or E-mail: CALLERLAB@aol.com.

The ARC includes 24 well respected CALLERLAB members from all around the activity.

We thank you for the coverage you have given us in the past and for your continued support in the future.

During the 2000 CALLERLAB convention in Las Vegas, NV a Position Paper on a proposed dress code was presented to the membership for a vote. This Position Paper was approved by the convention attendees. The vote to approve the Position Paper was not rescinded by the membership during a mail ballot on this issue. The following is that Position Paper.

For many years now square dance leaders have debated the issue of square dancing attire. In 1991 LEGACY adopted a resolution to update the dress code and provide guidance and flexibility in the choices of dress and skirt style. The resolution considered square dance image problems, general preference for more comfort in recreational wear and the high cost of square dance attire as primary reasons for change. The National Council of Square Dance Organizations (NCSDO) has proposed modifying the definition of square dance attire and presented this proposal for consideration. Many organizations have been debating this issue and there seems to be strong sentiment on each side. The CALLERLAB Board of Governors has debated the issue and realizes that there exists a great potential for dividing dancers by mandating a more relaxed square dance attire to all participants and events. Therefore, CALLERLAB recommends the following compromise to the issue of square dance attire:

Whereas, "traditional" square dance attire provides a connection to the history of our activity, adds to the visual enjoyment of participants and spectators, enhances individual dancer styling included in individual calls, and provides for the protection and mutual comfort of dancers (i.e., shoes, long sleeved shirts, etc.), we support the choice of dancers, clubs and festivals selecting "traditional" as appropriate attire.

Whereas, traditional attire can at times be an inconvenience to dancers, and even deter people from joining and/or participating altogether, we support the choice of dancers, clubs and festivals selecting the NCSDO proposal of "proper" square dance attire, which would include dress slacks and dress jeans for men and women and short sleeved dress shirts for men. It should be noted that even if an event is advertised as "proper" attire, "traditional" attire is always appropriate.

Whereas, proper attire may allow for a myriad of choices, there may be times when traveling, weather and other conditions would discourage dancers from following either traditional or proper dress codes. In that event, leaders are encouraged to advertise those dances/sessions/festivals, etc. as "casual" attire. It should be noted that if an event is advertised as "casual" attire, "traditional" and "proper" attire are always appropriate.

We encourage clubs and leaders who run dances and weekend festivals to specify "traditional attire," "proper attire," or "casual attire" to their individual dances, sessions and events. We further support a policy of tolerance and encourage all square dance leaders and participants to embrace the joys of friendship, sociability, and fun, first and foremost in whatever extent of participation they enjoy.

www.legacyonline.org  info@legacyonline.org
LEGACY International, P.O. Box 37, Lower Waterford, VT, USA 05848-0037 Tel: 802-748-8538

     LEGACY, the Leadership, Heritage and Communication Resource Center of the Square Dance Activity, continued its mission by inviting chairmen and representatives from its Affiliate Members & all of the major national organizations to its annual Summit meeting June 28, 2002 at the NSDC in St. Paul. MN.  Representatives from CALLERLAB and its Foundation, Colorado State Council, EDSARDA, the 53rd NSDC, IAGSDC, Legacy, Lloyd Shaw Foundation, OverSeas Dancers Ass'n, Rocky Mountain Dancers, ROUNDALAB, State Council of Illinois SD Ass'n, SD Foundation of New England, URDC and USDA were in attendance.. 
     It was a time for sharing projects and questions.  The Rocky Mountain Dancers from Colorado, a youth program that uses the aerial figures of the Cheyenne Mountain Dancers in its exhibitions, wanted information about other organizations' Youth Programs.  USDA mentioned that due to its successful insurance program, credit card & new prescription card they have been able to share profits with the Handicapable & Youth committees as well as provide all their publications free.  Their latest one being on the Henzel Recruitment Plan.  They are working on a Home Schooling booklet. ROUNDALAB is evaluating ways to work with other organizations to promote the SID activity.  The IAGSDC are conducting a gay callers teaching course and developing a program to help new clubs get started.  The Lloyd Shaw Foundation has a tremendous collection of records and historical material available dealing with the many facets of the SD Activity.  They've put together several kits to help teach SD in schools.  Visitors are always welcome at their Archival & Dance Center .... as well as at the SID Foundation of New England.  The Denver area of Colorado is working on teaching tapes and has an active marketing program underway.
     Callerlab's Chairman talked about the Phoenix Plan, the ARTS and the Foundation.  Although still in the planning stages, the major organizations have expressed their interest and their support of the concept.  The hardest part is going to be to communicate all that is happening down to the average dancer.
     The Legacy Co-Chairman, Wendy VanderMeulen, then mentioned that the LEGACY trustees after much thought have decided their organization has accomplished what its founders set out to do in 1973 ... which was to assist other organizations covering the many facets within the Activity get established and grow.  Legacy has also achieved other goals since it began, but feels it is now time to cease operations.  The next growth phase of all these organizations is to work toqether for the betterment of the Activity.  Legacy feels the ARTS Program offers this opportunity as its membership is expected to be made up of representatives from the many facets within the Activity.  Legacy encourages all organizations to lend their support to this effort.
     The Summit meeting ended with a special presentation of the Legacy Heritage Award.  Bob & Dottie Elgin and Doc & Peg Tirrell were honored for their outstanding contributions and distinguished service to the Square Dance Activity.

---

The Square Dance Leadership, Heritage
and Communication Resource Center
www.legacyonline.org info@legacyonline.org

LEGACY International, P.O. Box 37, Lower Waterford, VT, USA 05848-0037 Tel: 802-748-8538

     LEGACY, The International Assembly of Trustees of the Square Dance Activity, was founded in 1973 as a non-profit international service leadership organization.  It's main mission was to develop better communication among the many facets within the Square Dance Activity.  At that time there was a National SD Convention Committee, various state, caller & cuer organizations, 3 major square dance publications .... but there was very little communication between the various groups or facets.

     During the past 30 years ...........
•  Legacy created the environment from which Callerlab grew.
• The National Association of Square & Round Dance Suppliers was formed at Legacy in '75.
• ROUNDALAB, the International Ass'n of RD Teachers, was conceived at Legacy in '77.
• Mini-legacy, or leadership programs, many using the Legacy Leadership Manual, have helped teach leadership in the US & Canada.
• Members worked with National Folk Dance Committee when Square Dance was declared the US National Folk Dance in 1982-3. A committee has worked diligently ever since to have Square Dance declared the National Square Dance in perpetuity. This committee also spearheaded the successful campaign to get 32 US states to declare Square Dance their official state folk dance.
• Members conducted daily Leadership and Public Relations seminars at 19 National Square Dance Conventions,
• 9 biennial surveys were conducted in the US and Canada on attitudes, desires, dress, club membership, demographic analysis of dancers, census and longevity of dancers, drops outs, etc. Results and comments were carefully noted and this information carefully shared worldwide.
• Legacy sponsored and promoted September as Square Dance Month for many years.
• A Square Dance hot line was maintained for handling trouble spots within the activity.
• An annual Promo Pac for recruiting was created with many helpful hints and always included a new poster and possible theme.
• In 1998 a campaign to stress "Dancing for the Health of It" was begun. Soon the theme was expanded to include "Dancing for Fun & Fitness".
• Beginning in 1986, annual SUMMIT Meetings were held at the NSDC for representatives from all facets of the Square Dance Activity to have an opportunity to interface with each other.

City entrance signs will be available from Bernie Coulthurst PO Box 766, Plover, WI  54467-0766   The price is approx. $25.00 USD and includes shipping.

What Do You Expect From Your Club Officers?