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From Complaints to Collaboration ONE SQUARE AT A TIME
by Joshua Routh
My Talk at CALLERLAB 50
One of the best parts of being a speaker is the people. I’m constantly invited into fascinating subcultures—communities filled with passionate, dedicated folks doing deeply meaningful work that many outsiders never even hear about.
This week, I had the incredible privilege of speaking at CALLERLAB’s 50th International Conference in beautiful South Carolina. For those unfamiliar, CALLERLAB is the International Association of Square Dance Callers. Yes, square dance is still very much alive—and evolving in powerful and surprising ways.
And let me tell you… these folks can call, they can sing, and they can collaborate.
What I Was There To Do
My role was to deliver my keynote: “A Complaint Free World: From Complaints to Collaboration.” It's a talk designed to shift people from unproductive grumbling into creative, solution-focused dialogue. And in this particular moment, the message couldn’t have been more timely.
CALLERLAB is in the midst of some big conversations. They're working on a bold new proposal to standardize the global square dance community—streamlining terminology, removing barriers to entry, and making it easier for new dancers to learn and join in. It’s a necessary evolution if the tradition is to grow.
But, as with any change, there are passionate perspectives on both sides. Some members, often the more seasoned ones, want to preserve the art form exactly as it is. Others are pushing for progress—modernizing music, language, and practices to attract new generations.
My job? Help them talk to each other. Not over each other.
Letting Go of Complaints
At the start of the event, I unpacked 400 purple “Complaint Free World” bracelets, giving one to every attendee. These little bands are more than swag—they’re tools for change. Each time you catch yourself complaining, you switch the bracelet to the other wrist. The challenge? Go 21 consecutive days without a single complaint. It was a brilliant moment when the whole room of 400 callers held up their hands to show their bracelet in their wrist, committing to the 21 day challenge.
The challenge is even harder than it sounds. But the real magic is in what it teaches: awareness. Intention. Responsibility. All of which are essential for healthy collaboration, especially when navigating big change.
And that’s what this community is facing.
What Surprised Me
I’ll admit, I walked into this thinking “square dancing” was mostly small-town, American tradition stuff. I was wrong.
This was an international crowd—with callers from Japan, Germany, and across Europe. It turns out square dancing is thriving all over the world.
I also learned that some callers don’t just call the moves, they sing the music too. And while country tunes still have a strong presence, I heard everything from classic rock to rap being used in square dance sets. Yes, you read that right—rap!
Even more impressive, there’s a vibrant LGBTQ+ contingent within the community, proudly represented by the International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs. Inclusivity is not just a buzzword here—it’s a lived practice for many in this movement.
From Legacy to Legacy-Building
What I witnessed was a community standing at a crossroads. On one side is tradition. On the other, transformation.
But here’s the thing: It’s not an either/or. Preserving the past and welcoming the future aren’t mutually exclusive. The real opportunity lies in creating a living legacy—one that honors where we’ve been and makes space for who’s coming next.
That’s the spirit behind “Complaint Free.” Not ignoring problems. Not pretending everything’s fine. But learning how to address conflict with gratitude, respect, curiosity, and purpose.
And if this group of dancers, singers, and change-makers is any indication? The future of square dancing is in very good hands.
Thanks to CALLERLAB for having me, and to all the attendees who took the first step toward a complaint-free journey. Let’s keep moving from complaints to collaboration—one square at a time.
Keep Living To The Hilt!
-JR
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