TAMMANY TWIRLER HISTORY
by Pete Lumley

     The Tammany Twirlers Square and Round Dance Club was formed in 1962 in Slidell, Louisiana and quickly grew to over 100 members. Their first festival was held in 1963 at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium with a live square dance band,  four callers from two states, and a  round dance program. This tradition has continued for the past 42 years.  Hundreds of dancers from several states attend the festivals each year to enjoy the friendship, fellowship, and dancing provided by this annual event. The Twirlers brought big time square dancing to Slidell with monthly dances with nationally recognized square dance callers.

      In 1990 the Tammany Twirlers purchased nine acres of property on Home Estate Drive in Slidell . The property had three large separate  manufacturing-related buildings on it. These buildings were moved together and renovated by club members into one of the finest square dance facilities in the state. The work was finished in 1994 and is now the home and dancing facility of the Tammany Twirlers.

      The regular dance night of the club is Saturday night with alternating square and round dance tips. During the months of September through May the club has a "Dance of the Month" with a nationally-recognized caller and cuer, usually from out of state. In addition to the regular Saturday night, our members enjoy dancing other nights of the week:   Tuesday night is round dance night. Round dance classes are held on Sunday afternoon from 2:30 to 4:30pm.   Wednesday night is square dance night.  In the summer we have fun dances/workshops which provide fun and fellowship and improve the level of dancing. In the winter classes are held from October to May each year where we introduce new students to square dancing and develop the skills to square dance at a high level.  On Friday night we have  A1 and Dancing by Definition (DBD) workshops. 

     Square dancing is the official state country dance in Louisiana and many other states.   Square dancing and round dancing is worldwide and the calls are always given in English regardless of the language of the country. So when you travel abroad, look for a club - enjoy dancing the world over.