What you’re about to read is a deep dive into how Marin County’s square-dancing scene stays vibrant and welcoming, thanks to the Tam Twirlers. Based in Marin, the group hosts weekly Wednesday dances at the Marin Rod and Gun Club and draws dancers from San Rafael, Mill Valley, Larkspur, and beyond.
This blog post explores the people, the calls, and the community spirit that keep this traditional American pastime alive. It’s a healthy mix of exercise, social connection, and a little mental gymnastics right here in the North Bay.
Discover hand-picked hotels and vacation homes tailored for every traveler. Skip booking fees and secure your dream stay today with real-time availability!
Browse Accommodations Now
Preserving a Marin County Tradition: The Tam Twirlers
Every Wednesday evening, the Tam Twirlers transform a quiet corner of Marin into a lively dance floor from 6:30 to 9 p.m., just a stone’s throw from San Anselmo and Corte Madera. The club’s steady pulse comes from Eric Henerlau, who’s served as caller for 32 years and guides dancers through standardized calls like “do-si-do” with clear timing and a stage presence that makes even first-timers grin.
From Novato up north to Fairfax and Tiburon along the southern hills, the routine gives Marin residents a sense of place. People who crave real, face-to-face connection keep coming back, week after week.
Board president Patrick Loftus-Sweetland rejoined square dancing in 2021 after spotting the club’s sign. He loves the low-pressure, friendly atmosphere that prioritizes fun over competition.
This Marin County tradition has endured through changing times. It offers a welcoming entry point for dancers of all experience levels and backgrounds—especially in a region where families in San Rafael and younger professionals in Sausalito want meaningful community activities.
Meet the Caller and the Club Leader
Eric Henerlau discovered square dancing in high school. Now he travels widely to call at festivals across the United States and internationally, including Germany, the Czech Republic, and Japan.
Square-dance calls are standardized worldwide, so someone can step onto a floor in Tiburon or San Rafael and dance with folks in Germany or Japan without missing a beat. Henerlau’s leadership works hand-in-hand with a culture of mentorship at the Tam Twirlers, where veterans gladly teach newcomers so everyone can succeed, whether you’re in Lafayette or Mill Valley.
Loftus-Sweetland’s return to the fold in 2021 really shows the club’s communal backbone. He points out the environment is intentionally low-stress and high-fun, a balance Marin County towns consistently value when deciding how to spend an evening in the North Bay’s outdoor spaces or after work along the 101 corridor.
The Magic of Square Dancing: Why It Works Here
The Tam Twirlers resonate across Marin because they’re both accessible and a little challenging. The standardized calls mean visitors from out of town can join a session and feel at home, even if English isn’t everyone’s first language.
The music is a lively mix—pop, reggae, classical, and, sure, a sprinkle of country—so there’s something for nearly everyone in places like San Rafael, Novato, and Fairfax. Henerlau calls square dancing a “chess game set to Madonna.”
It’s a playful way to frame the mental puzzle of following calls while enjoying the physical exercise that comes with rotating through squares and lines. The activity blends movement with strategy, creating a mental workout that’s as satisfying as a brisk walk along the Marin Headlands or a stroll in the green spaces around Ross and Kentfield.
Building Community, One Turn at a Time
Beyond the physical aspect, the Tam Twirlers offer a much-needed antidote to screen-driven leisure. The dances foster real, in-person laughter and connection—an essential antidote for an increasingly digital age in towns such as San Geronimo and Kentfield.
The camaraderie extends beyond the floor, with dancers sharing tips, stories, and a sense of pride in keeping a Marin County tradition alive for colleagues, neighbors, and visiting dancers from across the Bay Area.
Events on the Horizon and How to Join
Looking ahead, the Tam Twirlers have a bunch of fun events coming up. A Black Light Dance is set for Feb. 25.
Right after that, they’re hosting Pi Night on March 2. These themed evenings are open to families in Belvedere and singles from Larkspur—basically, anyone even a little curious about square dancing.
If you want details, check out tamtwirlers.org or just reach out to Eric Henerlau using the club’s email or phone number.
- They dance every Wednesday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Marin Rod and Gun Club.
- Everyone’s welcome, no matter your skill level—veteran members are usually happy to mentor newcomers.
- The calls are standardized, so you can dance in Marin or pretty much anywhere else and still fit right in.
- It’s a genuinely inclusive, community-first vibe, reaching from San Rafael all the way up to Novato.
- The music? Expect everything from pop and reggae to classical and a bit of light country—something for almost every taste.
Maybe you’re a longtime Marin County resident, or just swinging by from the East Bay. Either way, the Tam Twirlers open the door to a local tradition that’s honestly worth checking out.
Ever wondered what it’s like to move in sync with a roomful of people? Stop by the Marin Rod and Gun Club on a Wednesday and see how square dancing feels in Marin City and beyond.
Here is the source article for this story: Do-si-do Marin and Square Up with the Tam Twirlers
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
