Why You Should Join a Mardi Gras Dance Troupe STAT!

Mardi Gras Dance TroupeI never in a million years thought I would find myself dancing in a tutu and fish net stockings in front of hundreds of people in  Mardi Gras parades. I am pretty conservative and very self-conscious, but in 2011 when an old high school friend asked me to join her in a newly formed dance troupe, I jumped at the opportunity. I was going through a divorce, had a small child and needed an outlet.

I received so much more than an outlet. I found myself joining a group of very diverse women who shared a passion for dance – teachers, doctors, writers, lawyers, gay, straight, single and married. The women were various ages, sizes and shapes. All of them had a profound effect on my life.

Female bonding

The dance group would get together one night of week to practice. Shortly after arriving to practice, I would realize that I needed these practices both physically and emotionally. All of the practices started with conversations about what was happening in each other’s lives. Through the years, we shared so many life experiences together … births, miscarriages, marriages, breakups. We became like a family. Dancing with other women created a remarkable bond that I had no idea could exist. The fun costumes, health benefits and excuse to put glitter on EVERYTHING were just icing on the cake.

So many other benefits too

I say all of this to encourage anyone thinking of joining a Mardi Gras dance group, to do so. It is so much more than just dancing in parades. The support and camaraderie that forms when you join these groups is invaluable and will make an indelible mark on your life. Also, many dance troupes raise money to benefit various local non-profits.

Yes, it is August

While Mardi Gras is months and months away from now, dance troupes hold auditions at various points throughout the year. If you hear of an upcoming audition, I suggest that you check it out. Most, if not all, of the women auditioning are just as nervous as you are. You also do NOT have to be one of the most rhythmically talented women to join. I am by no means Misty Copeland. Attitude and desire to dance are often the most important factors in making a great troupe member.

While I have hung up my tutu, it was not without deep consideration and mixed emotion. I still to this day remain in contact with many of the women I met and consider them good friends. You also better believe I kept my tutu and will break it out on occasion when I need to feel like a rock star. Hope to see you on the route!

Do you belong to a dance troupe? Which one is your favorite?

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Simone
Simone was raised in New Orleans but has lived all over the U.S. She graduated from Newcomb College in 2003 and DePaul University College of Law in 2006. After law school, she moved to Atlanta and then decided to move back to New Orleans to raise her daughter Madison in 2009. She is admitted to practice law in Georgia and Louisiana. Simone serves on the Louisiana State Bar Association’s House of Delegates and is a former member of the Board of Directors for the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity. Simone enjoys planning fun adventures with her daughter, trying new restaurants and dancing with the NOLA Cherry Bombs. She plans on writing about a variety of topics, including raising a biracial daughter in the deep south and co-parenting.

12 COMMENTS

  1. I always wanted to join a dance team, I’m one of those people that no matter how long I practiced, would freeze up at an audition or performance – but I dance great by myself 😀 It’s great that you did this!

    • Thanks for the feedback Rachel!! We are going to have to have a dance off during the next maas Halloween party. 🙂

  2. Totally on my bucket list to do this!!! I’m waiting until the kids get older. I lack coordination but sure love to pretend I can dance. :p

  3. I am 55 and have been wanting to join a group for the past couple of years , but most you have to be picked to join . Where should I start ?

    • Hi Kim! I would pay attention to the dance groups when you go to the parades this year, and like them on Facebook so you can see what they are about and when they hold auditions. Perhaps go to some of their events to get to know some of the ladies. Most if not all of the groups have a website with information about them. Please keep me posted and good luck!

  4. Joining NOLA Chorus Girls was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. There’s no auditions. All are welcome – any age, body shape, or ability. These women are supportive of each other and help with learning routines, makeup and hair techniques. I’ve never been part of such a great group of ladies!

  5. The Muff-A-Lotta’s are amazing. It was the best decision I made. Any age, shape, size and co-ordination are welcome?.They are an amazing supportive group of women but really its a sisterhood, full of laughs, glitter and lots shimmies. I love my Muffy sisters ???

  6. I became a Mande Milkshaker this past August and I absolutely LOVE it! I am having an absolute blast making new friends, raising money for our charity partner and dancing my heart out!

  7. The Baton Rouge BeignYAYS dance troupe has the most amazing women if which I am beyond excited to be included. We have the best time together! Love them all so much!

  8. I always wanted to join a ladies dance group please let me know where try outs are so I can try out I know I can do it and I’m very out going person im a dog and cat groomer

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