Krewes of Femme Fatale & Carrolton

It was sunny and in the upper 70’s for Sundays parades. Another perfect day for parades – 4 of them! Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale debuted in 2015. Founded entirely by African-American women, membership is open to women of all colors and creeds and the signature throw, a mirrored compact, symbolizes both inward and outward reflection. My fellow Pussyfooters were included in the lineup so I wore my Pussyfooters t-shirt in celebration. Other adult parade groups were the Original Treme Baby Dolls, Skinz N Bonez, fabulous divas on Batman-like motorcycles, goddess warriors called The Amazons and the Black Storyville Baby Dolls. Though the Pussyfooters were the first adult dance krewe of the modern era, they drew their inspiration from the original Baby Dolls who paraded at the turn of the century so it was wonderful to see 2 Baby Doll krewes in the mix.

All of the female krewes celebrate women but Femme Fatale reflects and highlights many cultures of women. One float carried mothers of pro basketball players in town for the NBA All-Stars activities and another held nuns from the Sisters of the Holy Family – celebrating 175 years. There was even a marching group for One Billion Rising, a mass action to end violence against women.

Young women were also celebrated in the many dance academies represented including Passion Dance Center, G.B. Twirling Dolls, Centre Stage, Exquisite Starlettes Dance Academy, Art in Motion Dance Academy, Precious Jewels Performance Squad, Diamond Beauties, Imani Dance Academy, Divas Dolls, Chosen Vessels Dance & Performing Arts Co. and Dancing Diamonds.

School marching bands featured were the “Human Jukebox” of Southern University, St. Augustine High School, Carmouche Performing Arts Academy, Saint Katharine Drexel Prep, McDonogh 35, Landry-Walker High School, St. Mary’s Academy, Helen Cox High School, Pierre A. Capdau Charter School, ReNEW Cultural Arts Academy, Alice M. Harte Charter School, Kipp Central City Academy, James M. Singleton Charter School and Samuel J. Green Charter School. (PHOTOS of all mentioned groups below)

Between parades, I’m always delighted to watch all the children playing in the littered street. Kids form small teams and play football or frisbee. Some create jump ropes from beads and others amuse themselves with a plastic sword or some other treasure caught form a float. I’ve taken it for granted that none of them play with phones. This year, it struck me how much I love watching children actually play, make fast friends and dare to get dirty.

Krewe of Carrolton began with the Gold Dusters Dance Team and crowd favorites, the 610 Stompers. Other parade groups included Krewe of the Rolling Elvi and the NOLA Showgirls in their sequins and pretty plumes.

Schools featured were Christian Brothers School, Dolores T. Aaron Academy, Mount Carmel Academy, Cohen College Prep, Kipp Leadership Academy and S.B. Wright Charter School.

Next up – Krewes of King Arthur and Alla.

Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale

Krewe of Carrolton begins