Ever wondered how the Coast’s spectacular Mardi Gras balls come together? Long before the evenings of glitz and glamour, krewes are busy arranging everything from attire to dance routines. Here’s what happens prior to the pageantry.
Mardi Gras ball night is not just a single day of celebration. An entire year of planning and preparation go into the big event.
GETTING STARTED
Most krewes have a captain and a group of officers who select a ball theme, costumes and music for the upcoming carnival season. Some krewes start in the spring with a new member party, where they invite people to join. At this time, a group leader is chosen and groups are formed. The group leader is the liaison who works closely with the officers to relay messages, etc., to the groups.
During a summer reveal party, each group receives dance music and costume design from the officers. Most krewes keep the court secret, which includes maids, dukes, the king and queen, as well as the individual group costumes and music. On ball night, the captain and her officers see the vision they have been working on for months come together.
FALLING INTO PLACE
Starting in the fall, group leaders begin lining up choreographers, seamstresses and a place for practices, which typically happen once a week — or twice closer to ball time. All the krewe members are getting excited, and piece by piece, things come together.
Rehearsal is typically a week or a few days prior to ball night. This is always fun, as the groups get to see the dance routines their peers have worked hard to perfect.
BALL NIGHT
It’s showtime! Lots of effort has gone into making this a fun, entertaining event. Dramatic makeup, gorgeous costumes and themed décor make the evening feel special. The groups are ready to perform their dances for the audience. Everyone is eager to see the beautiful court and who is part of it. Once the tableau is read to announce the theme of the ball, followed by the group dances, then the court is revealed and the party starts with lots of fun, festive fellowship.
Ratcliff is a marketing strategist for Gulf Coast Woman and has been an active member of Les Belle Fleurs Mardi Gras krewe for 15 years. She was the krewe’s 2013 captain and is a current board member