Starlettes team up with Femme Fatale for Mardi Gras 2023

March 15, 2023

By Cristen Tolbert, Staff Writer

Xavier’s Golden Starlettes made their Mardi Gras debut in the Mysterious Krewe of Femme Fatale parade on Feb. 12. “Laissez les bon temps rouler” which means “Let the good times roll” was shouted as the crowd cheered from Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street to St. Charles Avenue following the Uptown route. The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale was founded in 2013 and was created to support and promote women of all backgrounds as well as to provide a creative, community-building outlet.

The Golden Starlettes, Xavier’s all-female majorette group marched proudly and confidently during the parade, followed closely by the Golden Sound, Xavier’s marching band.

“The feeling is truly indescribable,” said Breanna Bailey, the head coach of the Golden Starlettes. “We are so proud to be able to bring attention and highlight that Xavier has so much talent, both in and outside of the classroom,” Bailey said.

The dancers’ dedication paid off as they provided a thrilling performance throughout one of the parade’s most exciting segments.

“These student-dancers have dreamed and worked so hard for this moment and to finally see it all come into fruition is the best feeling in the world. They are so deserving of this moment,” Bailey added.

Mardi Gras season in New Orleans spans a three-month period of the year in which the streets come alive with music, art, and costumed revelers, kicking off the Spring festival season. Xavier’s teams are often part of the musical and performance traditions of the city and now the Starlettes will join that legacy.

“Being a part of such a historical moment made me feel so full of gratitude and proud to attend this illustrious HBCU,” said Katherine Steward, a New Orleans native and captain of the Golden Starlettes. “Exciting moment was performing under the bridge during the parade. The energy was greatly overwhelming and we felt the love from everyone watching,” Steward said.

Months in advance, a great deal of effort and preparation went into the parade’s organization. Student-dancers seized the chance to represent and perform. The opportunity for Xavier students Golden Starlettes understood they had to bring their A-game since they had the opportunity to be a part of something well-known and admired in New Orleans, Steward shared.

“We practiced 4 days every week, up until the week of the parade we practiced 3 to 3 and a half hours a day,” Steward added.

The team members said they felt it was fantastic to receive the visibility and recognition in the community joining forces with krewes at major events.

“So all-in-all I was really proud watching the band and dance team get to be in our first Mardi Gras parade, and I was especially happy because I got to be a part of that,” said Kaila Howard, a member of Xavier’s marching band, who is from Orlando, Fla.