New Orleans-based arts education non-profit KID smART is inviting revelers of all ages to explore the music, movement, and visuals that bring Mardi Gras to life with a series of interactive, virtual events beginning January 12, 2021. Students, families, and educators are invited to join via Zoom each Tuesday between January 12 and February 9 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. CST. Participants will learn from Carnival experts and culture bearers representing New Orleans’ most acclaimed krewes and will then be led by artists to create all the elements of their own krewe.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans will look a little different this year. Our favorite walking, dancing, marching, and rolling parades will be missed, but the opportunity to make Mardi Gras magic lives on. The Krewe of You series allows all to celebrate Mardi Gras safely while learning about the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans Carnival. Each lesson and activity led by KID smART Teaching Artists will focus on a particular aspect of Mardi Gras krewes. Carnival culture bearers will give their perspective on the importance of each element and tradition.
In each of the five sessions, Carnival experts will teach you how to create the different aspects of your Mardi Gras Krewe. You’ll design your krewe doubloons with the Krewe of Rex & Krewe of Muses. The Krewe of King Arthur will help you build your krewe’s floats. Learn from the Camel Toe Lady Steppers about how to choreograph your krewe’s dance routines. Craft your krewe’s costume pieces with the Krewe of Red Beans. And learn from New Orleans teachers Kevyn “Wndrby” Miller and Erin Doherty.
Activity Schedule
- Tuesday, January 12 – Throws: Design Your Krewe Doubloons, Krewe of Rex & Krewe of Muses
- Tuesday, January 19 – Music: Create your Krewe’s Song and Rhythm, Gregory Davis of Dirty Dozen Brass Band
- Tuesday, January 26 – Floats: Build Your Krewe’s Floats, Krewe of King Arthur
- Tuesday, February 2 – Dance: Choreograph Your Krewe’s Dance, Camel Toe Lady Steppers
- Tuesday, February 9 – Costumes: Craft your Krewe’s Masks, Krewe of Red Beans
Sign up for one or attend all five sessions. Registration is pay-what-you-can and all donations will go toward KID smART arts education programs in New Orleans public schools. For more information, click here.
