Krewe of Iduna 2024 Carnival Ball
(Baton Rouge, LA) - The ladies of Krewe of Iduna had a magical night where Cuban culture came alive for the 63rd annual Mardi Gras Ball on January 27th at the Raising Cane’s River Center Exhibition Hall.
Ball Captain Dr. Jennifer Ann Burtch presided over the evening’s events with the theme “Havana Nights.” Jennifer is a second generation Cuban-American, and she shared her family's culture through colorful costumes, entertaining dancing, and lively music. Jennifer is the mother of Mia Grace and Patrick who served as Maid and Duke in 2022. She holds a Masters degree in Nursing with a concentration in adult Nurse practitioner from Southeastern Louisiana University, a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and a Master of Business with a concentration in Health serving as the Director of Hospital Medicine Advanced Practice Providers. She is the daughter of the late Mercedes Marie Martinez Burtch and the late William Joseph Burtch.
Also reigning over the festivities were King Bragi LXIII Gary Wayne Krouse and Queen Iduna LXIII Camille Elizabeth “Mimi” Gianfala. Gary is the husband of Past Ball Captain (2015) Becky Krouse. Mimi is the daughter of krewe member Jodi Gianfala and husband Todd Gianfala.
Attending the Court were Ladies-in-Waiting Olivia Rose Clouatre, daughter of Justin and Melanie Woolf Clouatre; Sadie Marie Menke daughter of Past Ball Captain (2019) Ashlee and King (2022) T.J.; Lilly Marie LaBauve daughter of Karey and Jennifer Woolf LaBauve.
Esquires to the Court were Cohen Michael Mahan, son of Kolin and Caleb Mahan, Jaxton Carlos Menke, son of Ashlee and T.J. Menke, and Kutter James Todd, son of Kim and stepfather Gus.
Pages to the king were Liam Brown Lyle, son of Preston and Julianne Krouse Lyle, and Conor Mason Mahan, son of Kolin and Caleb Mahen.
Attending the queen were Pages Caroline Mae Cheek, daughter of Amy and Jason Cheek, and Charlotte Jewel Jones, daughter of Gary and Mickie Jones.
The maids were presented to members and guests, representing various aspects of Cuban culture.
Charlee Mae Blanchard, daughter of Charles Bretton Blanchard, portrayed Tropicana. Her father served as her duke and escort.
Julia Marie Elnaggar, daughter of Allison Ardoin Elnaggar and Sharif J. Elnaggar, portrayed Miami. Her cousin, Jacob Hameed Elnaggar, served as her duke and escort.
Portraying Cuban Culture was Kahlan Marie Francis. She is the daughter of Anne Raggio and Chris Francis. Her cousin served as her duke and escort. Michael Joseph Raggio, II is the son of Dr. Michael Joseph Raggio and member Tabitha Franklin Raggio.
Barbara Jane Hopkins, daughter of Lori Foy Hopkins and the late Bruce Hopkins, was stunning in a portrayal of Havana Spirits. Her duke and escort was Ernest Michael Foy, son of Betty Foy and the late E. W. Foy.
Shelly Lynn Johnston was captivating in her portrayal of Havana Golden Years. Shelly is the daughter of Emily Stepp Johnston (Queen 2003) and Earl Johnston. Her grandfather, Beryl “Bo” Anderson Stepp served as her duke and escort.
Clare Elizabeth Poche was stunning as Musica Cubana. She is the daughter of Kelly Whitaker Rome, stepfather Neil Rome and father Scott Poche. Her duke and escort was Justin William Schleis, Junior, son of Rani Artigues and Justin William Schleis.
In addition to the opening performance by the Ladies of the Krewe, guests were also treated to dance performances by other members of the Krewe. Ladies 1 performed to “Fireball” and Ladies II danced to “Copacabana”. Couples of the Krewe danced to “Cuban Pete”.
Costumes for the Ball Captain and Royal Court were designed by Krewe member and previous Ball Captain (2005) Camilla Ford of Gabriella Rothschilds. Costume execution was by D&D Creations of Kenner, LA. Dynasty designed the royal crowns. Court handpieces and accessories were executed by Camilla Ford and Kathi Elnaggar. Krewe costumes were executed by Beth Browder.
Following the Tableau, New Orleans band, "Karma", entertained the Krewe and guests with live music ranging from pop, oldies, blues, to funk and soul.
Photos by Layne Photography.