Krewe of Iduna News

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, Karma from New Orleans entertained the Krewe and guests with live music ranging from pop, oldies, blues, funk and soul.

Iduna Put a Spell on You!

The ladies of Krewe of Iduna were up to a bewitchingly good time for the 62nd annual Mardi Gras Ball on January 21 at the Raising Cane’s River Center Exhibition Hall.

Ball Captain Cindy Lege Dolan presided over the evening’s events, with the theme “Iduna Put a Spell on You.” Cindy is the mother of Kelsey, Ethan, and Mason and the grandmother of Declan and Louis Dolan, both serving as Pages. Her son Mason served as a Page and an Esquire in previous Iduna Carnival Balls. A native of New Orleans, Cindy graduated from the University of New Orleans and is a Certified Public Accountant working in the healthcare industry. She is the daughter of the late Howard Lege, Sr. and Barbara Goodwin Lege.

Also reigning over the festivities were King Bragi LXII Ross Jameson Ford and Queen Iduna LXII Madison Elizabeth Delacroix. Ross is the son of James Ross (King 2010) and Camilla Ford (Ball Captain 2005). Madison is the daughter of Denise (member and long time Ladies 1 dancer) and Mille Delacroix, III (King Bragi 2011) . She previously served as a Page (2005) and Maid (2016).

Attending the Court were Ladies-in-Waiting Olivia Ann Blanchard, daughter of Debbie and Trent Blanchard, and Evangeline Kate Looper, daughter of Dr. Jayme Looper and Eric Granrud.

Esquires to the Court were Anthony Ross Albarado and Jackson Lawrence Albarado, sons of Shelley and Adam Albarado.

Pages to the king were Declan Jude Dolan, son of Kelsey and James Hurst, Louis Michael Dolan, son of Jade and Ethan Dolan, and Landon Robichaux, son of Kristin and Shaffer Michael Robichaux.

Attending the queen were Pages Claire Louise and Natalie Marie Alch, daughters of Danielle and Michael Alch, and Lucy Ann Cheek, daughter of Amy and Jason Cheek.

The maids were presented to members and guests, representing legendary witches from history, literature, movies and television.

Leslie Claire Burks, daughter of Dr. Elisabeth Austin, stepfather Michael Austin, and father Todd Burks, portrayed the fire witch Melisandre from the Game of Thrones. Her stepfather served as her duke and escort.

Madison Claire Calandro, daughter of Kelley Lachney and Stephen Calandro, portrayed the fabulous New Orleans voodoo priestess Marie Laveau.  Her father served as her duke and escort.

Portraying Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch of Marvel fame, was Caydi Marie Caraccioli. She is the daughter of Nicole Sirney and Lance Caraccioli. Her father served as her duke and escort. Lance is the son of member Rhonda Caraccioli (Ball Captain 2011).

Grace Lindley Chustz, daughter of John and Laura Brumfield Jones, was stunning in a portrayal of fairy enchantress Morgan La Faye. Her father John served as her duke and escort.

Nadia Renee Labauve was captivating in her portrayal of Maleficent. Nadia is the daughter of Jennifer Woolf Labauve (Maid 1996 and Queen 2001) and Carey Labauve, and the granddaughter of Thomas “Jeff” Woolf (King 2020) and Bonnie Bailey Woolf.  Her father served as her duke and escort.

Emma Rose Leger was stunning as Medusa. She is the daughter of Jessica Rosendahl Leger (Queen 2000, Ball Captain 2021) and David Leger. Her grandparents include Martha Miller Rosendahl (Ball Captain 1996) and Larry Rosendahl (King 1994). Her father served as her duke and escort.

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 “Thriller” and Ladies II danced to “Very Superstitious”. Couples of the Krewe danced to “Marie Laveau”.

Costumes and headpieces for the Ball Captain and Royal Court were designed by Krewe member and previous Ball Captain (2005) Camilla Ford of Gabriella Rothschilds. Costume and headpiece execution was by D&D Creations of Kenner, LA and Camilla Ford. Camilla also designed the royal crowns. Court handpieces and accessories were executed by Camilla Ford and Kathi Elnaggar. Krewe costumes were executed by Susan Lindrew.

Following the Tableau, the Tip Tops from Mobile, Alabama entertained the Krewe and guests with live music ranging from pop, oldies, blues, funk and soul.

Photos by Layne Photography.

Who Dunnit: An Iduna Mystery

Krewe of Iduna Presents 2022 Carnival Ball

Have you heard talk of the stolen diamond? Guests were part of solving a carnival mystery Saturday night, as the Krewe of Iduna held its 61st annual Mardi Gras Ball on February 12 at the Raising Cane’s River Center Exhibition Hall. 

Only guests who revealed a secret code, shown on their admit card, were allowed entry through a phone booth which brought them to the secret ball. Couples of the Krewe opened the tableau with a dance performance that got the party started. Not long after, it was discovered that the iconic Iduna diamond had been stolen from it’s prominent display near the stage! 

Ball Captain Jessica Rosendahl Leger presided over the evening’s events, with the theme “Who Dunnit? An Iduna Mystery.” Her gorgeous royal blue satin dress featured sparkling panels of purple, green, yellow, white, red, and blue - acknowledging her six maids. Her stunning backpiece also showcased a fanned display of the colors representing her maids, adorned with white feathers. Jessica is the wife of David Leger and the mother of Emma and Lane. She’s the daughter of Larry and Martha Rosendahl. Her mother served as Ball Captain in 1996 and her father reigned in 1994 as King Bragi XXXV.  Larry has also served as the emcee for most of the Iduna Mardi Gras balls in the past and reprised that role for his daughter’s ball, introducing the Royal Court and the ladies of the Krewe, as well as guiding the guests to work together to figure out who stole the diamond. Jessica is the first in the Krewe of Iduna’s history to serve as page, maid, queen, and now Ball Captain.

Reigning over the festivities were King Bragi LXI Thomas Joseph Menke, husband of member Ashlee Menke, and Queen Iduna LXI Sydney Paige Machen, daughter of Jennifer Bernard Machen and Michael Machen. Together, King Bragi and Queen Iduna represented the ultimate crime-solving duo: Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, respectively.

Pages to the king were Samuel Andrew Hursey, son of Andrew and Denise Hursey, and Emerson James Ford, son of Ross and Britney Ford. 

Attending the queen were pages Stella Elizabeth Clouatre, daughter of Justin and Melanie Clouatre, and Laikyn Renee Gwatney, daughter of Jon Gwatney and Megan Gwatney.

The maids were presented to members and guests, representing characters from the classic board game, “Clue.” Each maid’s backpiece contained a clue for the guests to use to solve the mystery and recover the diamond. 

Elizabeth Lea White, daughter of Edwin and Lisa White, portrayed Miss White, with a jacketed silver and white gown, trimmed with white feathers galore! Her backpiece had tap shoes, lipstick and a makeup compact.  Her father served as her duke and escort.

Abigail Guedry Snyder, daughter of Jack and Gretchen Snyder, portrayed Professor Plum. Her gown was purely plum-perfect with twinkles of purples. Her backpiece displayed nods to her character: a history book, a professor’s eyeglasses, and an apple. Her father served as her duke and escort.

In a vibrant yellow glistening gown, wearing a backpiece that contained a nod to the Krewe’s favorite school, (LSU) , Laura Maryn Elnaggar, daughter of Sharif Elnaggar and Allison Ardoin Elnaggar, portrayed Colonel Mustard. Wyatt James Jones served as her duke and escort. Wyatt is the son of Mickey Jones and Jennifer Layne.

Mia Burtch-Mince, daughter of Jeremy Mince and Jennifer Burtch, portrayed Ms. Green. Her gown glistened in a bright shade of green and her backpiece displayed an icon representing a fictional “Bank of Iduna”. Mia’s brother, Patrick Brunell, served as her duke and escort.

Dressed in riveting red with elements of black and gold, Sarah Elizabeth Lindrew, daughter of Todd and Susan Lindrew, portrayed Miss Scarlett. Sarah’s backpiece featured a photographer’s camera and a red and white polka dot bow.  Her father served as her duke and escort.

Feathered in sparkling blues and greens, Madelynn Nicole Johnston, daughter of E.J. and Emily Johnston, portrayed Miss Peacock. Perhaps the highlight of her costume was her backpiece, featuring a dazzling peacock, adorned with jewels. Her grandfather, Mr. Beryl A. Stepp Jr., served as her duke and escort.

In addition to the opening performance by the Couples of the Krewe, guests were also treated to dance performances by other members of the Krewe. Ladies 1 and Ladies II performed together for the first time in Krewe of Iduna history in a production number portraying a “cat and mouse” game between robbers and law enforcement. Ladies III members, dressed as detectives, “interrogated” suspicious guests throughout the tableau. The past Iduna Queens performed together, another first in Krewe history, portraying characters from Scooby Doo, as they chipped in to help solve the mystery of the missing diamond. 

Costumes and backpieces for the Ball Captain and Royal Court were designed by Carol Guion. Costume execution was done by Carol Guion, Martha Rosendahl and Alice Bahlinger. Backpieces for the Ball Captain and Maids were constructed by Beryl “Bo” and Patty Stepp.

Combining the clues obtained from the maid’s backpieces with the information gathered from the Ladies of the Krewe, guests were able to return the diamond to its prominent place near the stage and named Sonia Hurst (Ball Captain 2004) and her husband, Eddie Hurst, (King Bragi MMV) as the culprits!  

The evening was full of fun and excitement as guests celebrated solving the mystery and they danced into the night to the music performed by the band “After 8.”

Krewe of Iduna Welcomes New Members

Krewe of Iduna Fall Cocktail Party

Krewe of Iduna Celebrates Royal Pages

On Saturday, December 18, 2021, Krewe of Iduna board member Cindy Dolan hosted a winter celebration for the royal pages to the king and queen of the 2022 Carnival Ball: Miss Stella Elizabeth Clouatre, Miss Laikyn Renee Gwatney, Mr. Emerson James Ford, and Mr. Samuel Andrew Hursey. The children enjoyed delicious holiday treats and even a visit from Santa himself! Also in attendance to celebrate the pages were 2022 Ball Captain Jessica Leger, her Royal Highness Queen Iduna LXI Miss Sydney Paige Machen, and his Royal Highness King Bragi LXI Mr. Thomas Joseph Menke.