Can you handle it?
Handlers Job Description:
-
To be of service to all Pussyfooters (Pfooter) and fellow Handlers, equally and respectfully.
-
To uphold the Pussyfooters’ mission to support and empower women through public persona and dance. Our organization strives to be inclusive, honor our imperfections out of love and nonjudgment, and provide a safe space for our members to express themselves through dance and service while making lasting friendships.
-
Handlers are expected to behave in a way that supports the values and mission of our organization.
-
Must be able to walk at least 2-4 miles (standing 1-4 hours) for shorter parades and 5-8 miles (standing 3-5 hours) for longer parades while carrying a backpack weighing approx. 3-7 lbs.
​
Duties and Requirements
-
Crowd control during parades and events.
-
Must be able to handle/push parade crowds professionally and respectfully.
-
Move along men and women who want to touch or dance with any Pfooter, unless they are acknowledged by said Pfooter or it is a freestyle dance when Pfooters welcome in the crowd.
-
Please be sure there are an equal amount of Handlers on both sides of the group.
-
Please do not get in the way of a Pfooter while dancing.
-
-
Distribute water and hold personal items for Pussyfooters on the parade route and at events.
-
Must take a shift at raking beads in front of the group. NO ONE IS EXCLUDED.
-
Must be conscious of and signal to Pfooters and other Handlers of beads, potholes, horse manure and any other obstructions on/in the street so no one falls or injures themselves.
-
Must attend at least one training orientation session prior to handling Mardi Gras parades.
Uniform
-
Cool/Cold months (Oct-March): minimum requirement is black pants, black jacket, white, pink, or orange button up or tux shirt, and sash. Pink, Black and Orange Tuxedos are also welcome. You are to look fun, nice, and presentable.
-
Warm/Hot months (April-Aug) minimum requirement is black or white shorts, and a white, pink, black or orange short sleeve shirt and sash. Ladies may wear a skirt in the same colors, but nothing over the top or too short.
-
Sashes must be worn around the shoulder/chest and not around the waist, head, etc.
-
No jeans or tutus. Women can wear a waist cincher/corset over a shirt only. Freestyle costuming around uniform is highly encouraged.
-
You must wear an average-sized to large backpack or bag (preferably black or pink) for storing water and personal items.