Founded in 2001, it’s safe to say the Pussyfooters led the way for the boom in women’s (and men’s) dance groups in New Orleans. But the ladies are quick to point out they were not the first—they got their inspiration from the original women of New Orleans unique parading and second-line culture known as The Babydolls.

 

The Pussyfooters were born when founder Camille Baldassar was watching one of her first Mardi Gras parades, and she fell in love with the effervescent girls in the high school dance troupes. She was about 37 years old and thought, “I want to do that!” She began asking around, and with the help of a few women, they called a meeting, held practices, contacted the Krewe of Muses, and made costumes. The rest is “Herstory.”

 

Our members reflect the city we represent and are diverse in all senses of the word. Before we lace up our white Doc Marten boots and hit the streets as the pink glittery army, we represent a variety of professions, body types, ethnicities and ages. The Pussyfooters are doctors, teachers, attorneys, artists, engineers, scientists, writers, accountants, entrepreneurs, mothers, aunties, sisters, wives, grandmothers and oh so much more. Our sisterhood is 100+ members strong.