Featured in

Est. 2005 – The Original Dance Company Behind the New Orleans Baby Doll Ladies

Our mission is to embody, encourage and expose Louisiana vernacular folk artistry throughout communities. The strategic skill of dance-production is our specialty. 

We are fully dedicated to the enhancement of the cultural arts landscape of Louisiana.

  New Orleans Society of Baby Doll Ladies

The Baby Doll Ladies are Presented by the New Orleans Society of Dance

Dance Production Services
Our team delivers world-class dance production services with precision and creativity. We specialize in New Orleans Mardi Gras dancers' recruitment, choreography coordination, talent acquisition, and casting. 

Whether for public para des or private stages, we bring professional excellence rooted in tradition to every event we produce. Experience seamless performance artistry with our expert production team.
Cultural Arts & Entertainment
The Company's signature Ensemble, The New Orleans BABY DOLL LADIES is a living Mardi Gras tradition (c.1912). 

Recognized internationally as a Southern masking, music, and Nola dance act, we provide custom, high-energy performances for both indoor and outdoor venues. Celebrate culture through immersive entertainment inspired by New Orleans dolls.
Outreach
Our outreach division nurtures emerging talent and preserves Louisiana’s endangered folk-arts legacy. We mentor young performers, amplify women’s creative voices, and promote historic doll-masking rituals. 

As stewards of Mardi Gras dolls tradition, we preserve cultural memory through education and performance, aligning with our role as official guardians of New Orleans Mardi Gras history.

What We Do

The New Orleans Society Of Dance Produces quality dance-acts, focusing in clandestine events and the art of set-production. Whether highlighting the best of New Orleans' doll-masking & dancing traditions or choreographing custom stage works, our dance-production company utilizes in house specialists and partner with other certified entities to deliver the best possible arrangement to suit your event needs.
  • Authentic Doll-Masking Acts that reflect real New Orleans dolls heritage
  • High-Impact Dance Performances for events of any scale
  • Cultural Preservation through artifact stewardship and live storytelling 
  • Youth Engagement via mentorships and school programs
  • Customized Nola Dance Shows tailored for themed events and parades
From soulful storytelling to high-energy Carnival performances, we embody the spirit of New Orleans baby doll ladies at every step.

Tradition in Motion

The New Orleans Baby Doll Ladies are more than performers — they are a living tradition. Reimagining a 100-year-old practice, our krewe blends the past with the present, telling stories through movement, masks, and music. Our costumes echo the boldness of the original Mardi Gras dolls, while our dance tells the story of liberation, beauty, and joy.

 

As proud New Orleans Mardi Gras dancers, we honor a lineage that has empowered generations of women. From Bourbon Street to the national stage, our presence is both celebratory and symbolic — a tribute to the artistry of Black women in Carnival history.

Performances Rooted in Purpose

The Baby Doll Ladies have captivated audiences at Jazz Fest, Essence Festival, and even the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. We collaborate with local schools, cultural institutions, and civic programs to spread the essence of New Orleans Mardi Gras history.

 

Whether in traditional parades or choreographed productions, our performances offer a unique fusion of theatrical spectacle and cultural depth — all led by the unmistakable flair of New Orleans.

 

We invite you to experience our magic, book us for your next event, or partner with us for a community program.

We are the New Orleans Baby Doll Ladies  | The Baby Doll Ladies | The Baby Dolls | New Orleans Society of Baby Doll Ladies | NOSD | Baby Doll Ladies | Original Babydoll | New Orleans Babydolls | Official New Orleans Babydolls | Creole Babydolls | Mardi Gras Babydolls | Dance New Orleans | New Orleans Doll Masking | New Orleans Jass | New Orleans Jazz | New Orleans Carnival Krewe | New Orleans Mardi Gras | New Orleans Cabaret



News

By Millisia White August 23, 2025
New Orleans has always been a city where performance is the pulse of the culture. Whether you’re suddenly engulfed in a secondline brass band procession, wandering down Bourbon Street or stumbling upon a street performance one thing is certain— dance and music are central to the New Orleans experience. But what happens when these traditions move from the streets into curated, high-end productions? That’s where custom dance production in New Orleans comes into play. Setting the Stage: Why Performance Matters in NOLA In a city where the bar for live entertainment is already sky-high, custom dance productions are the key to creating memorable moments that go beyond the expected. From conventions, galas and weddings to private mansion soirées and Mardi Gras masquerades, choreographed dance acts for bespoke events provide both spectacle and soul. At the forefront of this movement is the New Orleans Society of Dance , a performance production company blending history, costume, choreography, and cultural storytelling into every show. Whether for clandestine performances or large-scale productions, their work turns any venue into a stage. The Essence of Custom Dance Production with New Orleans Society of Dance What makes custom dance production with New Orleans Society of Dance unique isn’t just the skill of the dancers—it's the storytelling, the artistry, and the deep-rooted traditions that inspire its talent. A well-executed performance reflects the character of the production while tailoring the act to suit the mood and theme of the event or cinematic creation. What is a Custom Dance Production? Custom dance production refers to creating a bespoke performance tailored specifically to meet your goals. This may involve: • Thematic choreography • Music curation (live or pre-recorded) • Film or video treatments • Stage direction • Interactive elements with guests Each performance is carefully designed to match the tone, theme, and flow of your event or set production —bringing dynamic movement and storytelling to any celebration. Whether you're planning a product launch, music video, talent showcase or a masquerade ball, these performances become the focal point of your entertainment strategy. The Impact of New Orleans Society of Dance on Event Entertainment in New Orleans 1. Elevating Private Events When you invest in private event dance shows with the New Orleans Society of Dance, you're not just hiring dancers—you’re curating an experience. A custom performance transforms a simple venue into an immersive spectacle. Whether it’s an intimate anniversary party or a luxe rooftop birthday bash, the dance company’s choreographic works adds energy, elegance, and emotion. 2. Enhancing Corporate Branding Corporate events in New Orleans often aim to blend the city's flair with professional sophistication. A New Orleans performance production company like the New Orleans Society of Dance can infuse a brand’s messaging into dynamic, choreographed performances that speak volumes—without saying a word. 3. Cultural Authenticity New Orleans isn’t just another event destination. It’s a cultural powerhouse. Booking a custom dance production that celebrates local heritage—whether through doll-masking dance traditions , second-line styles, or Creole cabaret—adds authenticity and substance to any event. Explore the Production Services page to see how performances are crafted from concept to spotlight. Behind the Scenes: The NOSD Creation Process Creating a choreographed dance act for an event isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It’s a collaboration between producers, choreographers, stylists, musicians, and lighting experts. Here’s what typically happens: Step 1: Concept Development The team consults with the client to understand the event’s theme, venue, and audience. Is this a romantic celebration or a high-energy product launch? That vision sets the tone. Step 2: Choreographic Direction Once the theme is defined, a company choreographer designs a routine that fits the setting or video treatment and message. From contemporary to Afro-Caribbean and jazz-fusion, the style is matched to the experience. Step 3: Wardrobe and Set Styling Costumes are more than decoration—they’re a part of the story. In-House Designers craft visuals that enhance the movement, often inspired by New Orleans traditions or event-specific motifs. Step 4: Rehearsals and Refinement Multiple rehearsals ensure fluid execution, safe movement in the space, and synchronization with music, lighting, and sound design. Step 5: Performance and Interaction Depending on the event, performers may interact with guests, invite audience participation, or lead processions that move from room to room. Why Choose the New Orleans Society of Dance? The New Orleans Society of Dance isn’t just a dance company. It’s a New Orleans performance production company that elevates entertainment into artistry. What sets them apart? Local Expertise – Grounded in New Orleans’ rich history, the team understands the cultural nuances that define a true NOLA experience. Bespoke Services – Every performance is tailor-made, ensuring it aligns with the client’s vision and audience vibe. Multidisciplinary Team – From costume designers, and makeup artists to professional dancers and stage directors, all the talent is in-house or certified through exclusive partnerships. Past Work – Browse their event gallery to see examples of how they’ve transformed weddings, corporate launches, and heritage events. Examples of Events Transformed by New Orleans Society of Dance Let’s explore a few event types where New Orleans event entertainment comes alive through dance: ✨ Gala Dinners Elegant ballroom choreography in vintage attire makes gala events timeless and camera-ready. 🎭 Masquerade Balls Theatrical masked dances reminiscent of New Orleans’ doll-masking traditions add drama and mystique. 💼 Corporate Events Branded dance acts can communicate a corporate ethos in a bold, unforgettable way. 🎉 Private Parties Whether it’s a small engagement party or a grand anniversary celebration, choreographed performances become the emotional centerpiece of the evening. How to Book a Custom Dance Show for Your Event If you're planning a celebration, a corporate function, or anything in between, booking a custom dance production with New Orleans Society of Dance is easier than you think. 👉 Click here to contact the New Orleans Society of Dance and discuss your event goals, style preferences, and performance needs. The earlier you book, the more time their team has to custom-tailor every detail of your show. Final Thoughts: Turning Events, Films & Videos into Art In New Orleans, where music is the heartbeat and performance is the soul, your event deserves to go beyond the expected. A custom dance production is not just a moment of entertainment—it’s a transformative experience that brings joy, connection, and cultural magic. Whether you're creating a music video, stepping into the ballroom or taking over a French Quarter courtyard, let your audience walk away with more than memories—give them a performance they’ll never forget. 🎭 Ready to get started? Book your performance here.  Frequently Asked Question
Baby Doll Ladies
By Millisia White July 24, 2025
Discover the vibrant history of New Orleans doll masking and its deep-rooted connection to music and dance. Explore how the New Orleans Society of Dance’s Masking Krewe of Baby Doll Ladies keeps these traditions alive through captivating performances.
July 4, 2024
As we reflect on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we are reminded of our mission as New Orleans Baby Doll Ladies and why we were founded.
February 15, 2024
The prestigious Dance-Parade Krewe of New Orleans Baby Doll Ladies and its signature dance-theater ensemble is currently accepting applications for the 2025 "Baby Doll Ladies In Waiting" Mardi Gras Roster.
By Ann K. July 29, 2020
By the New Orleans Baby Doll Ladies (Featuring Keedy Black)

Thank You

 The Krewe of Dancing New Orleans Baby Doll Ladies embarked upon their 2024 season of events including the ninth annual Mardi Gras Day Dance-Parade (Fat Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024) with the theme "Passing of The Torch." The marching krewe would like to send a very warm thank you to members and donors for contributing to this endeavor. We appreciate and value your continued support.

We are the New Orleans Baby Doll Ladies  | The Baby Doll Ladies | The Baby Dolls | New Orleans Society of Baby Doll Ladies | NOSD | Baby Doll Ladies | Original Babydoll | New Orleans Babydolls | Official New Orleans Babydolls | Creole Babydolls | Mardi Gras Babydolls | Dance New Orleans | New Orleans Doll Masking | New Orleans Jass | New Orleans Jazz | New Orleans Carnival Krewe | New Orleans Mardi Gras | New Orleans Cabaret


Andre Cailloux Center for Performing Arts and  Cultural Justice

Greater New Orleans Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who are the New Orleans Baby Doll Ladies?

    The New Orleans Baby Doll Ladies is a performance ensemble founded in 2005 that preserves and reimagines Louisiana’s century-old doll-masking traditions through dance, costume, and cultural storytelling.

  • What type of events can the Baby Doll Ladies perform at?

    From Mardi Gras parades to private galas and educational workshops, these New Orleans Mardi Gras dancers bring high-energy performances and theatrical choreography to events of any size.

  • What makes the Baby Doll Ladies different from other Mardi Gras krewes?

    Their artistry is rooted in historic doll-masking and female empowerment, making them unique among New Orleans dolls. They perform, educate, and preserve tradition simultaneously.

  • Where can I see the Mardi Gras dolls in action?

    You can catch the Mardi Gras dolls live each year during their signature Mardi Gras Day Dance-Parade, as well as at festivals, schools, and cultural events throughout Louisiana.

  • Can schools or youth groups book the Baby Doll Ladies?

    Yes. The ensemble offers performances, mentorship, and workshops specifically designed for students, helping young people learn about culture, dance, and community through Nola dance.

  • How can I get involved with the Baby Doll Ladies?

    Interested performers can apply during open auditions or participate through community outreach initiatives. The group welcomes those passionate about New Orleans Mardi Gras history and performance.

  • Are performances family-friendly?

    Absolutely. The Baby Doll Ladies maintain high standards for public appearances, with shows that are both culturally rich and appropriate for all ages.

  • Do the Baby Doll Ladies offer custom performances?

    Yes! Their team works closely with clients to create unique, themed performances for weddings, parades, festivals, and corporate events - tailored to reflect New Orleans heritage.