History

In February of 2009, Julia McNabb attended her second Carnival in New Orleans, watching the Krewe of Muses parade with a friend and loving every moment. They joked about dancing in Muses in 2010 and how amazing it would be.  

Afterwards, Julia and a colleague discussed starting an all-women’s group. Several days later, Julia met with friends. After several drinks and much laughter, they came up with potential names for a group; the Muff-a-Lottas was one of them. Julia sent countless emails to every female she knew, begging them to join. 

In May of 2009, a handful of women began outlining costumes, themes, music, and dance moves. Julia and the members wanted to dance to classically identifiable New Orleans music. The women intentionally designed the costume to look great on all body types, to use classic diner colors, and to be affordable to make. They also wanted to feel classy and flirty all at once with the fluffy whirl from the crinoline paired with a black button-down shirt.  

Each woman selected her waitress name, also known as a Muffy name. Julia selected the name Pepper. Pepper is known as the Muff-a-Lottas’ Head Waitress and Troupe Founder!

The Troupe debuted at the Krewe of OAK’s Midsummer Mardi Gras parade in August of 2009 with fourteen women and two dances, and they made quite the impression…so much so that by the fall of 2009, the Troupe had thirty members.  

Fast forward, and the Troupe dances in approximately five Carnival parades and eight other parades annually!