2022 New Orleans Dance Mardi Gras Extra
We’re Going to New Orleans!
We are so glad you decided to join us in New Orleans! We are looking forward to a great weekend of exploring, eating, dancing, competing, relaxing, and spending time together. Our team at Elegant Occasions is working closely with our wonderful hosts at Dance Mardi Gras (thank you Brian Barakauskas & Emily Larsen) to create a fun and memorable experience for you.
Most of our communication regarding the details of this trip will be handled via email at ha.elegantoccasions@gmail.com. The purpose of this page is to act as a TICKET PAGE to enable you to purchase tours and sign up for extra’s.
By now you should have already COMPLETED the following:
- Booked your Airfare.
- Made your Hotel Reservation at the Sheraton, 500 Canal Street, in New Orleans.
- Purchased your VIP Event Pass to Dance Mardi Gras.
- Registered for competitions (if applicable).
If these items have not been completed – uh-oh! Please let us know how we can help! The hotel is almost sold out and Earlybird Event pricing has expired. Don’t delay!
What’s Next?
Our team has been researching fun things to do in New Orleans while attending Dance Mardi Gras. We interviewed lots of tour companies (there are 300 of them in New Orleans!) and found the highest-rated in the area. We are trying to negotiate volume discounts (if possible) to some of our favorite destinations.
Below are our top picks. These options are perfect for first-timers who want to see some of the popular spots with fellow dancers. (There is safety in numbers, right?) We also think these are fun things to offer to “dance-widows” who agreed to attend the convention with you, but they aren’t really as hard-core as the rest of us. (Bless their hearts!) LOL.
The key is VOLUME. If we all book the same tours at the same time, we are able to get a better rate and personalized service and hey! everyone loves a deal, right? Plus, we believe the more, the merrier. So how do we do that?
Here’s the plan:
- Check out the Dance Mardi Gras Event Schedule and make note of your competition times, must-attend dance workshops, and other fun activities being offered in-house.
- Check out our TOP PICKS Tour Schedule below and decide which tour(s) are of interest to you.
- Purchase the tour as soon as possible using PayPal/Credit Card (buttons below) or VENMO. We are “holding” spots for a few days, but if we don’t finalize the sale, the tours will release the spots to the public. If you use VENMO mention which tours you are signing up for in the comments section and use the “as friends” transaction instead of the “service” option to avoid fees.
- Watch your email for further instructions regarding tour meeting times and locations.
If you have any questions, feel free to call H.A. Schiavone at (805) 732-4622.
Dance Mardi Gras Event Schedule
LOOK!! DON’T MISS our private workshop with Mario Robau at 2:30 pm on Friday. This is exclusively for the Elegant Occasions Excursion group.
New Orleans Tour Options – Our Favorite Picks
THURSDAY Morning
(A.) H.A.’s The Whole Enchilada Tour – $85
Thursday, 7/21 starting at 9:00 am
This one is done Elegant Occasions Style! Step on board an air-conditioned private mini bus with a personal tour guide from TOURS BY STEVEN* and experience a customized tour of the city.
STOPS:
The Garden District – This multi-faceted tour covers the unique history of the city, culture, and architecture of early settlements, their lavish lifestyles, and immense wealth. This area is known for its beautiful oak-lined streets and architecturally interesting homes, some belonging to famous residents.
Selfie at Jackson Square in the French Quarter – named after General (President) Andrew Jackson.
Saint Louis Cemetery No. 2 – Included on the National Register of Historic Places, most of the graves are above-ground vaults constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries.
City Park and Cafe Du Monde’s – This 1,300-acre outdoor oasis has enchanted New Orleanians since 1854.
DRIVE BY’S:
Relax and enjoy a “drive by” guided tour of all the most important sights—the French Quarter, Saint Louis Cathedral, Treme (the birthplace of Jazz), The Mercedes-Benz Super Dome, and more. You’ll have the benefit of in-depth commentary as you travel and the chance to ask questions.
This tour includes a stop for lunch before heading to The National World War II Museum (see Tour B).
*Tours By Steven voted the third best historical tour in the country earning the Traveler’s Choice award by Trip Advisor.
THURSDAY Afternoon
(B.) The National World War II Museum – Prices range from $36.50 General Admission | $32.50 Seniors | $25 Veterans + tax
Elegant Occasions Tour Time, Thursday, 7/21 at 2:00 / 2:15 PM
945 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
This is the #1 attraction in New Orleans and a MUST-SEE for history lovers and patriots. Tripadvisor has named The National WWII Museum among its top ten US attractions featured in their “Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best” for 2022! Powerful images and extraordinary artifacts bring to life the American Spirit, the courage, teamwork and sacrifice of the men and women who won the war and changed the world. Let’s do this as a family!
NOTE: This experience has SO MANY OPTIONS and pricing tiers that we decided it is best for you to purchase your tour directly HERE. If you want to go with us, purchase the 2:00 | 2:15 PM time slot on Thursday. Participants will be responsible for getting themselves to the attraction, unless they are part of The Whole Enchilada Tour. Since this is a “self-paced” experience, everyone will be responsible for getting themselves back to the hotel when they are ready. Options include Uber, the Street Car ($1.25) or walking (approx 8 blocks). We will help point you in the right direction.
FRIDAY Morning
(C.) Keep Your Hands and Feet Inside The Ride – $65 (Includes pick-up)
Swamp Tour – Friday, 7/22 – 9:30 AM | 5:00 PM
Nowhere is Louisiana’s wildlife more abundant than in the swamps and bayous of New Orleans. Take a boat ride through one of the most pristine swamps remaining in the US and be on the lookout for alligators, raccoons, snakes, turtles and native birds. Definitely bring your camera on this one! Space is limited to 10 passengers.
FRIDAY Evening
D. Are You Gonna Eat That? ($145 pp + Tax) Based on 2 person minimum
New Orleans School of Cooking
Interactive Cooking Class – Friday, 7/22 at 6:00 pm
Menu: Chicken and Andouille Gumbo, BBQ Shrimp and Grits, Bananas Foster Crepes.
Cook and eat an authentic Louisiana meal! In this highly interactive class, guests prep, season and cook a complete dinner with an expert chef, and afterwards they are able to enjoy the meal they created. Price includes red and white wine and Abita Amber Beer (a local brew) and you’ll even take home your recipes and apron! Space is limited to 10 people.
Class pricing is based on 2 people registering together. To register, find a friend who wants to do this with you and then register with the school directly HERE.