A Great Year for the Perkettes

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Band of Gold and the Perkette Dance Team will be wrapping up a successful season by performing in several Mardi Gras parades along the Coast this year. The 16-member Perkette Dance Team is a part of the college’s Band of Gold and performs at college athletic events and other campus and community events.

An Amazing Opportunity

Perkette Dance Team coordinator Britney Kuehn, who just completed her first year with the dance team, said the whole team is looking forward to the performances. “The talent in the Band of Gold is truly incredible. The Perkettes are blessed to have the opportunity to perform with live music, on a regular basis. As a dancer, one is constantly fueled by the surrounding energy. The excitement of parade attendees combined with the mighty Band of Gold are grounds for an unforgettable performance.”

The band and dance team were in the Gautier Men’s Club annual Mardi Gras parade on Feb. 3, and they plan to attend three more with the possibility of additional parades added to the list.

The magic of Mardi Gras undeniably exists.

“I am so excited that the Perkettes will once again be able to conjure some of enchantment and entertain people from all over,” said sophomore Perkette captain Racquel Dement, of Lucedale. “The team has been looking forward to performing at the Mardi Gras parades all year. After working tirelessly on the precision of our dance, we are eager to showcase our talents and please the crowd!”

For Some Members — A Whole New Experience

Anna Burkes, of Terry, sophomore Perkette captain, said she really enjoys Mardi Gras season especially since she did not grow up in an area where it is celebrated. “Growing up in Jackson, Mardi Gras isn’t really a big deal,” she said. “Last year was my very first year to experience Mardi Gras, and I was completely blown away by the energy and excitement of the magnitude of people that came out to the parades to celebrate. Mardi Gras on the Coast is unexplainable, and being able to participate as a Perkette is truly incredible. Our team has been working tirelessly to perfect our movements and match the energy of the insanely excited crowds. I, along with my team, cannot wait to be a part of something so much bigger than ourselves.”

Engaging with the Community

Kuehn said the team always looks forward to participating in events on and off campus. “The Perkettes enjoy the opportunity to get out in the community and connect with others. Whether it be a simple smile, wave, or getting others to join in the dance these girls have an infectious way of brightening the world around them. These girls are not only talented dancers, but phenomenal people. People who are constantly inspiring others as constant servants to their school and community.”

One Passionate Instructor

Kuehn, a native of Ocean Springs, grew up training at Donna’s Visual Performing Arts Center. Then, she attended The University of Southern Mississippi, where she danced as part of their Repertory Dance Company for four years. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with her bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography and a minor in Theatre.

She has taught the past seven years throughout Mississippi and South Louisiana, dancing and choreographing professionally with the Marigny Opera Ballet, Hinge Dance Company and the National Basketball Association’s New Orleans Pelicans Dance Team.

“I am ecstatic for the opportunity to share my passion of dance and choreography with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and the Perkette Dance Team. In my short time here as Perkette Coordinator, I have already seen substantial growth in the Perkettes and this program. The sky is truly the limit. Everyone needs to get in on all the excitement and the action, and catch these amazing girls in action this Mardi Gras season. ”

Event & Team Information

The Band of Gold and Perkette Dance Team Parade Schedule:

  • Second Liners Mardi Gras Club Parade, Biloxi, beginning at 12 p.m., Feb. 10
  • Annual Krewe of Neptune Night Mardi Gras Parade, Biloxi, beginning at 5:30 p.m., Feb. 10
  • Annual Gulf Coast Carnival Association Mardi Gras Parade, Biloxi, beginning at 1 p.m., Feb. 13

The Perkettes are the official dance team at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Established in 1952, the Perkettes exemplify tradition, precision and excellence.

For more information about the team and try-outs, which will be held in April-June, please visit https://www.mgccc.edu/band-of-gold/perkettes/ or contact Kuehn at (601) 928-6979 britney.kuehn@mgccc.edu. You can also follow the Perkettes on Instagram: @mgcccperkettes.


Want to try-out for the Perkettes yourself? Learn more about enrolling at MGCCC.

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