If your plan for Mardi Gras weekend was to climb the poles of the Royal Sonesta’s balcony on Bourbon Street, you are out of luck.
Actor and designer Bryan Batt hosted the annual “Greasing of the Poles” event this morning, and those poles have never been harder to climb.
Amid a bevy of Bruce Jenner jokes and the obligatory “pole” references by Batt, an assortment of New Orleans Saints players escorted out the four contestants.
Singer Anais St. John, illusionist “Magic Mike” Dardant, and burlesque dancer Nikki Le Villain competed for the title of best greaser, which went to Dardant after he earned a perfect score.
Leroy Jones and the Original Hurricane Brass Band provided musical accompaniment, and the Pussyfooters were out in force.
All photos by Stephen Maloney. Click here to view the gallery on Flickr.
