Rocket City Novas, a new dance krewe, sashay into town

MADISON – What are silver, from skirts to shifts, with striking contrasts of blue, specifically in hairstyles as they joyfully march down the street? They’re the newest dance krewe, Rocket City Novas.

Rocket City Novas “celebrates the joy of movement, power of creativity and spirit of community. We look forward to performing at local events and fundraisers, as well as dancing in holiday parades for Madison, Huntsville and beyond,” Novas Co-Director Carly Jordan said. Allie Barron and Starlit Shero are also Co-Directors.

The group’s concept began in November 2023 in a casual conversation and became reality in March 2024. “A group of dance friends came together and bonded over their love of ‘all things nerdy.’ It was clear that a space-themed dance krewe was needed in town,” Jordan said.

Deciding on the group’s name involved “fun but rigorous three full days of going over every space and sci-fi name” to pair with ‘Rocket City.’ “We kept it simple,” Jordan said.

Currently, the area has five krewes . . . “each with its own flair and personality,” Jordan said. “We were grateful to receive guidance from Jenn Besaw, Vice President of The Cotton Candies, to formulate our leadership style, by-laws and hear what 10-year staying power looks and feels like.”

“It feels amazing to support the other krewes and encourage our growing parade community to possibly one day mirror enthusiasm and size of a Mobile or New Orleans Mardi Gras,” Jordan said.

For its diverse group, Novas welcome women older than 25 years who enjoy dancing. Members should embrace the team’s pillars: teamwork, dance and fun.

Choreographers excel in differing routines, including hip-hop, cheerleading, Broadway and marching krewe themes. “Whether it’s drizzle, sleet or sunshine, you’ll find our krewe practicing on Sunday afternoons in one of the many wide-open green spaces or walking tracks around town,” Jordan said.

Rocket City Novas have curated a diverse playlist with lyrics about aliens, the galaxy, robots and more. Charter members polled friends and family for feedback on songs that ‘pump them up’ in parades.

Their parade routines must accommodate quick/slow pace, level/uphill routes . . . even potholes. However, Novas respond with simple legwork but dramatic, exaggerated arm movements and gestures.

Their parade season opens with Christmas, then Mardi Gras and ends with St. Patrick’s Day. For their inaugural year in 2024, the Novas have accepted an invitation to parade at Madison Street Festival on Oct. 5.

“We’ll perfect our performance piece in June, so we’re looking for event opportunities to entertain the town as early as July,” Jordan said.

Novas will host a “Mission Mixer” at Lipz Lounge, 2610 Clinton Ave. W. in Huntsville on May 5 from 4 to 6 p.m. “We’re inviting all prospective members to attend, hear about our requirements and apply for the recruitment process,” Jordan said.

For more information, email rocketcitynovas@gmail.com or visit Facebook/Rocket City Novas and Messenger, or Instagram @rocket_city_novas.