PORT ARTHUR — Sequined gown clad women and tuxedo wearing men danced the night away moving to a plethora of music during the Majestic Krewe of Aurora’s 19th Annual Grand Ball on Saturday.

Leah Anne Lister, along with her mother Adele Guidry, stood near the stage at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center, enjoying the beat.

“I may be old but I can still dance,” Lister said as costumed royalty moved around the civic center tossing elaborate beads. “This is wonderful. This is my heritage.”

Lister looked to her 88-year-old mother and added, “it’s her heritage too.” Lister’s daughter, Danielle and husband Dominick Faraci, represented the Moonwalk and debuted glittery costumes complete with gloves. Their specialty beads featured the initials “MJ” for Michael Jackson along with a tiny glove.

This year’s theme “Let’s Dance” was celebrated with couples representing different types of dance including; the Charleston, macarena, twist, Cajun two-step, country and western, ballroom, jitterbug, tango, second line, cupid shuffle and disco.

After each couple took their turn around the civic center they returned to the stage area for the announcement of the king and queen, Kimmy and Sean Scott. Confetti canons blew streams of the colorful paper into the air which moved across the green laser lights as the royalty and patrons lined up for the second line dance.

This year’s Mardi Gras celebration is set for March 3-6 in downtown Port Arthur. Advance tickets are $5 for Thursday; $9 for Friday; $9 for Saturday; and $7 for Sunday. Gate prices are $5 for Thursday; $10 for Friday; $10 for Saturday; an d $8 for Sunday. A  Megapass is $20 in advance and $25 at the gate for unlimited rides. It does not include admission. For information, call 721-8717 or visit mardigras.portarthur.com

mmeaux@panews.com