Inside the Secret Lives of Olympians: What Happened at the Caliphs of Cairo Ball Will Shock You!

The Krewe of Olympians recently hosted its much-anticipated ball, themed “Sweatin’ with the Oldies,” that playfully explored mind-body wellness in the Underworld of Hades. The lavish event unfolded in the tented grounds of the New Orleans Country Club, where the atmosphere was both regal and lighthearted.

At the center of this grand occasion was the beautiful queen, Miss Ellen Margaret Daly, who comes from a long line of royal legacy within the Krewe. Ellen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael McNellis Daly, is following in the footsteps of her mother, Suzie Dardis Daly, grandmother Anne Charbonnet Dardis, and other family members who have all previously donned the crown. The queen's elegance was on full display as she wore a stunning gown designed by Perla Orihuela, featuring French lace over white silk satin, hand-beaded with over 15,000 Swarovski crystals and pearls. Seated in her box were previous queens, including Mrs. G. Perry Eastman III, who reigned 50 years ago, and fellow former monarchs Mmes. Theard Terrebonne, Donald Ellis, Brian Klebba, and John Zvonek, all applauding Ellen's royal debut.

Joining the royal court was debutante Miss Piper Katherine Franks, alongside princesses Rain Elizabeth Halpern, Natalie Florence Sharpe, Scarlett Odella Kiger, Kinsley Evelyn Kiger, and Mia Louise DeLouche. Young masters Alexander Luis Gallois, Jax Patrick Wolford, and William Prescott Worsley Jr. served dutifully as pages for the evening.

The event was orchestrated by the Olympians 2026 Committee, co-chaired by Douglas W. Tyler and Arthur S. Mann III. They were supported by committee chairmen Alan G. Brackett, Ralph G. Breaux, and William S. Nalty, along with vice chairman Dr. Wesley W. Bryan.

As the evening progressed, attendees savored the live music from the Jimmy Maxwell Orchestra, under the direction of Robert Maxwell. Notable guests included former queen Miss Brittany Watson and her mother, along with the 2025 monarch, Miss Audrey Mann, who also attended with her mother. Many guests donned the krewe favor designed by Missy Reynolds, which depicted Cerberus, the three-headed dog guarding the gates of the Underworld—perfectly aligning with the night’s theme honoring Hades, the ancient Greek deity.

Following the pageantry, Queen Ellen and her court enjoyed a hearty breakfast while reveling in the music of The Boogie Men. In a heartfelt moment, Ellen reflected on her reign, expressing her gratitude: “I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to be part of the Olympians ball and all that it means to my family.” Her grandparents, former queen Anne Dardis and Jack Dardis, were particularly thrilled, stating, “Ellen had a fantastic time. She truly is a lovely young lady, inside and out.”

In a separate affair, the Royal Tent also welcomed the upcoming queen of the Caliphs of Cairo, Miss Sloane Alexandra Paysse, during a pre-ball reception at The Terrell House on Magazine Street. The young monarch expressed her excitement: “I am so excited about being queen and have dreamed of this since I was a Caliphs princess.”

The festivities continued at the New Orleans Country Club with the masked ball titled “An American in Paris, a King in Waiting, Meet Madame X.” The theme referenced the controversial portrait of Virginie Amelie Avegno, known as Madame X, painted by John Singer Sargent. Queen Sloane dazzled in a silver lamé gown from Royal Design House, adorned with hand-beaded lace. Her court, including maids Marché Marie Beals, Alice Lane Read Calhoun, Hailey Reese Sisung, and Taylor Alexis Stokes, complemented her elegance with lovely white gowns.

The evening culminated with a festive breakfast where tables were adorned with silver runners and floral arrangements. Guests were delighted by the vibrant music of the BRW band, which has been a staple since 1972. Queen Sloane expressed her appreciation to the Caliphs of Cairo for making her night magical, embodying the spirit of celebration that defines these traditional New Orleans events.