The Apache Belles
Since 1947
Apache Belles
The TJC Apache Belles have been entertaining audiences from the football field to the performance stage since 1947 with their precision dance and head-turning production numbers. For over sixty years, the trademark precision dance, cutting-edge routines and, of course, the famous Apache Belle “high kick” have thrilled fans across the globe.
The Apache Belles bring eye-popping color, pyrotechnics and precision dance to venues while charming audiences with their Texas-sized smiles as they kick, split and dance their way into your heart. They have been hailed as “the prettiest drill team in the world” by Family Weekly magazine and have performed across the state, coast-to-coast and around the world.
The Apache Belles have graced the halftime field for two Super Bowls, numerous Dallas Cowboys games, Houston Oilers, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, and Texas Rangers games.
This precision team has traveled all around the world to Mexico, France, Ireland, China, Austria and Germany to perform at parades, celebrations and balls for dignitaries, special guests and, of course, for the military men and women of the great United States of America.
The Apache Belles have been the subject of numerous media publications appearing in Southern Living, Woman’s Day, Texas Outlook, Texas Parade, Dance and Drill Magazine, Venture Magazine, and many more. They have met and entertained such celebrities and dignitaries as Former President Ronald Reagan, Former President George and Barbara Bush, Former President Bill and Hillary Clinton and Governors Ann Richards and George W. Bush. The Belles are the perfect hostesses for any event.
Pow Wow Dance Camp Dates and information to be released in April. Check back for updates on our Facebook page.
The Apache Belles Spring Show ...
Note to Self:
Showtimes:
- April 3 @ 7:30 pm
- April 4 @ 7:30 pm
- April 5 @ 2:00 pm
- April 5 @ 7:30 pm
Tickets:
- $15 for 7:30 pm evening shows
- $10 for 2:00 pm matinee show
Location:
Rogers Palmer Performing Arts Center
1303 S Mahon Ave
Tyler, TX 75701
Apache Belles Directors
Happi Deason Byrne
Happi Deason Byrne is the director of the TJC Apache Belles. Byrne, a member of the 46th Apache Belle line, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role, ensuring the continued excellence and tradition of the Apache Belles.
A well-known figure in the Tyler area, Byrne has over 25 years of experience in public education teaching both physical education and dance. At the age of 3, she started taking ballet classes at Ballet Academy in Tyler where she fell in love with dance. Happi continued dancing throughout high school and college. Her love for TJC and the Apache Belles came from her mom, Susie James Deason who was also an Apache Belle in 1965. Happi has worked with the Apache Belles for many years as a volunteer, serving as an Interview Judge and an Apache Belle mentor. She implemented and organized “Welcome Home” for the Apache Belles and their families,” Letters from the Line”, “Bye with Pie”, the mentoring program between Belle Gold and current Belles and has served as the Volunteer Coordinator Lead Membership Lead for the Apache Belle Gold program. She most recently served on the Belle Gold Council.
Byrne’s credentials include a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Dance from Stephen F. Austin State University and a master’s degree in Sports Administration from Arkansas State University.
Email: Happi Deason Byrne
Lilly Capetillo
Lilly Capetillo’s dance journey began at the age of 7 in California, where she discovered her love for movement. After moving to Texas, she continued to refine her skills, training competitively at local studios as well as dancing on her high school drill team.
Lilly earned a B.S. in Integrative Studies from the University of North Texas, with focuses in Human Development and Family Sciences, Sociology, and Business. A proud alumni of the Apache Belles, she was a member of the 72nd line and a member of the elite ensemble group.
Following her time with the Belles, Lilly danced for two years as a North Texas Dancer at UNT, where she had the privilege of competing at the National Dance Alliance (NDA) and earning 2nd place nationally in hip hop, jazz, and pom. She later became the graduate assistant, working alongside the Belles during their 75th anniversary.
Since then, Lilly has continued to collaborate with and inspire the Apache Belles, sharing her passion for dance. She has served alongside the Apache Belle Directors for 3 years. Currently, she is serving as Interim Artistic Director/Choreographer for the Apache Belles.
75 Years of Legacy
The Apache Belles have a shared and historic legacy with the Apache Band. Both founded in 1947 to perform during football games, the Belles and Band have traveled the world together, entertaining audiences at halftime shows and on military bases.
Apache Belle Gold
The Apache Belle Gold is the Alumni Chapter for former Apache Belles.
Reconnect with the time that you spent as a Belle or Guard, and stay informed with the current Apache Belle line.





Anna Carpenter Lee Apache Belle Memorial Scholarship
During this “Share Your Story” Homecoming Weekend we are asking you to help raise $4,000 in additional funds to help establish a $10,000 Anna Carpenter Lee Apache Belle Memorial Scholarship Endowment that would award a scholarship to a deserving Apache Belle student once a year in memory of Anna Carpenter Lee
Donate Now
- Click Give Now
- Choose a Gift Amoung
- Enter Donation Amount and About You information
- Be sure to Enter Response Code: ANNACLEE2018
- Click Pay Securely