POSTED: Friday, December 16, 2011 - 1:08pm
UPDATED: Saturday, December 17, 2011 - 6:38pm
TYLER —
Before there were Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, there were Apache Belles.
During the 1960s, the Tyler Junior College Apache Belles performed as the official half-time entertainment of the Dallas Cowboys franchise. The Belles performed not only at home games but also traveled to away games in Buffalo, New Orleans and California.
When the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders were established, the Apache Belles shifted their focus to local sports but were still invited to take the field at Texas Stadium on occasion. Many Apache Belles have gone on to become Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
On Christmas Eve, the Apache Belles will perform for the first time in the new Cowboys Stadium and present a pre-game show for those attending the Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles game. They will showcase their dazzling high kicks and sharp pom precision in a Christmas show while proudly sporting their traditional black and gold uniforms and trademark white hats and boots.
“It is always an honor to entertain the NFL fans,” said Apache Belles Interim Director Jasilyn Schaefer, “especially America's team, the Dallas Cowboys.”
The Apache Belles have spent much of the holiday season on the road.
"This will definitely be a season to remember for the 64th and 65th lines of the Apache Belles." Schaefer said. "They will be spending all major holidays together performing."
On Thanksgiving Day, the group performed for the Houston Holiday Parade; and Christmas Eve will be spent in Cowboys Stadium.
On Dec. 29, the Apache Belles leave for Florida, where they will perform on New Year’s Day for another NFL game as the Miami Dolphins take on the New York Jets at Sun Life Stadium. The Apache Belles and the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders will team up to present a special half-time show. On Jan. 2, the Apache Belles will be featured performers at the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Fla., where the Nebraska Cornhuskers will play against the South Carolina Gamecocks. Kickoff is at noon and the game will be broadcast on ESPN.
For more information on the TJC Apache Belles, go to www.apachebelles.com [2], or find them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/apachebelles [3].
Information from TJC