The Bells are unique to Del Rio and are an important part of the local culture. But, things still change for the Belle’s too. This year, they welcome a new coach, Coach Ashley Johnson. Johnson is very excited to see what this year has in store for the bells. “This year our team is the biggest group of Belles in the last 7 years! We have 56 Belles this year and hope to continue the expansion! It takes a lot of time, dedication, and determination to get our routines cleaned and drilled. I am very proud of how far the girls have come with me starting this year fresh as their new director! We will have many performances after football season, and we hope to see everyone coming out and supporting us!” Johnson said.

Many things draw students to join the Belles. Belle Alexa Calvillo, a Junior, shared her perspective: “I was interested in becoming a belle because I would [see] them at events, parades, and games performing,” she said. “They always look so pretty!” 

But, Belles do more than look pretty. They have to perform complex choreography to perfection. To be able to do this, Coach Johnson makes and teaches the Bells their routines.“I have been teaching dance since I was 12 and went to college for dance. A lot of my ideas just come from experience, and the song I choose for that performance. I also take into consideration what the dancers enjoy and ways to catch the audience's attention!” Johnson said. Belles have to be dedicated. For football season, the girls learn a new halftime routine every week, and a new pep rally routine every other week. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. They usually have 3 days to learn the material before tryouts, and we set the dance formations.  They work together as a team to drill their routines and get ready for their performance.” Johnson said.

“I am so excited to start the competition season! We start that after football season. The team always strives to place in any division we enter! We will be representing DRHS with PRIDE!” Johnson said