Tyler, Texas – The legacy of Christy Evans, artistic director and choreographer of the worldrenowned Apache Belles, was etched in the history of Texas dance as she is inducted into the Texas Dance Educators Association Hall of Fame on Jan. 10.
The prestigious induction ceremony took place at the conclusion of the TDEA State Convention during their annual banquet at the Marriott Marquis in Houston.
The TDEA Hall of Fame Award is the highest honor an individual can achieve in the field of dance and drill teams in Texas. This award recognizes exceptional contributions to the art of dance and outstanding accomplishments in the drill team community.
Evans will join a distinguished group of past honorees, including Al Gilliam, Mildred Stringer, Gussie Nell Davis, Ruth Flynn, Dana Blair, and Eva Saunders, all of whom have made remarkable impacts on dance education in Texas.
Evans’ journey began in Rayville, and she moved to Tyler, Texas, in 1991 to attend Tyler Junior College.
Christy Evans
She became a standout member of the TJC Apache Belles, where she served as the Head Dance Captain her sophomore year under the direction of Ruth Flynn. Evans went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Northeast Louisiana University in 1997 and then served as the Director for the Brenham High School Belles drill team until 1999, before returning to TJC in 2000 to take on the role of Artistic Director and Choreographer of the Apache Belles.
Her natural talent, experience and education made her the perfect fit for the role and she continued to add to that experience by earning her Master’s Degree from the University of Texas at Tyler in Kinesiology.
While serving on staff of the Apache Belles for the past 25 years, Evans has garnered local, state, and national recognition for her innovative choreography and leadership. Under her artistic direction, the Apache Belles increasingly raised the bar as collegiatelevel dancers, earning national acclaim not only as an exceptional drill team, but as ambassadors for their college and a symbol of excellence for the City of Tyler.
The Apache Belles’ rich history dates back to 1947 with a long line of talented dancers and visionary directors, like Evans, whose dedication and excellence have shaped the team into a nationally recognized symbol of tradition, discipline, and artistry at Tyler Junior College and beyond.
In addition to her work with the Apache Belles, Evans is a respected choreographer and educator with a wide range of accomplishments. She has been named a Top Ten Director by the Drill Team Directors of America and has choreographed for high-profile teams, including the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blues, Houston Texans, New Orleans Saintsations, Dallas Stars, and Texas Legends. Evans has also served as a sought-after adjudicator for drill team and cheer tryouts and competitions, as well as a master class instructor for dancers across the state.
Evans’ dedication to advancing dance education and her unwavering commitment to the development of young dancers have made her an invaluable figure in the Texas dance community.
She continues to inspire and shape the next generation of dance professionals through her teaching and mentorship.
The Texas Dance Educators Association, established in 1979, has been a pillar of support for dance educators across Texas. The organization hosts its annual convention to honor excellence in dance education and celebrate the contributions of individuals like Christy Evans, who have made a lasting impact on the world of dance.
Christy and her husband, Eric, are proud parents of two grown children and make their home in Tyler.
