The Emerald Belles of Southlake continue to stand as one of the most recognized high school drill teams in the country, a legacy shaped over decades under the leadership of Melissa Reed Page. For Melissa, the program is far more than dance. It is a family rooted in connection, discipline, and service within Southlake.
Melissa began her journey with the Emerald Belles in 1997, marking her first year as director. Now in her 30th year leading the Belles and 34th year overall as a director, she reflects on a lifetime dedicated to shaping young women through performance and purpose. “This community is like family to me,” she said. “I have had multiple generations of sisters. I don’t forget a Belle. Alumni often tell me, especially those I have not seen in 20 years, ‘I can’t believe you still remember me.’”
The Emerald Belles recently celebrated their 60th anniversary, a milestone that brought together hundreds of alumni who returned to perform at halftime. More than 700 tickets were sold for the celebration game, underscoring the deep roots the program has in Southlake.
National attention elevated the team after their appearance on America’s Got Talent, which opened doors to new opportunities and visibility. Melissa encourages her dancers to stay grounded through it all. “Be grateful for these experiences, because this is not the norm for a high school drill team,” she said.
Memorable milestones include performances on The Kelly Clarkson Show, halftime shows with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, appearances at Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs games, and collaborations with Dallas Cowboys entertainment teams. Each opportunity, she said, brings pride and perspective for the dancers.
The America’s Got Talent experience remains especially meaningful. Melissa shared that the 2019 season coincided with a deeply personal tragedy, the loss of her only child, Reed Bartosh. During that time, she said the team became a source of strength and compassion. “It was a whirlwind of sadness and blessing,” she said. “I wanted the girls to understand that everyone is struggling with something.”
She also describes the excitement of watching dancers wait in the tunnel at AT&T Stadium before stepping onto the field for sold-out Dallas Cowboys games. Similar experiences with the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs reinforce the professionalism the team is exposed to, along with rehearsals alongside the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, especially during seasons when national filming crews are present.
Their appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show also held deep meaning. Melissa shared it began through a post-AGT connection and centered on gratitude and thankfulness. Former dancers spoke about what they gained from the program, while she emphasized modeling kindness, compassion, and leadership beyond technique.
That message continues to shape the program’s culture. Community service remains central to the Emerald Belles identity, with each squad selecting a mission project each summer. This past year alone, the team recorded more than 2,300 service hours. “Be Kind Be A Belle is not just a motto,” she said. “We live it.”
The impact of service extends beyond performance skills, building leadership, empathy, and awareness. Melissa hopes each Belle leaves the program with discipline, perseverance, and kindness that carries into adulthood.
Looking ahead, she remains focused on the lasting legacy of the Emerald Belles in Southlake. “The legacy lives on through the inspiration they give others,” she said, “both through performance and their servant heart.”
“Be Kind Be A Belle is not just a motto. We live it.”