Unlike all other Bellaire High School pep rallies, only the Homecoming pep rally features the Belles Partner Dance, JV cheer, and eMotion’s Breakdance and Hip-hop teams.

“My friends and I were laughing a lot and enjoying the dances,” senior Amelie Rozowski said.

As the Belles and JV cheer led the event, their energy set the “fun and engaging” tone for the day. The pep rally showcased students like junior Marshall Smith and sophomore Laren Michelman taking on unfamiliar roles, fostering unity across the school’s spirit community.

Smith is usually found on the field, playing as a defensive end on the football team, but he was a dancer alongside the Belles for the day.

“It was a great coalition with the cheerleaders, Belles, eMotion, football team, band, and the Birdkeepers,” Smith said, “ The Belles dance felt really good and well put together.”

“Devin [Lieutenant Colonel of Belles] motivated me to do it, so I did it, and that was fun,” Smith said.

Smith wasn’t the only one who embraced a new role. JV cheer captain Laren Michelman led her team for the first time as captain at a school-wide event.

“I feel like the pep rally was a really great way to boost our school spirit,” Michelman said. “It’s an honor to lead the team and to represent all the hard work and dedication we’ve put in.”

Following JV cheer’s annual and only school-wide performance, eMotion’s Hip-hop and Breakdance teams took the field.

“Everybody is excited to go watch the performances, and it brings everyone outside,” senior rehearsal director of Hip-hop Noa Ohana said. “It’s the highlight of the week. For the Homecoming pep rally, there’s more energy, more excitement for the actual game and people actually want to show up.”

“People get in their red and white to show their Bellaire pride,” Ohana said.

The courtyard was filled with Cardinal spirit.