The kicks, splits and frills are a few things that come to mind when thinking of the Lariettes.

The Lariettes are the spirit drill team of Coppell High School. These girls practice dance routines and kick lines every morning and perform during halftime shows and at competitions.

“Dance is their contribution,” director Julie Stralow said. “They join with the band, dancing at football games. They are part of the tradition of halftime entertainment. They also go to basketball games; it’s the same idea. They are there to entertain.”

The name “Lariettes” is a play on the word “lariat,” which is another word for a lasso.

The Lariettes started in 1961 and were originally called the “Coppell Cowgirls.” The name changed to Lariettes in the mid 1980s.

The Lariettes have won many regional and national competitions and are very well recognized.
“Last year we won the grand championship at one of our regional competitions, which meant our score was the highest out of all the other teams.” Stralow said. “They always finish very well, but it is a very competitive art form.”

The Lariettes are sponsored by multiple businesses such as ViewPoint Bank, Steele Dental and ReMax Real Estate. Every year, the Lariettes hold the annual Lariette spaghetti dinner, which is catered by The Grotto, another one of their many sponsors. The annual spaghetti dinner started in 1991.

This 2012-2013 season of Lariettes there are 52 dancers.