The Chevals (French for Horse[s]) are an award winning Dance Team from Creekview High School 
located in Carrollton, Texas. Their Director is Trudie Jopson Williams. Since Creekview High School opened in 1998, the Chevals have worked to make their community proud, both on the field supporting their athletic teams as well as off the field in the world of competitive dance. The Chevals have performed in many competitions, during the Dallas Mavericks half-time shows, in New York City, Disney World, Hollywood and more. The Chevals proudly play the role of ambassadors, not only for the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, but these strong southern ladies also represent their city and state with pride, respect and class.
Trudie Jopson Williams is in her sixteenth year as the director of the Creekview High School Cheval Drill Team. Under Trudie’s direction,the Chevals have been recognized with national titles from competitions in New York, Florida, Texas and California. In ’05, ’10, ’11 the Chevals were named Grand Champions for their performance at a Texas Regional Competition.
Trudie has 25 years of experience in dance. She received her Associates Degree from Trinity Valley Community College where she was the Captain of the TVCC Cardettes. She then attended Stephen F. Austin where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Dance and English Education. While at SFA, she was a member of the NCADanz National Championship Pom Squad.
The Cheval Drill Team is composed of sophomore, junior, and senior girls from Creekview High School in Carrollton, Texas. The Chevals perform at all football games for the Creekview Mustangs. In addition, the team performs at basketball games, regional and national competitions, local community events and their annual Spring Show. The Chevals also volunteer in many community service events including the Susan G. Komen race for the cure, visit the Corinthian Retirement Community, the Metrocrest Center and the Adolphus Christmas Parade for Children’s Hospital.
The Chevals are a traditional Texas Drill Team. Their primary goal is to entertain audiences with a variety of dance genres of dance including jazz, pom, kick, novelty, hip hop and contemporary movement. They have been known as the “Sweethearts of Carrollton” since the 2000-2001 season when their yearly theme was “Put Your Heart into it.”
In Trudie’s opinion, the Chevals’ program focuses on developing a well-rounded individual that is prepared to perform in any aspect of life on or off the dance floor. They are a “family” that works toward achieving goals, not just improving dance technique.
Trudie has had many proud moments as a director. Her proudest moments are when students make the right choices; when a student decides to try out for officer, even when they were doubting their own strength; when a student passes that class they’ve been struggling in all year; when a student keeps a commitment because it is the right thing to do and they made the choice on their own! She loves getting messages from her Alumni and seeing the amazing things they are accomplishing! They are also very proud of participating in the Children’s Holiday Parade in downtown Dallas with HTEDance and Spirit Group. They have performed in the Children’s Parade for 17 consecutive years as featured performers in the opening number and the finale . They even had the chance to escort Selena Gomez during the parade in 2009.
We are also very proud of our participating in the Children’s Holiday Parade in Downtown Dallas with HTEDance and Spirit Group. We have performed in the Children’s Parade for 17 consecutive years as featured performers in the opening number, the finale and even had the chance to escort Selena Gomez during the parade in 2009.
She believes that the one thing the seniors tend to know about dance that the younger dancers still 
have not learned is that it is okay to make mistakes and learn from them. They are not afraid to take risks and push their limits. Younger dancers come into the program with a lot of insecurity and fear of judgment. The seniors are the ones that will pull them to the side and encourage them to try and reassure them that it is okay to fall as long as you are willing to get back up.
Trudie’s goals for the team this year are for them to be 100% successful in the classroom including their overall GPA. They fell short of the goal this year; however, the girls are determined to finish the year strong. Another goal was to reach out to younger dancers. They started a mentor program with one of their feeder schools. Rainwater Elementary Dance Club has a wonderful program started by one of Trudie’s Alumni, Madelyn Muennink. Once a week, one of their officers will go and work with the team. They love seeing the kids excited about dance.
Trudie has worked with the Creekview High School Chevals for 16 years. She believes firmly that every student that enters their classrooms or their teams is there for a purpose and has loved seeing the impact that dance has on students from all walks of life. At Creekview, they have a motto to “Be the Best, Accept No Less and Live With Pride.” Trudie hopes that she has taught each one of her students to believe in that motto.
If you would like more information about Creekview High School Chevals , visit their website at http://creekviewchevals.com, call them at (972) 968-4820 or email them at WilliamsT@cfbisd.edu. You can also like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and connect with them on Instagram.
Please post a comment if you have had any experience with Trudie Jopson of Texas Creekview High School Chevals.
Written By Cyndi Marziani
Owner
BDancewear.com
