The Reality of Being America’s Sweethearts
Courtesy of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders stand as the epitome of cheerleading excellence. Their iconic status surpasses even that of the Dallas Cowboys players themselves. Every detail contributes to their unparalleled allure, from their distinctive boots and stars to the pristine white poms and mesmerizing kick line. While their lives may appear glamorous on the surface, the new documentary "America’s Sweethearts: The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders" reveals the depth and complexity beneath the surface of their captivating performances.
Judy and Kelli, X (@DCCheerleaders)
Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell, both former Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, currently oversee the operations of the DCC. Kelli is dedicated to enhancing the DCC and has established partnerships, including one with Mattel, which provides each DCC member with a special DCC Barbie during training camp. She played a crucial role in launching the TV show and supervised the annual calendar shoots. Despite their initially daunting demeanor, both Kelli and Judy have demonstrated compassion. When a team member is injured, they ensure she receives the necessary care, and they are there to offer emotional support with hugs and Kleenex when needed. When their beloved bus driver, James, suffered a stroke, Kelli personally brought Christmas decorations to his hospital room. While they uphold high standards and provide honest feedback, it's heartening to witness their empathetic and caring sides.
The pressure is palpable even before stepping into the AT&T Stadium. With over 500 women vying for a spot, only 75 make it to the finals in Dallas. These finalists perform two pieces in front of a panel of 16 judges, including Kelli, Judy, and Charlotte Jones. Each woman showcases a solo of their choice before learning a signature Cowboys number on the field. Only 45 are chosen and invited to the rigorous training camp.
Rookies during Training Camp, @dccheerleaders on Insta
Once you receive your invite to training camp, you are given your official camp uniform – red for rookies or blue for veterans, and yes, every veteran must audition regardless of their tenure. In training camp, the hopeful women learn over 50 routines, including the iconic “Thunderstruck” opener and kick line. At any point in time, you could be invited into Kelli’s office, where she and Judy will cut you. Training camp is where I saw things take a turn. Yes, Judy and Kelli were “particular” when picking the top 45, but the commentary and pressure seemed unbearable once training camp started. The “it look” was a repeated theme. Yes, it makes sense that a cheerleader must be healthy and fit, but Judy and Kelli were too comfortable commenting on these ladies’ appearances. At one point, those remaining in camp were required to undergo a makeover, where Kelli and a hairstylist would alter or change your look. Kelly, a hopeful from New Jersey, was turned red from blonde, yet set home a few days later. In uniform fittings, Kelli repeatedly expressed how some women need to “tighten their tummy.” A veteran shared that once you are fitted for your uniform in your rookie year, you keep that exact size for your tenure. Some of these women cheer for upwards of five years.
2023 Group Leaders Penske Media/Getty Images
It was surprising to learn about the pay for a DCC. Charlotte Jones mentioned in the first episode that being a DCC is more of an honor than a job and offers excellent opportunities for professional dancers. While the show didn’t explicitly state the salary, further research revealed that a DCC makes about $22,500 per season, a water boy makes $25,000, and Rockettes average $36,400 yearly. These women have other jobs as teachers, orthodontists, florists, and nurses to make ends meet. Considering that the DCC generates about $1 million in revenue annually, it seems like a raise is justified, especially given the significant earnings of professional athletes.
The documentary highlighted the theme of friendship and sisterhood, portraying how each squad forms a strong bond like a family. The women support each other through tough times, such as when dealing with harsh criticism or inappropriate behavior. The experienced members assist the recruits with learning the choreography. Seeing how genuinely happy each woman is for her teammates is uplifting. In one of the final episodes, more than 200 former members reunited to perform in the halftime show, showcasing their love and appreciation for each other.
Victoria and her mom, Tina, a former DCC @victoriakalina on Instagram
The deeply personal stories shared by the individuals involved made the documentary even more captivating. Kelsey, a veteran and group leader, candidly recounted her transformative journey over the past five years. Victoria, a legacy member, delved into the incredible but taxing nature of being part of the DCC on mental and physical well-being. Meanwhile, retirees Kat and Caroline opened up about discovering purpose after retiring from the DCC. Lastly, Reece, a rookie, revealed the significance of chasing one's aspirations and being surrounded by a supportive network. These stories brought a deeply human element to the documentary, creating a sense of personal investment in the rookies' journey, particularly for Reece.
Everyone needs to watch America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. Viewers will laugh, cry, and perhaps even feel the urge to throw something at their TV in excitement. The 2024 training camp is underway, and fans eagerly anticipate the possibility of cameras capturing all the behind-the-scenes action!