Latest news with #DallasCowboysCheerleader
Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Guilt, ambition and a ponytail: Australian dancer makes the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader squad
Faith Ward describes the ultra-competitive journey of becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader as a cocktail of hard work, determination and, at times, guilt. Before being handed her pair of white boots and star-embroidered vest for a spot in one of the world's most coveted cheerleading squads, the 22-year-old from Perth was booking dance gigs on cruise ships. Speaking from her new bedroom in Dallas, Ward recalls watching the first season of Netflix's docuseries America's Sweethearts from a cruise bunk bed, dreaming about one day being part of the squad. 'I don't think I will ever fully process the fact that I'm a DCC. It feels like a dream, and I'm still waiting to wake up from it,' Ward told this masthead. Thousands auditioned for one of six rookie spots offered this year – the smallest intake in history, according to Ward, who was born in New Zealand but raised in Western Australia. She becomes the third Australian and first New Zealander to do so. After auditioning, Ward battled through a gruelling training camp, watching new friends – who had trained their whole lives for a spot in the squad – get sent home each day. 'I almost felt like, do I belong in this position?' she said. 'Because this has been just as much my dream as it probably was theirs, but they have thought about this since the day they could walk.' 'Some of these girls would give their right arm to be here. So would I – I have worked just as hard … even though from the get-go, it wasn't like 'I want to be a DCC'. I wanted to make it in the dance world and do something that makes me happy. This happened to be it.
The Age
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
Guilt, ambition and a ponytail: Australian dancer makes the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader squad
Faith Ward describes the ultra-competitive journey of becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader as a cocktail of hard work, determination and, at times, guilt. Before being handed her pair of white boots and star-embroidered vest for a spot in one of the world's most coveted cheerleading squads, the 22-year-old from Perth was booking dance gigs on cruise ships. Speaking from her new bedroom in Dallas, Ward recalls watching the first season of Netflix's docuseries America's Sweethearts from a cruise bunk bed, dreaming about one day being part of the squad. 'I don't think I will ever fully process the fact that I'm a DCC. It feels like a dream, and I'm still waiting to wake up from it,' Ward told this masthead. Thousands auditioned for one of six rookie spots offered this year – the smallest intake in history, according to Ward, who was born in New Zealand but raised in Western Australia. She becomes the third Australian and first New Zealander to do so. After auditioning, Ward battled through a gruelling training camp, watching new friends – who had trained their whole lives for a spot in the squad – get sent home each day. 'I almost felt like, do I belong in this position?' she said. 'Because this has been just as much my dream as it probably was theirs, but they have thought about this since the day they could walk.' 'Some of these girls would give their right arm to be here. So would I – I have worked just as hard … even though from the get-go, it wasn't like 'I want to be a DCC'. I wanted to make it in the dance world and do something that makes me happy. This happened to be it.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Perth dancer Faith Ward makes history after landing job with Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Perth dancer Faith Ward is on top of the world after landing a 'dream job' on the world-famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader roster. Ward was named as one of six rookies to join the cheerleading team of 36 to perform during the upcoming season of the NFL. The 22-year-old, who was born in New Zealand but grew up in Western Australia, becomes the first Kiwi to make the crew - and third Aussie. The double-jointed dancer who features on the Netflix docuseries America's Sweethearts announced the news to her social media followers on July 17 with a heartwarming video. 'Telling people I got my dream job,' she captioned the clip, which displayed the reactions of her friends. 'The best day of my life,' she added. Ward, who was born in New Zealand but grew up in Western Australia, is the first Kiwi to made the famous squad In another post, she wrote: 'This journey has been incredibly challenging, both physically and mentally, but I wouldn't change a thing. 'I've been pushed in ways I never imagined, I've learned and grown so much already. 'I'm excited to see where this wild ride takes me. I feel so privileged to stand alongside not only the most talented dancers but also some of the most amazing women I've ever met.' 'I want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, the Cowboys Organisation for believing in me and giving me this life-changing opportunity. It is truly an honour. 'To my family, friends, coaches, and mentors who have been by my side throughout this entire journey, thank you will never be enough. 'I wouldn't be where I am today without you.' Ward started dancing professionally at 18 on cruise ships, but now will be in front of a lot more people with at least 90,000 people attending Cowboys games. The cheerleading squad has recently gained massive popularity thanks to the docuseries America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. After progressing through trials earlier in the year, the dancer said, 'no matter the outcome, it'll be amazing to be part of the experience, and making it this far is already just incredible.'
7NEWS
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Perth dancer Faith Ward lands ‘dream job' with Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Perth dancer, acrobat and model Faith Ward is the envy of cheerleaders around the world after securing her position on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader roster. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are world famous and the Netflix docuseries America's Sweethearts, which features the auditioning process and goes behind the scenes of the squad for an entire NFL season, is a global sensation. The dance troop is particularly famous for its showstopping, high-octane routine to AC/DC's Thunderstruck. The double-jointed Ward — who hails from New Zealand but moved to Australia when she was 10 — has been part of the brutal auditioning steps and yesterday revealed that she was one of six rookies that will join the team of 36. After she was presented with her iconic blue crop top, Ward then proceeded to tell her friends and family who were all blown away by the news. Loading Instagram Post 'Telling people I got my dream job,' was the caption on Ward's video, which showed the reactions of her overwhelmed friend. 'The best day of my life 😭😭,' she added. Ward, who has more than 200,000 followers on TikTok, competed against thousands of aspiring cheerleaders that were vying for just six spots on the 36-woman squad, after she successfully made it through a rigorous application process. It began with the wide-eyed dancer sending through dance photos and videos, with each applicant required to learn specific choreography in their auditions before being invited to Texas. After making it through the first trials in June, Ward said, 'no matter the outcome, it'll be amazing to be part of the experience, and making it this far is already just incredible.' Now the hard work has paid off ... fulfilling 'long-term dream' after reaching the pinnacle of the cheerleading world. Born with double-jointed hips, Ward began working as a professional dancer at 18, performing on cruise ships — but now she will be on the big stage, in front of more than 90,000 people every game. The cheerleaders that are affectionately called 'America's Sweethearts', support the American Football team the Dallas Cowboys, undoubtedly the biggest sports franchise in the world. Despite the national pride the group carry for America, Ward isn't the first from Down Under to don the Lone Star — with the past DCC alumni including Aussies Angela Nicotera Brown and Jinelle Esther. The hard work for Ward has only just begun, as members of the squad are required to put in hours equivalent to that of a full-time job — but she comes in at a golden time after the squad received a significant pay rise this off season. Following heavy public scrutiny, the Cowboys franchise — which is worth more than $15b — has given the cheerleaders a 400 per cent pay rise, meaning Ward will pocket a salary of around $77,000. But many argue the cheerleaders deserve more considering the time and effort they put in to keep up with the physical requirements of the role. As the football team enters training camp, the cheerleaders will be entering their own with the first home preseason game for the Cowboys scheduled for August 17, before their season officially kicks off at their home turf in Arlington, Texas on September 15.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kelcey Wetterberg steps away from Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader's fame to focus on healing kids and planning her dream life
Where Is DCC's Kelcey Wetterberg Now? Where Is DCC's Kelcey Wetterberg Now? Where Is DCC's Kelcey Wetterberg Now? Where Is DCC's Kelcey Wetterberg Now? Where Is DCC's Kelcey Wetterberg Now? 1 2 Kelcey Wetterberg, famed from Netflix's 'America's Sweethearts,' has shifted from a five-year Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader veteran and pediatric nurse to a full-time nursing career. She married Nate Crnkovich in late 2024, continues to support the DCC as an 'All-Star,' and openly shares her life, including a recent ankle injury recovery, on social media. Kelcey Wetterberg leaves cheerleading behind for nursing, marriage, and a viral second act Kelcey Wetterberg's journey flares out with grace and determination, moving beyond the radiant lights of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Having adorned the squad for half a decade, her presence was more than just enchanting dance; it was a witness to remarkable equilibrium. Imagine navigating the demanding schedule of a celebrated cheerleader while simultaneously being resolute to the critical responsibilities of a pediatric nurse. She articulated this demanding lifestyle, stating, "DCC is more of a part-time job — as a nurse I work 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., then go to practice and get home at midnight, sometimes 1:00 a.m." This peek into her daily grind underscores the extraordinary dedication required. Beyond the rigorously choreographed routines and stadium roars, her personal life has bloomed beautifully. The docuseries captured the heartwarming moment of her engagement to Nate Crnkovich, a fellow registered nurse and accomplished actor. Their union was joyously celebrated with a pair of ceremonies in Nebraska during the close of 2024, capping off in a New Year's Eve reception attended by 300 guests, which she described as "a dream come true." Even as she steps away from the official cheerleading roster, her connection to the organization remains constant. Also Read: Hailee Steinfeld finds peace at home as Mitchell Trubisky gives Josh Allen added security on Buffalo Bills' roster Embracing her role as an "All-Star," she frequently lends her expertise and support to the team, Kelli Finglass, and Judy Trammell. This ongoing involvement demonstrates a profound loyalty and a desire to nurture the community that once defined a significant part of her life. Her narrative is a persuasive blend of professional evolution, personal fulfillment, and enduring passion. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
