Latest news with #FaithWard
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Faith Ward's bold ponytail challenges Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' iconic style—and fans are split over the new look
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Faith Ward's ponytail has ignited a debate (Image via IG) As the Dallas Cowboys ramp up for the 2025 NFL season, it's not just stars like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs commanding attention. Rookie cheerleader Faith Ward has sparked a surprising wave of controversy—thanks to her high ponytail. Fans divided as tradition meets individuality on the DCC sidelines Faith Ward, a history-making recruit from New Zealand, became the first woman from her country to make the iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) roster. But it's her choice of hairstyle—not just her dance moves—that's setting social media ablaze. During training camp, Ward ditched the DCC's signature flowing curls in favor of a slicked-back ponytail—a move that instantly triggered both admiration and criticism online. Clips of Ward performing in uniform with her ponytail quickly went viral on TikTok and Instagram. While some viewers loved the sleek look, others were baffled by the break in tradition. 'The pony is iconic but how is she allowed to have it like that?' one commenter asked. Critics expressed concern that loosening long-standing beauty standards could disrupt the polished, uniform image the DCC is famous for. In a candid interview with ABC Perth on July 21, Ward addressed the uproar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Filipinos should claim this large benefit! Read More Undo She acknowledged the expected DCC look—'fluffy, voluminous, luscious, long locks'—but shared that her ponytail 'broke that stereotype.' The ponytail wasn't Faith Ward's idea—and it might not be permanent Interestingly, Ward revealed the hairstyle was suggested during a rehearsal by DCC director Kelli Finglass while running through the high-energy 'Thunderstruck' routine. Finglass reportedly approved of the look, even comparing it to pop icon Ariana Grande. Still, Ward says the style might not be here to stay. 'We still have to keep an open mind to the possibility that I could be going back to hair out,' she added. A new era of flexibility for America's Sweethearts? Faith Ward isn't alone in pushing the boundaries. Netflix's America's Sweethearts featured other DCC members like Ava Lahey opting for functional tweaks to their glam in the name of comfort and performance. Whether her ponytail sticks or not, Ward is already rewriting the playbook—bringing fresh energy and global flair to one of the NFL's most iconic squads. Also Read: Courtney Johnson reflects on how Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders rejection fueled her media career FAQs 1. Why is Faith Ward's ponytail making headlines with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders? Her slicked-back ponytail breaks from the DCC's traditional voluminous hairstyle, sparking debate over individuality versus uniformity. 2. Did Faith Ward choose the ponytail herself? No, the idea came from DCC director Kelli Finglass during a rehearsal, and it received positive feedback. 3. Will the ponytail become a permanent look for DCC? Faith Ward says it's uncertain, noting they're keeping 'an open mind' about returning to the traditional style. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
NZ Herald
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Faith Ward on her journey from Porirua to American fame
Ward attended a 'very small, intimate school', just north of Porirua, where she believes knowing all the teachers' names was a great way to grow up. 'I feel like that definitely shaped me into the person I am today; it's very crazy to think that that's where my life started,' she said. Faith Ward becomes the first New Zealander to make the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. Photo / Supplied Ward's mum was a dance teacher at the Wellington School of Dance, and started taking her to her lessons. Ward recalls joining in, prancing around with ribbons to avoid being bored. She said she didn't even initially want to dance, but her mum noticed a natural rhythm and encouraged her to sign up for a few lessons. The dance lessons quickly became more competitive, and before she knew it, she was 'winning a few awards, was like, 'Oh, I'm actually maybe kind of good at this',' she said. Wellington School of Dance teacher Suzanne Denton started teaching Ward from age of 4, and said she had immense talent and determination. Ward was part of the dance school's competition teams and had a natural ability. Denton said she 'was a delight to teach'. The whole team was incredibly proud of her, and the achievement just 'shows what kind of person she actually is.' Denton said Ward is a true inspiration for the next generation of dancers that she teaches, and 'coming from NZ, being able to achieve something like this on the world stage is very inspirational for all dancers'. Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Faith Ward experimented with a whole range of dance formats while living in New Zealand as a child. Ward recalls begging her mum to let her try cheerleading at Big Air gym in Tawa as well as dancing, as that's what 'all my friends from school were doing'. Big Air was Ward's first taste of cheerleading, which she said brought out a whole new side of the sport, and made her stronger as an athlete. An appearance on children's TV show What Now when she was 8 was a defining moment, where the gears clicked and she realised this was what she wanted to do as a forever job. 'That's where I kind of went, 'there's some opportunity in dancing. I could make this a thing'.' Fast forward to the past few weeks, which Ward dubbed some of the hardest, most gruelling weeks of her life: she has made her dream come true as a Dallas Cowboy. The Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders are renowned as one of the world's top cheer groups. Thousands of dancers go through intense training camps each year to try and secure a spot among the elite. They have been performing at Dallas Cowboy's NFL games since 1961. Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Faith Ward previously performed in the musical Annie at the St James Theatre Wellington in 2014. Ward said during training camps, they would be shown a dance taught just the day prior, and have to perform the entire routine. If the coaches weren't impressed, they'd cut them from the programme on the spot. The cheerleaders became a global phenomenon with the launch of Netflix docuseries, America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which came out last year, showing a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes. It's an achievement no Kiwi has made before, becoming America's newest sweetheart. 'I'm honestly so honoured and so privileged to be representing NZ,' she said.
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Perth's DCC sets record straight on unusual hairstyle
One of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' newest recruits has set the record straight after she was spotted donning a hairstyle not associated with being a DCC. Perth's very own Faith Ward is one of five new rookies to join the famous cheerleading team in Texas that is known for implementing strict rules on the dancers, including extreme beauty guidelines. Following the 2025 team announcement last week, eagle-eyed DCC fans noticed that Ward was the only cheerleader with her hair styled in a ponytail, contrary to the hair-down look that has become synonymous with the squad. On Thursday, Ward confirmed on social media that the ponytail was here to stay after having her official team photos. 'I've been hearing a lot of tales, and I'm here to set the record straight,' she said in a video on Instagram. 'Well, as you can see here, my headshot, that's how it all started, so that's how they found me, that's how they saw me, and I guess they just preferred me with my hair up rather than out there's not that much tea to it.' The 22-year-old said the controversial hairdo made the team's brutal training camp debut two weeks in. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. 'They asked me to tie it up, and then I kind of just left it that way and then uniform fittings really confirmed it,' she said. The Wellington-born, who is the first New Zealander to make DCC, also revealed the reaction from squad director Kelli Finglass. 'Ariana Grande is all she had to say, which I was like, that's amazing, obviously my hair was a little bit shorter at the time, so we added some longer extensions, went a bit blonder,' she said. Friends and fans took to the comments section with mixed reactions to the rule-bending. DCC veteran Charly Barby said: 'Our pony princess.' Faith Ward with her fellow rookies. Credit: Supplied 'This is so iconic. The girl with the ponytail!' a fan said. Another fan said: 'Normalise ponies cause my hair would be a full frizzy mess covered in sweat if I was doing all this with it down.' 'Is Faith really Faith if she doesn't have her iconic slick back ponytail?' a third fan added. Another fan said: 'The ponytail looks SO good!! And I love the uniform on her. She honestly looks like she was born to be a DCC.' However, one fan disagreed with the hair change. 'I think you're gorgeous, but I prefer the down hairstyle of all the DCC! The hair rule STAYS DOWN,' they said. Meanwhile, others paid attention to a film crew in the background of Ward's video, where they hoped for an announcement of season three of the hit Netflix show America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Faith Ward is representing New Zealand and Australia. Credit: Supplied 'I see a film crew in the background 👀 season 3?!' a fan said. It comes after Ward herself hinted at another season where fans would get an insight to her DCC journey after explaining how overwhelmed she felt during her first training camp lesson. 'The first lesson when I came in, I'm sure you guys will eventually see, I'm a deer in headlights,' she told PerthNow 'Going into an environment where I'd never done the style before, never held a pair of pom poms, and didn't know any of the routines, while all the veterans around you know what they're doing is extremely intimidating. 'Plus, you're literally fighting for your life in front of Judy and Kellie, so you want to do the best you can.' 'Girl, hopefully Netflix releases season three. I would love to see that too.'
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Perth dancer explains why she's the first Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader to wear a ponytail after copping wild backlash for 'Aussie Coded' look
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Faith Ward has responded to backlash about her hair after one detail set the internet alight. The 22-year-old, who was born in New Zealand but grew up in Western Australia, has become the first Kiwi to make the crew. Faith shared a social media post to celebrate the news on Sunday, proudly holding up her fresh DCC uniform with her blonde hair pulled back into a high ponytail. As hundreds of well-wishers and teammates flooded the comments section, Faith's hairstyle prompted a massive response from fans of the team. 'Congrats! But wondering why do you wear your hair in a ponytail, not down like everyone else?' one social media user asked. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'Is no one inquiring about the ponytail moment?!?!?' a second fan commented. 'It looks weird that she's the only one with a ponytail,' another said. 'We all want to know about the ponytail please,' yet another wrote, with one viewer requesting the 'backstory.' 'Does anyone know if they made an exception with her hair? DCC has strict hair regulations,' another pointed out. One supporter even remarked that Faith's slick-back hair was 'so Aussie coded.' Faith was named as one of just six rookies to join the cheerleading team of 36 to perform during the upcoming season of the NFL. She stars in series two of Netflix 's hit reality TV series America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which hit screens on June 20 after its debut run won over legions of fans. To make the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, all rookies must undergo makeovers during training camp, which can involve dramatic changes to their hair, makeup, and sometimes even teeth to help them achieve the 'DCC look '. These makeovers are a crucial part of assessing a candidate's potential and ensuring they meet the team's strict aesthetic standards. Back in 2016, DCC director Kelli Finglass told People that all cheerleaders 'wear their hair down, even in rehearsal.' 'It's about the girls being as glamorous as they can,' she said, adding that a 'DCC hairstyle' absolutely must 'dance well'. Faith confirmed she is the first DCC to be allowed an up-do in an interview with ABC Perth on Monday. 'It's crazy because obviously the DCC hairstyle is out, fluffy, voluminous, luscious, long locks. I've broken that stereotype,' she said. Strangely enough, it was a rehearsal to Thunderstruck by Australian rock legends AC/DC that Kelli suggested Faith put her hair up. 'So, I'm in rehearsal one of the days with my hair out and I am, you know, sweating after doing "Thunderstruck",' she explained. 'She's looking at me and she's like, "You know what? I really want to see what your hair would look like tied up".' Faith did as she was told and the departure from team regulation made her a standout. 'I go into uniform fittings and keep my hair up in hopes that she would like it still, and I walk in and she goes, "You're giving Ariana Grande! Like, we need an Ariana Grande moment on the team",' she said. 'I said, are you serious right now, Kelli? This is so exciting!' The famously strict director told the Aussie newcomer: 'Yeah, but I want your ponytail longer, I want it blonder and then I want to see a cameo day where I prefer you be with your hair out.' Faith said the reason she hasn't addressed online speculation is because she's awaiting Kelli's final verdict on her look. 'But right now, it's looking very hopeful that I will be a DCC with a ponytail,' she enthused. In her Instagram post, Faith said making the team was, 'The best day of my life.' 'This journey has been incredibly challenging, both physically and mentally, but I wouldn't change a thing,' she wrote. 'I've been pushed in ways I never imagined, I've learned and grown so much already.' Faith started dancing professionally at 18 on cruise ships, but now will perform in front of much larger crowds, with at least 90,000 people attending Cowboys games
News.com.au
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Australian Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader defends ponytail look
A Perth-based dancer who scored herself a spot on the illustrious Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading team has responded to backlash about her hair after a key detail set the internet ablaze. Faith Ward, who was born in Wellington and has lived in Perth for much of her life, received the news that she made the world-famous team last week. It made her the very first Kiwi and just the third Aussie to be involved with the Texan-based cheerleading squad. But it was a social media post she shared to celebrate the news, holding her uniform with her blonde hair in a high ponytail, that raised eyebrows. 'Why is Faith Ward the only one with a ponytail in DCC. DCC has strict hair regulations,' one social media user asked. Em Fandango, a UK content creator, said the 22-year-old rookie has made a 'splash' due to her 'polarising' hair style. 'For decades now the DCC girls are known for their appearance, and a large percentage of that is hairography,' she said. Others defended the look. 'Judy wore pigtails in the 80s and Tami Barber, one of the most famous DCCs, also wore pigtails. Super proud of our Aussie girl Faith and love the ponytails,' one said. Another echoed: 'Tami Barber had pigtails in the 70s or whatever. So, I'm all for an updo.' Speaking to the DCC newcomer joked about the 'controversy' surrounding her ponytail. 'I actually came into training camp with my hair out, like everyone else, thinking that was what the expectation was going to be,' she said. 'But in my headshot my hair is tied up and that was what I was shown as. Every day in training camp Kelli and Judy [DCC director and choreographer, respectively] are sat with the rookies' headshots and doing their voice notes.' She said during the gruelling six-week-long training camp, after performing the iconic Thunderstruck routine twice, she looked in the mirror and was stunned by her appearance. 'I am a bit of a head sweater, I'm not going to lie. No one else was looking like me. I was giving drowned rat. I was like, 'Why do I look like this and everyone else looks airbrushed?',' she said. 'And Kelli looked at me, and said she really loved my hair in my headshot. She asked how I got it that way and I explained it was tied up with extensions in.' It had been mentioned previously about the dancer having her hair up while performing — something Ms Ward didn't realise was an option — and so on a water break she decided to give it a crack. It was immediately met with approval — on the condition that it 'danced well'. 'I wanted to dance with my hair up just as much, because I knew I didn't suit dancing with my hair out. My whole life, I've been a slick girl. I am a technical dancer. We never have our hair out,' she explained. 'And my face shape doesn't suit it, from what I've found personally.' Kelli then expressed her enthusiasm for the look, with Ms Ward putting everything into the next run through the routine to prove it danced well. 'You look like you're having a lot more fun,' was the feedback she was given. Another was; 'You're going to be our little Ariana Grande'. Ms Ward said things could change between now and when the team takes to the field in September, but it was looking likely that she would be sporting a ponytail when they do. To the reaction online about the look, she said people needed to 'chill out' after she discovered people were zooming in on the baby hairs on the nape of her neck. This was the first year that Ms Ward, who has been a competitive dancer her whole life, auditioned for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. She was introduced to it by a friend she competed against while dancing. A recruiter for the DCC then reached out to Ms Ward on Instagram, encouraging her to apply. Growing up, she learnt everything from lyrical to jazz, contemporary and acrobatics – but never knew what she wanted to do with it. Then, she discovered All Star cheerleading — which involves a lot of flying and flipping through the air over pompoms. She knew there weren't many jobs in the sport, so she decided to keep up dancing as well. Ms Ward didn't even say a proper goodbye to family and friends when she flew to Texas to audition for DCC, thinking that she would likely be home soon, given she'd never done power pom or college cheer. She knew she had the talent to eventually make the team but didn't believe she'd nail it on her first try. 'I am honestly feeling overwhelmed and still not comprehending the fact it is actually real. It feels like a dream,' she said. She added she was honoured to be the first person born in New Zealand, and the third Australian, to be part of the team. Ahead of the announcement, Ms Ward spent six weeks in training camp, where the potential cheerleaders learn the routine while being scrutinised to make sure they have everything it takes to be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. Ms Ward said it was probably one of the hardest experiences any athlete could go through. 'I've never been pushed in ways that I have in training camp. I am grateful for that,' she said.
