Latest news with #KelliFinglass
ABC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Perth dancer Faith Ward makes world-famous Dallas Cowboys cheerleading squad after 'cutthroat and brutal' selection process
Perth dancer Faith Ward says she is "super excited and grateful" after making the world-famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad. Born in New Zealand and raised in Western Australia, the 22-year-old is the first New Zealander and the third Australian to make the prestigious team for the NFL franchise. She competed against thousands of cheerleaders for one of just six rookie spots on the 36-member cheerleading squad this NFL season. "I thought, this is my time to reach for my dreams," she told ABC News Breakfast. The US cheerleaders have attracted huge global fame in recent years through wildly popular Netflix docuseries America's Sweethearts. The two seasons of the TV series tracked the gruelling selection and training processes for the official cheer squad of the world's biggest sports franchise. Ward tried out for the team after a recruiter messaged her on Instagram. "I was like, 'This is a fake account, this is a drill, there's no way this is happening'," she said. "And [the recruiter] was like, 'No, we're looking for international candidates'." The gruelling audition process sees veterans compete each year against rookie candidates to retain their spot. "I think those athletes are hands-down some of the most hard-working people I've ever seen," Ward said. While the Wellington-born dancer acknowledged it was a "cutthroat" and "brutal" process, she said the team's director Kelli Finglass and choreographer Judy Trammell had "warm hearts". "They're really just wanting to see the best potential of you," she said. "It's a hard industry to make it in and everyone wants to do it, so you've just got to push through." Ward said just qualifying for the finals was more than she had ever dreamed of, adding she "couldn't believe it" when she discovered she'd made the team. "I was waiting for someone to wake me up from my dream," she said. Now the final team has been selected, preparations begin for the NFL regular season, which kicks off in September. This includes meticulous practice of DCC's most famous dance to AC/DC's Thunderstruck, which they will perform in front of 90,000 eager fans at AT&T Stadium, the Cowboys' home ground. "It is going to be so iconic and so surreal to be representing Australia and New Zealand," Ward said. "It's going to make it feel like all those late nights of dance practice and training and hours I've put into my profession has paid off."
Buzz Feed
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
22 Rules Behind The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Training
I don't know about you, but I was floored when I watched Netflix's America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the docuseries chronicling the making of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleading squad. And since Season 2 dropped on June 18, we've gotten even more of an inside look at the inner workings of the iconic team, for better or for worse. The participants' passion, athleticism, and dedication were inspiring, and TBH, it broke down the stereotypes I had about cheerleaders if I'm being totally honest. The process of making the squad is an intense, months-long affair where sweat, tears, and extreme makeovers are just a small part of the process. After three days of binge-watching the docuseries, here's what I learned about what it's actually like to become a DCC: Hundreds apply online for the first round of auditions. Applicants turn in one headshot and one full-length photo, accompanied by a 20-second intro and a 60-second freestyle dance video. In Season 1, Kelli Finglass, the director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders program, mentions there were around 500 who applied online. In Season 2, Kelli shares that the number could now be in the thousands due to the popularity of the show. The head of the DCC hiring committee is Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell, the head of choreography. Both cheered for the team in the '80s. Charlotte Jones, the EVP and Chief Brand Officer of the team, also oversees the program. From the video auditions, around 75 hopefuls are invited for in-person live solo performances in Frisco, Texas, where a panel of judges votes for contestants to move on to the next round. Becoming a DCC is highly competitive. Veterans — former team members who made it to the squad the previous year — still have to go through the live solo performance auditions and pass. And after that, they still have to make it through training camp. After contestants pass the live performances stage, they audition to showcase their moves on the turf. "The audition process is pretty comprehensive," Kelli says in Season 2. "The solos can show us amazing dancers with brilliant technique and years of training, but they're not doing a lyrical, contemporary, modern piece on our football field. A stadium requires an arena performer as opposed to possibly a soloist or a concert dancer." She adds, "It becomes a skill to learn how to project on a football field." Once they make it through the football field auditions, they're selected for training camp — but the audition process isn't over. Around 45 make it to training camp, with additional cuts to follow as they get closer to the finish line. Rachel Gill, who previously cheered for the DCC, wrote in D Magazine that "showmanship is a big factor in the judging." She said, "The directors can work with someone on improving her dance skills or be lenient with those who do not learn quickly as long as they execute the choreography when needed. But it is difficult to teach performance showmanship. You either have it, or you don't." At training camp, potential members get to finally learn the iconic AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" choreography. "I've been watching that dance since I was little, so to actually start learning it was surreal but much harder than expected," said Kelly Villares, who auditioned in Season 1. "The steps, there's so much to think about." The "Thunderstruck" dance routine has been performed by the DCC since the opening of the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in 2009, and has been part of the pre-game routine for the Dallas Cowboys. It's performed at every home game, and the iconic choreography is renowned for its precision and flair. The iconic dance routine features a "Point 1" and "Point 2" position, which are the two positions at the head of the dance sequence. It's an honor to take on these positions as a DCC. Usually, the ones chosen are veterans who demonstrate dance skills, a positive representation of the DCC, and showmanship. Another part of the making-the-team process includes an ANTM-like makeover session. Recruits are taken to a salon where hairstylists and makeup artists recommend new looks and hairstyles. "We have now seen them dance. We've seen them in an audition, competition environment," said Kelli. "And now, we're trying to make sure they are at their best look." Having that "DCC look" is a rather high ideal and there's a lot of pressure to live up to the standard and look a certain way. "There's this beauty about DCC that's perfect, and everyone thinks you're this perfect person," said Jayln Stough, who cheered with the team for five years. "We are looking for it to be exact with everyone. To get our makeup done right, our hair done, our nails done. Always smiling, never sad." She added, "That trickles into the locker room. That trickles into our everyday lives." In the end, out of the hundreds who apply and check all those boxes, only 36 women make the team, comprising returning veterans who have successfully rejoined and the new recruits. Once they make the team, they get to rock the iconic DCC uniforms. It's rumored that they only receive one pair, which means they have to keep it pristine and stay the same size since it's tailored to their body from when they're first recruited. "You don't get a new uniform," explained Kat Puryear, a retired veteran who cheered for the team for four years. "Once you're fitted for that uniform, that size is the size you get. You don't get to go up. If you go up, they're like, 'Why does this not fit you?'" Everyone also has to return their uniforms, even those who retire. Victoria Kalina, a fourth-year veteran in Season 1, spoke about her struggles with depression and disordered eating, and how being a part of the DCC didn't make it any easier. "As a dancer, that's the hardest thing that you can fight are eating disorders, plus depression," she said. "Game time comes, so then you just gotta get into those baby clothes, get into that baby uniform, and that cycle just keeps going." While there isn't an official height or weight requirement to become a DCC, it's suggested in the series that it helps if the cheerleaders are all around the same height, since they have to support each other physically in the kick line. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have been a huge part of pop culture since the '70s, and their uniforms are so iconic that they're actually hung in the Smithsonian. "To tell people you were a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, they all wanted to be your best friend all of a sudden," said one alumnus who danced for the team in the '70s. The cheerleaders refer to leadership, like Kelli and Judy, as "Ma'am." For Abby Summers, who auditioned in Season 2 and who grew up in Ohio, it was a bit of a culture shock. "I mean, first the 'Yes, ma'm.' Never said that in my life," she said. "But I do understand that's respect for them." Being a DCC is incredibly physical, especially since splits are required to make the team, and the team's signature moves are high kicks and the jumping splits. Kat, who danced for four years, said, "Both my hips are torn. Some girls' backs and necks are pretty messed up. A lot of girls get surgery." "Every single girl is super talented, and I'll be completely honest," said Jada McLean, a five-year vet, when discussing the new recruits and their live solo performances, "I have felt my body break down since I've been here, so watching them can be intimidating because I remember when there was a point in my life that I could do really cool tricks and stuff, and now, I'm just trying to keep my body in one piece."However, many of the cheerleaders share in the series that the moves are just so integral, they can't imagine not doing them. For the rookies, at the end of their inaugural year, they receive matching pinky rings commemorating their first year as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. At public appearances, a "no-touch" policy is implemented. Fans are usually given a football to hold to prevent physical contact. "The football is so people don't touch us because people get freaking handsy," said Kat. "Especially when they start to know your name." In Season 1, Sophy Laufer, a second-year vet at the time, experienced an incident where she was allegedly "touched inappropriately" by a photographer during a game. She reported it to her teammates, who told the security guards and alerted the police. However, a statement was shared on the show: "After conducting an investigation, which included reviewing security footage from AT&T stadium, the Arlington police department determined there was not enough evidence to conclude that a criminal offense occurred." Regarding the situation, Jada said, "Just because we put on this uniform doesn't make us an object. ... I am still a human being who worked hard to put on this uniform. Treat me with respect, even when I have this on, you know?" Safety is a concern for the DCC, especially since their visibility has grown. Kat said of the fame, "I've had letters sent to my personal address." Kelcey Wetterberg, a five-year vet, shared an incident where she discovered someone had placed an AirTag on her car after she'd driven home. It took a mental toll on her, despite alerting the police and filing police reports. "There's never anything they can do until somebody hurts me," she said. Being a part of the DCC is considered a part-time, "hourly employment position," although it's mentioned in the series that during a busy season, they can work up to 40 hours a week due to selected additional appearances. Many juggle two or three other jobs on top of their work with DCC. The requirements are "approximately 10 home games," "3-4 rehearsals a week between 2-3 hours" from late July until the end of the Dallas Cowboys football season, and can include additional appearances. The additional appearances aren't mandatory, but it's considered an honor to be selected, and they're paid. The rehearsals are also told the New York Times in 2024 that she made "$15 per hour" and "$500 per appearance." In Season 2, like many of the other DCC's, she shared that she had another job to supplement her income. In Season 2, DCC vets Jada McLean, Amanda Howard, Megan McElaney, Kleine Powell, and Armani Latimer led the charge in fighting for better wages. In the end, their efforts resulted in a "400%" pay increase. Although, Jada clarified to Variety that the "400%" increase is multi-faceted. Jada said that some veterans will make $75 an hour or more, though the NY Times wrote, the organization, in an email statement, said they will "not confirm the new wages.""For some things, it's actually more than that an hour, but it depends," she told Variety in another interview. For example, for practices, it won't be the $75 hourly rate, however, at the games, "you will be paid more than that an hour." She continued, "Some people are like, '400% of what you're making a year?' I wish! But there have been increases in certain areas of 400%.''We pushed, and we got back good results,' said Armani Latimer, a five-year veteran who, like Jada, retired after Season 2. 'I love the fact that I made a change for the girls that are coming up behind me, even if I'm not getting a chance to benefit.'Kelli said in the docuseries, "You guys have moved some mountains this year that will forever change our organization and, hopefully, dancers organizations across the world," and that this change had been "60-plus-years long overdue." And lastly, if you were wondering whether there are any cheerleader-football player pairings on the show, there aren't and won't be. That's because, according to the series, the cheerleaders sign a "no fraternization" contract regarding the football players that states they cannot "date" or "fraternize" with them. What an exhilarating watch! Did you catch the series? What did you think? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Break Jerry Jones Tradition And 'Rally Together' for Major Rule-Breaker
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Break Jerry Jones Tradition And 'Rally Together' for Major Rule-Breaker originally appeared on Athlon Sports. FRISCO - We assume for years that inside Dallas Cowboys headquarters, the regime before Jerry Jones and since has viewed the fact that the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders really don't get paid as part of the charm of it all. Advertisement But others have long viewed a certain policy as being cheap. As relayed in this year's edition of the "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders" docuseries on Netflix, team members are delightfully stunned by the news that they will each receive real live actual paychecks for their work. It adds up to a 400-percent salary bump for the 2025 season, which will push the average salaries up to around $100,000 per season. Considering the fact that they put in ridiculous hours behind the scenes are ubiquitous in front of the curtain? Jerry's still getting off easy. To some, paying the DCC pennies on the dollar is a tradition. Former GM Tex Schramm set it up that way, and the Joneses never changed it. Indeed, for decades there has been criticism of a franchise now worth more than $10 billion paying part-time money for the Cheerleaders' decidedly full-time work. Advertisement "You guys have moved some mountains this year that will forever change our organization and hopefully dancers' organizations across the world," the squad's director, Kelli Finglass, told the cheerleaders at their end-of-season banquet, as documented in Episode 7 of Season 2. "It's just amazing because that has been 60-plus years long overdue." That's a bold statement from Finglass, who is very much a part of the "family'' here with the Cowboys. But it's a true statement. The view has always essentially been, "It's such a honor to be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader that you shouldn't do it for the money.'' Among the sacrifices: There are strict rules having to do with dating, and as demonstrated in one episode this year, ramifications involved in breaking those rules. Case in point: Chandi Dayle violated a major team policy while the ladies were traveling in the Bahamas as she "disclosed the group's hotel information to an unknown person because she needed someone to confide in during the group trip amid personal issues with her ex-boyfriend,'' as People explains it. Advertisement Dayle was subject to punishment, but fellow dancers Jada McLean said, "There are things that go on in any workplace. Situations come up, and I think the biggest thing is how you handle it. I think we did our best as a team to handle it professionally while still being supportive of her." "As a team, I think we just kind of rallied together and kept to the job and did our best to keep things moving, because at the end of the day, we still had a job to get done and that was our goal." As the final episode shows, Dayle essentially took a leave from the squad for a time before returning for the final 2024 Cowboys game ... and then deciding to "retire'' from DCC. A Cheerleader here can certainly springboard her way to fame and fortune; more than a few have gone on to Hollywood careers; The "America's Sweethearts'' docuseries on Netflix could surely launch big-time careers for those on camera. ... and maybe it can happen even more frequently now with a couple of new bends in the rules. Advertisement What's left to ponder here? Just one question for Jerry Jones ... "What took you so long?'' Related: Cowboys Boldly Predict Dak for 'MVP-Type Season' in 2025 Rebound Related: Will Cowboys' Lamb Break Rare Receiving Record? This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Elle
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
Will There Be A Season 3 Of 'America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders'?
Season 1 of America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders first graced the screen in June 2024, and the docuseries became a huge hit for Netflix. The second season debuted this month on June 18, and fans already want more. Here's what we know about season 3 of America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Netflix has not officially announced a season 3, but the team has been teasing the audition process for the coming year. They even shared a finalized roster of 36 cheerleaders this June for training camp 2025, and a clip featuring guest judge, Kacey Musgraves—who would be a huge get for a new season. Each season is an examination of the young women auditioning to perform on the cheerleading team for the Dallas Cowboys, following those who make it to training camp as they grow and develop their skills. Season 2 followed both the rookies and the seasoned veterans who will ultimately find their place in one of the 36 spots on the official squad. Training camp is led by DCC director Kelli Finglass and head choreographer Judy Trammell, who will most likely be back. Musgraves seems to be involved in some capacity, and some girls will be returning from past seasons. The team also shared their 'rookie roundup.' Fan favorite Dayton might make an appearance, though this fan-made TikTok explains she did not make the final round. If the show is definitely continuing, it seems likely that it would be released next summer, since season 1 and 2 both came out in June, one year apart. This post will be updated. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE. Aimée Lutkin is the weekend editor at Her writing has appeared in Jezebel, Glamour, Marie Claire and more. Her first book, The Lonely Hunter, will be released by Dial Press in February 2022.
Cosmopolitan
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Is America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders season 3 happening? From cast to suspected release date
If, like us, you've already finished America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders season two, then you're probably wondering if and when the third season will be on Netflix to fill that Thunderstruck-shaped hole in your life. Given the success of seasons one and two of the show, which were released on 20 June 2024 and 18 June 2025 respectively, fans have got their fingers crossed that a third season will be on its way. Although, Netflix is yet to confirm (or deny) anything about the fate of America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Regardless of that, our excitement levels for a third season are so high that we've scoured the internet to find everything we know about a possible third instalment. From cast to suspected release date, here's everything we know about America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders season three... As mentioned, there's been no confirmation from Netflix on a third season of America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, but the team has already been posting a lot on their socials about the audition process for the coming year. That's because what we've seen on season two happened last year so, if Netflix does film a series three, it'll follow those currently competing in the audition and training camp process. If America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders does get renewed for a third season, there will be some familiar faces we can count on seeing, including DCC director Kelli Finglass and head choreographer Judy Trammell. There may be a celebrity star too, if the group's Instagram is anything to go by – as singer, songwriter, and musician Kacey Musgraves has been involved in the training camp process as a guest judge. In terms of who will (or won't) make the cheerleading team in season three, there's been some spoilers shared on social media which point to who we can expect to see. On the official DCC Instagram, zooming into the above training camp post gives us a good idea of the returning cast who have made it through to this round, while a post about the 'rookies' of the season introduces us to newer faces. As well as the veterans who retired at the end of season two (those being Chandi, Jada, Armani, Zoe, and Amanda), some other cast mates are missing from the promo shot above. While we know that fan-favourite Dayton auditioned again this season, given that she's missing from the training camp image, we can assume she was cut. Taking to social media to comment on a fan's post about just that, she commented: "It wasn't in the cards for me, but I'm proud of how much I've grown. I feel it's important to note I did EVERYTHING they asked of me and tried my absolute best to fit their mould. I'm not wanted there and I'm hoping this takes me to where I truly belong!" Again, there's been no confirmation that an America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders season three is definitely happening but, if it does, we guess it'll be released in June 2026, based on the release pattern of seasons one and two. Until then, we'll be busy rewatching both seasons, catching old episodes of Making The Team, and following all the cast members on social media. Stream all episodes of America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders seasons one and two on Netflix now.
