Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team explained

Genre:Reality
Country:United States
Language:English
Num Seasons:16
Num Episodes:140[1]
Camera:Multi-camera
Company:Triage Entertainment
Network:CMT
Related:NFL Cheerleader Playoffs

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team is an American reality television series that premiered in 2006 on CMT.[2] The series follows the auditioning process and the forming of the Dallas Cowboys' annual Cheerleading squad. The series features director Kelli McGonagill Finglass and choreographer Judy Trammell.

In April 2022, it was reported that CMT canceled the series, with the show being shopped to other outlets.[3] On April 18, 2024, it was announced that Netflix had ordered a new series titled America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Despite following the same premise as its predecessor, the show will have an entirely different structure and a new team producing it.[4] [5]

Summary

The show tracks the progression of women who are in the audition process of trying to become a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. The show begins at Texas Stadium (Seasons 1–3), then moves with the team to AT&T Stadium in subsequent seasons: first the open audition "cattle call", then the five-person audition "cut-down", followed by personal interviews, uniform fittings, BMI testing, physical fitness testing, etiquette training, mock media interviews, and calendar shoots. Successful candidates must also complete a knowledge test on various subjects including, but not limited to: the Dallas Cowboys and their history, NFL Football in general and the rules of the game, general history, government, and current events.

There is also the grueling elite dance choreography that tests each woman's capacity to grasp dance combinations and perform the trademark kick-line/jump-split routine for which the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is known.

Women are judged by a hand-picked panel of experts, and scoring is based on physical appearance, physical fitness, dance style, poise, grace, intelligence, and showmanship.

Once training camp opens, the women are put through a program of elite dance training and physical conditioning that is comparable to some professional sports training programs. If a contestant is struggling, she is called into Finglass' office to discuss the nature of her difficulty and is generally given an opportunity to correct the shortcoming(s) to avoid being dismissed ("cut") from the squad.

Due to Covid protocols, auditions went virtual in 2020, and have remained so through 2021, with finals held in-person.

Cast

2021 season (Season 16)

2021–22 Squad

2020 season (Season 15)

2020–21 Squad

2019 season (Season 14)

2019–20 Squad

2018 season (Season 13)

2018–19 Squad

2017 season (Season 12)

2017-18 Squad

2016 season (Season 11)

2016–17 Squad

2015 season (Season 10)

2015–16 Squad

2014 season (Season 9)

2014–15 Squad

2013 season (Season 8)

2013–14 Squad

2012 season (Season 7)

2012–13 Squad

2011 season (Season 6)

2011–12 Squad

2010 season (Season 5)

2010–11 Squad

2009 season (Season 4)

2009–10 Squad

2008 season (Season 3)

2008–09 Squad

2007 season (Season 2)

2007–08 Squad

2006 season (Season 1)

2006–07 Squad

2005 season (Pilot)

2005–06 Squad[65]

Cheerleaders (by tenure)

Legend[67]
Cut
Retired
Resigned
Rookie
Rookie of the Year
Veteran
Veteran of the Year
Break
Point
Group Leader
2nd Group Leader
Pro Bowl Representative
First Name Last Name 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
KayDianna Davis
Ashlinn Maze
Megan Mcelaney
Jensen Merrill
Kelee Norris
Kleine Powell
Madeline Salter
Tori Skillings
Rebecca Troyak
Lea Tunnell
Jessica Bowman
Elli DiGiovanni
Darian Lassiter
Armani Latimer
Dani McGinnis
Jada McLean
Mckenzie Sherman
Claire Wolford
Victoria Kalina
Chandi McCright
Kelcey Wetterberg
Marissa Garrison
Kat Puryear
Ashlee Ford
Jalyn Stough
Caroline Sundvold
Lisa Mills
Amber Laiche
Kristin Dodd
Taylor Johnson
Amber McMillan
Madeline Molloy
Erin Sauerhage
Rachel Wyatt
Gina Ligi
Lexie Sullivan
Alora-Rose Morgan
Amanda Dilks
Sydney Hawthorne
Briana Baisden
Daphne Janes
Cianna Levi
Alanna Tarango
Rachel Alexander
Savannah Heineken
Tess Guidry
Maddie Massingill
Lily Johnson
Meredith Madden
Hannah Anderson
Brennan Cook
Taylor Pedersen
Bridget Jacob
Molly Neumeister
Alexis Peterson
Christina Riccelli
Miranda Tims
Heather O'Connor
Amy Leonall
Gabby Goduco
Lauren Parker
Khalyn Cole
Tasha Cruz
Yuko Kawata
Jessika Palmer
Kelli Sullivan
KaShara Garrett
Lacey Munoz
Keyra Ford
Tara Szybillo
Selina Flores
Cersten Bradley
Kelsey Lowrance
Maggie Rouse
Simone Culwell
Chantel Jones
Stephanie Larson
Robin Richardson
Elizabeth Voegtle
Jinelle Davidson
Jenna Jackson
Milan Brahney
Holly Powell
Kalyssa Singleton
Alexandria Stavropoulos
Allie Droste
Heather Hamilton
Raylee Stearman
Mandy Voecks
Claire Brown
Megan Carcioppolo
Jaclyn Tisdale
Amy Trader
Melissa Wallace
Erica Wilkins
Jennifer Amburn
Danielle Barhold
Jessica Purdy
Paige Cavalieri
Kat Rogers
Calia Sims
Victoria Carriere
Mary Dill
Loren Roeder
Ashley Holland
Rachel Lunsford
Kelsey Bond
Kinzie Rusco
Jacie Scott
Holly Hubbard
Angela Nicotera
Breelan Statham
Ashley Prochazka
Jasmine Goode
Courtney Russ
Abby Bertrand
Samantha Clark
Jessica Kalil
Jennifer Colvin
Jordan Daigle
Ashley Ferrel
Emma Dutton
Katy Fink
Veronica Lind
Brittney Schram
Nicole Bulcher
Sydney Durso
Morgan Jordan
Courtni Wedeman
Hannah West
Alex Hermes
Kaitlyn Phillips
Carisa McMillan
Olivia Sharber
Kim Tong
Amelia Smith
Mackenzie Weeks
Lauren Williams
Jacqueline Bob
Mia Greenhouse
Chelsea Chaney
Teri George
Collin Sarvis
Emily Claire
Kali Drake
Colleen Brent
Courtney Cook
Alexandra Gandara
Meagan McVay
Whitney Isleib
Melissa Kellerman
Cassie Trammell
Jenna Brooks
Cassie Dyson
Meghan Phillips
Kamilah Todd
Alyssa Torres
Amber Smith
Sasha Agent
Ann Lux
Sunni Cranfill
Ashton Torres
Brittany Evans
Kaitlin Ilseng
Kelsi Reich
Ally Traylor
Kaitlin LeGrand
Olivia Stevanovski
Stephanie Heymann
Alyssa Sarasani
Evan Anderson
Carey DePasquale
Joannah Liad
Jordan Baum
Jordan Chanley
Michelle Keys
Crystal Trevino
Meredith Oden
Meagan Sharp
Tia Williams
Tobie Percival
Brooke Sorenson
Trisha Trevino
Amy Reese
Brandi Kilby
Vanessa Jenkins
Malia Morales
Kristen Gauthier
Abigail Klein
Sarah Gourley
Nicole Hamilton
Justine Phillips-Orf
Lauren Castillo
Jennifer McMahon
Jordyn Ketchum
Stefani Peterson
Sarah Clay
Erica Jenkins
Dara McFarlane
Ryan Ray
Deryn Derbigny
Kandi Harris
Julie Jacobs
Makenzi Swicegood
Michelle Mozek
Kelly Jo Stauffacher
Leah Mullinax
Andrea Rogers
Carmen Butler
Gina Becchetti
Candice Carr
Loni Lindsey
Christina Murphy
Sarah Shelton
Natalie Woods
Jennifer Nix
Melissa Rycroft
Misty Duncan
Megan Fox
Christina Parker
Erica Perry
Emily "Starr" Spangler
Kristin Hager
Cori Robinson
Yoshiko Danjo
Dulce Rosales
Carrie Stilwell
Lynlee Allen
Elizabeth Davis
Emma Dawson
Becca Gambel
Lisa Henslin
Jen Hill
Monica Moore
Whitney Ott
Andrea Richards
Leah Wilkins
Deanna Hernandez
Melissa Rutigliano

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team 2006. TV Guide. July 29, 2016.
  2. Web site: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team: Characters. Country Music Television. https://web.archive.org/web/20071013012919/http://www.cmt.com/shows/dyn/dallas_cowboys_cheerleaders_making_the_team/series_characters.jhtml . dead . October 13, 2007 . 2008.
  3. Web site: Amaranthus. Bri. Game Over: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Ending 16-Season TV Run. FanNation. April 1, 2022. April 8, 2023.
  4. Web site: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Series Moves To Netflix. Deadline. Peter. White. April 18, 2024. April 18, 2024.
  5. Web site: Videos. May 6, 2024. FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth.
  6. Web site: JENNA JACKSON on Instagram: "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Meet the Team Photo Drop Proud Alumni⭐️" .
  7. Web site: Rachel Alexander on Instagram: "When life gives you 15 stars... Dance your heart out, make amazing memories, and find your very best friends ⚡️ After four years with the Cowboys, I have decided to retire my poms. I am forever grateful for my time as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and for all of the incredible women I have been lucky enough to share the sidelines with. Thank you to all of my teammates, past and present, for making this crazy ride so special. Good luck to the girls continuing, or just beginning, their cheerleading careers. I can't wait to watch y'all shine! And thank YOU. My friends, family, and all of Cowboys Nation, for believing in me and supporting me every step of the way. Representing the team I grew up cheering for has been an honor, and this organization will always hold an irreplaceable spot in my heart. Cheers to FOUR unbelievable years. And cheers to what's to come ✨⭐️" .
  8. Web site: @bri_channelle on Instagram: "not my first rodeo, but definitely the last (Kinda). I knew heading into this season that it would be my last year, and what a year it was. If the pandemic taught me anything, it's that i have been burning the candles at both ends for a really long time, & it's time to take a teensy step back (Plus, helping everyone else chase this dream has been the most fun these past few weeks). But 6 NFL seasons later, i have learned 6 very important lessons: 1. Write it in pencil. Both praise and criticism. It's not permanent & it doesn't define you. Being the subject of the day on the blog is basically a rite of passage at this point. 2. Take care of your body, you only have one. However, those 2am whataburger visits during training camp may have been the only thing that kept me sane (Small dr. Pepper easy ice, medium fry, 2 regular ketchups please). 3. It's cheerleading, not brain surgery. Don't overthink it. 4. Find your people. People who love you at your best & worst. People who won't ignore you when you ask, "wait, don't hate me. Which rebel tonight?", every night. People who track your location when you haven't texted back in a couple hours, just to make sure you're alive. 5. If i can run thunderstruck full out, 3 times back to back to back, outside, in july, I have faith that you too can do anything you put your mind to. 6. The days are long (So, so long), but the years are short. Be present, be gracious, and don't take yourself too seriously. Bonus #7. Raiders fans are the worst. Not up for debate. Luckily, judy wasn't ready to get rid of me yet (Who else would she yell at about nude vs white nails), & i am so thankful to have been invited back as an all star. So this isn't a full goodbye yet, just a see you later. ✌⭐️" .
  9. Web site: Amandadilks on Instagram: "Cowboys Nation, thank you for welcoming me with open arms into your family for the last two years. I will forever cherish the memories and friendships I have made -All of my love & cheers ⭐️" .
  10. Web site: DCC Sydney on Instagram: "Hanging up my poms with a heart full of gratitude! Thank you for everything #cowboysnation ! Here's my KISS goodbye! @kissproducts" .
  11. Web site: Savannah on Instagram: "What an incredible four years! ⭐️⭐️ Presented by: @kissproducts . . . . . #DCC #dallascowboyscheerleaders #dallascowboys #DCCMTT #dccmakingtheteam" .
  12. Web site: Full Episode | Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team : S16, E3. https://web.archive.org/web/20211002120908/http://www.cmt.com/full-episodes/9riuo2/dallas-cowboys-cheerleaders-making-the-team-call-the-medic-season-16-ep-1603. dead. October 2, 2021.
  13. Web site: Victoria Kalina on Instagram: "Dear Friends, Due to some personal issues, I have made a brave, mature and unselfish decision to take a leave from the sidelines this season. THANK YOU for all your love, encouragement and support! Your messages mean THE world to me. I am reading every one of them and I will get back to you when I can. The DCC organization is family and I am so lucky to have their love and support. I can't wait to watch my sisters SHINE this season and cheer on the new rookies! I love y'all and appreciate all your KINDNESS and LOVE! XOXO, Victoria" .
  14. Web site: Instagram .
  15. Web site: Mads on Instagram: "Safe to say I have been living the dream these last 5 years.⚡️If you have been around a while you know the journey didn't have an easy start but it did have the start I needed to fulfill my full potential here.✨ if it weren't for Kelli and Judy pushing me, teammates lifting me up and countless opportunities to represent Americas team I would not be the woman I am today. A terrified 18 year old flew to Dallas with no expectation of even making it past round 1 of auditions. Her expectations were exceeded greatly. Thank you Cowboys nation for the years of love and endless support. Thank you to every teammate that turned into a sister for life and gave me all these memories.‍♀️ Thank you to DCC coaches and staff for making these last 5 years magic. Last but not least thank you to my family for the all the support a girl could ask for. I am beyond grateful for my time on the field and cannot wait to see who else gets to live out this dream for years to come! I am so thankful to be a little part of this incredible organization.To anyone who is scared to shoot for the moon, don't be. It's worth the leap. Sending all my love & cheers, DCC Maddie. if you see me in the boots and stars in the near future it's because this journey will be continued....as an ALL STAR.⭐️ : @sierraftonfilms @sierrafton she may not have captured the memories in real time but she did bottle them up for me perfectly. Thanks Si." .
  16. Web site: Lisa Mills on Instagram: "as some of you may know, i suffered a "pretty gnarly" (As i like to call it) neck injury last season that worsened in november. It has been a difficult journey consisting of multiple trigger point injections, epidurals, PT sessions, etc., but the pain was made tolerable and manageable thanks to my support system and passion for dance. Unfortunately, despite all of our efforts, we could not manage the pain anymore to where it didn't affect my quality of life and dance career. With that being said, it is with a heavy heart that i announce my withdrawal from training camp for the 2021 season. I am devastated by the news, of course, but i am eager towards recovery and living life free from this pain. I am forever grateful for all of the love, support, and encouragement from my family, friends, my teammates, the DCC organization and the great care and supervision from my doctors, specialists, and athletic trainer seeing as i couldn't have done this without any of them. As kelli said, "this isn't the end.. This is only a delay of game." i am looking forward to auditions next year and coming back stronger and better than before always remember to trust in the Lord, trust in the process, and remember your WHY John 13:7 #comeback #comebackseason p.s. Surgery went well! Thank you Lord!" .
  17. Thank You Cowboys Nation https://www.instagram.com/p/COjaZXIgEov/?igshid=sqiyoucr6hdf
  18. Web site: Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.. https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CEH84jiMhiW . 2021-12-26 . registration. Instagram. August 20, 2020.
  19. Web site: "What would you tell your 10 year old self?".... https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CEFiJ8QBfrZ . 2021-12-26 . registration. Instagram. August 19, 2020.
  20. Web site: Just 4 Kicks: Celebrate and Goodbye. Dallas Cowboys. May 22, 2020.
  21. Web site: Over two years ago I moved to TX with the crazy big dream of becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.... https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CEKyWnyhWVk . 2021-12-26 . registration. Instagram. August 22, 2020.
  22. Web site: Today is the day. As I sit in the locker room I write this with water filled eyes.... https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/B7ytN_KHya3 . 2021-12-26 . registration. Instagram. January 26, 2020.
  23. Web site: Looking forward and never back. https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CEW3CxpHfUY . 2021-12-26 . registration. Instagram. August 25, 2020.
  24. Web site: Well my sistas, it's been the best ride of my life.... https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/B68vMB9hVQT . 2021-12-26 . registration. Instagram. January 5, 2020.
  25. Web site: Just 4 Kicks: Roots and Retirement. https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/l1luZ7rvpFs . 2021-12-13 . live. YouTube. Dallas Cowboys. May 14, 2020.
  26. Web site: Love & Cheers to the most amazing 3 years!!!! That's a wrap.... https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CDkd1q6h_1F . 2021-12-26 . registration. Instagram. August 6, 2020.
  27. Web site: Best 3 Years of my Life.... https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CBb_P3Aht-E . 2021-12-26 . registration. Instagram. June 15, 2020.
  28. Web site: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Squad Reveal. https://web.archive.org/web/20210725192143/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8TBdrEsddE . 2021-07-25 . dead. YouTube. Dallas Cowboys. October 27, 2019.
  29. Web site: Every Single Season 14 Elimination. https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/PZv8_RaeDqk . 2021-12-13 . live. YouTube. CMT's Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. April 8, 2020. 17:29.
  30. Web site: Amy Shares Exciting News w/ Her Husband. https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/1XzG13bJHis . 2021-12-13 . live. YouTube. CMT's Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. February 14, 2020.
  31. Web site: Pro Bowl Announcement. Facebook. December 29, 2019.
  32. Web site: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Roster Reveal. YouTube. Dallas Cowboys. October 30, 2018.
  33. Web site: Every Heartbreaking Dallas Cowboys Veteran Cut. https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/vdHCl19GU-4 . 2021-12-13 . live. YouTube. CMT's Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. May 27, 2020.
  34. Web site: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders 2017-18 Rookie Twitter Accounts Are Here. Pro Dance Cheer. October 27, 2017.
  35. Web site: After four seasons as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, Jennifer is retiring.. Facebook. May 11, 2017.
  36. Web site: After five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Danielle is retiring.. Facebook. May 8, 2017.
  37. Web site: After two seasons with the Dallas Cowboysa cheerleaders, Claire is retiring.. Facebook. May 8, 2017.
  38. Web site: After two seasons with the Dallascowboys cheerleaders, Megan is retiring.. Facebook. May 11, 2017.
  39. Web site: After five seasons as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, Jessica is retiring.. Facebook. May 10, 2017.
  40. Web site: After two seasons as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, Jaclyn is retiring.. Facebook. May 9, 2017.
  41. Web site: After two seasons as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, Amy T. is retiring.. Facebook. May 10, 2017.
  42. Web site: After three seasons as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, Melissa is retiring.. Facebook. May 9, 2017.
  43. Web site: Erica is in injured reserve. Twitter. July 1, 2017.
  44. Web site: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Pro Bowlers By the Numbers. Weekly Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Blog. January 22, 2017.
  45. Web site: Today is the last time I will step on the field in these beautiful white boots.... https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BAFOMn_BUvZ . 2021-12-26 . registration. Instagram. January 3, 2016.
  46. Web site: Scott. Jacie. PDC Series: Where Are They Now – Nicole Bulcher. Pro Dance Cheer. August 17, 2017.
  47. Web site: 2014 Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders Squad Announced. Dallas Cowboys. August 27, 2014.
  48. Web site: 2014 Squad. Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. August 31, 2014. September 20, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140921043940/http://www.dallascowboyscheerleaders.com/squad/2014-squad/. September 21, 2014. dead.
  49. Web site: I retired!!!!!. Twitter. September 12, 2014.
  50. Web site: Carisa McMillan Wilson. Carolina Dance Center. July 13, 2016. ...she became a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader for the 2012 and 2013 football seasons..
  51. Web site: Bio. Olivia Rene Sharber. April 17, 2019. ...toured and performed with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders for two seasons in 2012 and 2013.
  52. Web site: 2013 Squad. Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. September 30, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131006200637/http://www.dallascowboyscheerleaders.com/squad/2013-squad/. October 6, 2013. dead.
  53. Web site: Where Are They Now: Courtney Cook. Facebook. September 2, 2018.
  54. Web site: Where Are They Now: Sasha Agent. https://web.archive.org/web/20200622152123/http://www.cmt.com/video-clips/igh399/dallas-cowboys-cheerleaders-making-the-team-where-are-they-now-sasha-agent. dead. June 22, 2020. CMT. September 28, 2018.
  55. Web site: Where Are They Now: Sunni Cranfill West. https://web.archive.org/web/20200622134626/http://www.cmt.com/video-clips/yih8rg/dallas-cowboys-cheerleaders-making-the-team-where-are-they-now-sunni-cranfill-west. dead. June 22, 2020. CMT. September 21, 2018.
  56. Web site: Evans. Brittany. Farewell from Brittany. Dallas Cowboys. April 28, 2012.
  57. Web site: Ilseng. Kaitlin. Farewell from Kaitlin. Dallas Cowboys. March 19, 2012.
  58. Web site: Lux. Ann. Farewell from Ann. Dallas Cowboys. February 21, 2012.
  59. Web site: Reich. Kelsi. Farewell from Kelsi. Dallas Cowboys. April 10, 2012.
  60. Web site: Torres. Ashton. Farewell from Ashton. Dallas Cowboys. March 13, 2012.
  61. Web site: Traylor. Ally. Farewell from Ally. Dallas Cowboys. May 18, 2012.
  62. Web site: Where Are They Now: Jordan Chanley-Tabor. https://web.archive.org/web/20200925164856/http://www.cmt.com/video-clips/uvhe6c/dallas-cowboys-cheerleaders-making-the-team-where-are-they-now-jordan-chanley-tabor. dead. September 25, 2020. CMT. October 12, 2018.
  63. Web site: Where Are They Now: Meredith Oden. https://web.archive.org/web/20201026134434/http://www.cmt.com/video-clips/34bial/dallas-cowboys-cheerleaders-making-the-team-where-are-they-now-meredith-oden. dead. October 26, 2020. CMT. October 19, 2018.
  64. Web site: June 3, 2018 . Cheerleaders: DCC Squad Photos 2000-09 . 2023-01-14 . Dallas Cowboys.
  65. Web site: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders of 2005 - 06 - Pompedia .
  66. Web site: Making the Team Pilot - Pompedia .
  67. Web site: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Through the Years .

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