Sophia Michaels
What follows when your biggest aspiration turns into a challenge? For the aspiring dancers of the renowned Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, it can transform from a delightful opportunity into a daunting experience.
Established in the 1960s, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) have become emblematic figures of American culture, drawing attention for their beauty and athleticism. The entry requirements have tightened over the years, especially since the introduction of their distinctive uniforms in the ’70s. Under the guidance of Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell, the rigorous audition process was showcased in the CMT series “Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making The Team,” which wrapped up in 2022 after 16 seasons. In 2024, the Netflix docuseries “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” resumed the narrative, offering insights from the cheerleaders about their personal challenges behind the scenes.
Both shows revealed the unforeseen difficulties faced by the dancers, including instances of harassment and minimal compensation. Now, let’s delve into the lesser-known realities of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Unrealistic Standards and Low Compensation
Achieving membership as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader is a significant honor. Many dancers train extensively, often auditioning multiple times over several years. Despite the prestige associated with being part of this elite squad, the DCC has faced criticism for its unfair labor practices and meager salaries.
In contrast to NFL players like Dak Prescott, who earn substantial sums, cheerleaders are reportedly compensated around $500 per game and $15-20 per hour for rehearsals. As stated in the Netflix documentary “America’s Sweethearts,” by Charlotte Jones, CBO and daughter of the team owner, despite the low wages, many cheerleaders are motivated by deeper connections and passion rather than financial gain.
Most cheerleaders juggle additional full-time jobs to make ends meet. In 2018, former cheerleader Erica Wilkins filed a lawsuit against the Cowboys for wage theft, claiming she made only $4,700 post-taxes throughout a year of performances and appearances.
Unhealthy Body Image Demands
To qualify as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, one needs talent, commitment, and specific physical traits, including a flawless appearance characterized by well-styled hair, perfect makeup, and fit physiques. The temptations of revealing uniforms mean that cheerleaders constantly face scrutiny from directors Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell.
Before joining the team, aspiring cheerleaders undergo a makeover, but they are required to pay for it, as no stipend is provided. Moreover, once a cheerleader is fitted for her uniform, she must maintain that weight throughout her tenure. The strict enforcement of these weight regulations puts immense pressure on the dancers, which can lead to serious emotional struggles. Many cheerleaders have reported that their time on the team negatively affected their body image, and without health insurance, many of them face mental health challenges without adequate support.
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Injuries from High-Risk Dance Moves
While being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader may seem glamorous, it can come with serious physical injuries. The cheerleaders must master a distinctive dance style, which demands significant talent, strength, and resilience. Their extensive training includes energetic routines and stunts, all while presenting a perfect image of fitness and beauty, and crucially, working to prevent injuries.
The notorious “jump split,” performed by the entire team, is particularly risky. In this move, the 36 cheerleaders link arms and jump into a split simultaneously, which has led to severe injuries for some. Former cheerleaders like Kat Puryear and Michele Sharp have faced extensive health issues, with Sharp having undergone multiple surgeries and Sundvold delaying recovery to finish her season. Yet, many wonder if the sacrifices are truly worth it.
“It’s prestigious,” shared Erica Wilkins in an interview. “But that prestige doesn’t help with my bills.” Another former cheerleader lamented to the Daily Mail: “You sacrifice your body for little pay, and they’ll replace you quickly if you’re injured.” Many who leave the team find it difficult to reinvent themselves.
Overwhelming Time Demands
Due to meager pay, many Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders must hold down full-time jobs alongside their cheerleading duties. These women, who often work in various professional fields such as nursing and finance, face the challenge of balancing intense schedules. Some report working up to 18 hours daily—persistently managing personal and professional commitments. As former cheerleader Kelcey Wetterberg recounted, her day often stretches late into the night after long hours as a nurse, practicing well into the early morning.
The cheerleaders’ schedule is typically packed with rehearsals, photoshoots, game days, and charity events, alongside the rigorous upkeep needed for their appearance and fitness. The commitment to attendance is strict; missing any event can jeopardize their spot on the team. One episode of “America’s Sweethearts” revealed grueling periods of up to 21 consecutive days of work without breaks. The pressure to perform consistently leads many to face exhaustion and emotional strain.
Safety Concerns and Harassment Issues
One of the less appealing aspects of being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader is coping with the public’s perception. Unfortunately, their hyper-sexualized image often exposes them to threats ranging from harassment to stalking. This troubling culture dates back to the 1970s when the team first dealt with such unwanted attention, including threatening correspondences and intrusion into their private lives.
In today’s digital age, the risks have evolved. Former cheerleader Kelcey Wetterberg illustrated this in “America’s Sweethearts,” recounting an incident where an AirTag was secretly placed on her vehicle to track her movements. The police were not able to assist her, instilling a sense of dread and fear in her life. “I couldn’t manage that level of anxiety,” she shared, understanding that avoidance was not an option.
Due to these unsettling incidents, veteran cheerleader Reece Weaver explained how the pressures they endure lead to generational trauma within the team.
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Podcast discusses the fact that cheerleaders have their own security measures in place during game days, events, and practice sessions. They are escorted to their vehicles because “you never know who might be lurking in a parking garage.”
