5 shocking truths about joining the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

The new Netflix documentary America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders was released on June 20, 2024. It follows a group of beautiful, energetic, and talented women as they try to become members of the famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC), the National Football League cheerleading squad of the Dallas Cowboys team.

The official synopsis of the show reads:

"Follow the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders from auditions to training camp and the NFL season as they chase their dreams and a coveted spot on the squad."

As the documentary shows, the journey of getting a place in the DCC is quite a strenuous one. However, it is also filled with moments of joy and friendship.

Every year, hundreds of enthusiastic women apply to become a cheerleader of the DCC but only a handful of them are chosen. Read on to find out some intriguing facts about joining the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, starting from the application process to the training routine, pay, and others.

5 facts about joining the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

1) The selection process is quite competitive

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Each year, hundreds of hopeful women apply to the DCC. International applicants are welcome and one must be 18 years old or above to apply. The first stage of the audition process begins with the applicant uploading two photos — one close-up shot of the face and the other showing the entire body. Additionally, two videos, showing an intro and a freestyle dance, also have to be submitted.

Out of these hundreds of initial applications, only 70 women are invited to the DCC Summer Training Camp in Dallas for the next stage of the selection process. Here, apart from the various assessments that judge the applicants' physical and mental attributes, aesthetic qualities, and dancing skills, the women must take two more tests that are immensely difficult.

The first one is a written test that quizzes the applicants on several subjects like the history of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and their NFL team, basic knowledge of the sport, a working knowledge of the technical dance terms, and current affairs, among others.

The second difficult test is the panel interview. Here, the director of the DCC, accompanied by other distinguished personalities, shoots rapid-fire questions at the applicants who must answer them with clarity and creativity. At the end of all these thorough processes, only 36 women are taken into the DCC.

2) How much do Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders make?

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are paid better than their peers, in the NFL. Typically, a DCC member would earn $15-20 per hour. That means, one match can fetch her around $500, which translates to an annual income of around $75,000.

While this income is certainly decent, it is nowhere near what the NFL athletes and coaches make. However, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are more about the opportunities and exposure than the pay, and this job comes with exciting perks.

3) The perks of being a DCC member

A still from the show (Image via Netflix)

With sponsors like Palm Beach and Planet Tan, the cheerleaders can avail of free tanning services. Further, they can have their hair done free of cost by Halcyon Days Salon & Spa, another sponsor. The recent partnership with Lash Lounge also means they get complimentary lash extensions.

Being part of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders also means frequent travels to various places for events, coming into contact with important personages, and getting a platform to showcase one's poise and purpose.

4) The job comes with its fair share of restrictions

At the beginning of each season, each cheerleader gets to choose a look for herself. However, she must maintain that look throughout the season because that is how the fans would recognize her. Changing looks mid-way is prohibited.

There are other restrictions such as not being allowed to sport a tattoo anywhere on the body uncovered by the cheerleading attire. Moreover, dating a colleague is also forbidden.

5) The training routine is tiring and even returning veterans must re-audition

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are watched by millions, and so their practice sessions are intense. On an average weekday, the cheerleaders have to work for four hours, perfecting their moves, formations, and poses. On the weekends, the hours increase as they have to perform for the games.

A DCC member is supposed to stay perfectly fit at all times, both mentally and physically. So competitive is this job that even returning veterans must re-audition for their place in the team next year. However, there is one good news — they do not have to start the audition from scratch.

Details about America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

This Netflix documentary is directed by Greg Whiteley, the Emmy-winning documentarian known for Cheer and Last Chance U. The show charts the lives of DCC members across seven episodes. The episodes are titled Auditions Part 1, Auditions Part 2, Yes Ma'am, God Loves Dallas, Sparkle, 9 to 5, and Sisters for Life.