Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders facts for kids

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (often called DCC) are the official cheerleading squad for the Dallas Cowboys football team. They are also known as "America's Sweethearts." They are famous for their dance routines and unique uniforms.

History of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

How the Cheerleaders Started (1960s)

The idea for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders began in 1967. During a football game, a woman named Bubbles Cash walked through the stands. She caught a lot of attention and made the crowd cheer. This inspired Tex Schramm, the Cowboys' General Manager. He saw how much excitement she created. Schramm decided to create a cheerleading squad that would also entertain the fans.

Changes in the 1970s

In 1970, Tex Schramm wanted to make the cheerleaders even more exciting. He decided to create an all-female squad. The cheerleaders started to focus more on dance routines instead of traditional acrobatics. Ten local high school cheerleaders helped design new uniforms and dance styles.

In 1972, Texie Waterman, a choreographer from New York, joined the team. She looked for adult performers who were attractive, athletic, and talented. The new adult squad allowed for a fresh uniform design, which included shorts. This look is very similar to the famous DCC uniform we see today.

The cheerleaders became even more famous in 1977. They released their first poster and appeared in Esquire magazine. They also appeared on TV shows like NBC Rock-n-Roll Sports Classic and The Osmond Brothers Special. The DCC even had their own TV special called The 36 Most Beautiful Girls in Texas. In 1979, a TV movie called The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders was released, starring Bert Convy and Jane Seymour. It was watched by many people across the country.

The 1980s and Beyond

Part of the DCC squad visiting Iraq, with one of their squad members looking through the sights of a modern-day Howitzer.

In 1980, a second TV movie, The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders II, was aired. Since then, the cheerleaders have appeared on many TV shows. Their image has also been used on posters, T-shirts, and calendars.

The DCC have traveled all over the United States and even overseas. They often go on United Service Organizations (USO) tours. These tours started in 1979 and allow the cheerleaders to entertain U.S. troops stationed in other countries, like South Korea.

Recent Years (1990s – Present)

In 1994, the DCC took part in a ceremony for the 1994 FIFA World Cup game between Spain and South Korea. Later, former DCC members Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell became the squad's director and choreographer.

From 2006 to 2021, the cheerleaders had their own reality television show called Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team. It aired on Country Music Television (CMT). The show followed the cheerleaders as they auditioned and trained for the squad each year. It showed how they learned new dance routines. After 16 seasons, CMT decided not to continue the show.

The DCC have also promoted the 2022 FIFA World Cup. They have performed at the 2013 United States Grand Prix and 2018 United States Grand Prix car races in Austin, Texas.

Every year, the DCC release several calendars. Besides their swimsuit calendar, they also have a "sideline calendar" with photos of them cheering at Cowboys home games. In recent years, the DCC have also become strong supporters of female empowerment in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

In December 2021, a podcast called "America's Girls" was released by Texas Monthly magazine. It included interviews with former cheerleaders and others involved with the DCC.

TV Appearances

Besides their two TV movies, the DCC have appeared on many other TV shows and specials. They have performed, acted in guest roles, and even been contestants on game shows. Some of these shows include:

• The Love Boat (multiple episodes)
• WrestleMania 38

Famous Former Cheerleaders

Many former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have gone on to achieve success in entertainment and other fields. Some notable alumni include:

• Melissa Rycroft (2006-08): She won The Bachelor (Season 13) and Dancing with the Stars (All-Stars).
• Jenni Croft (2002–05): She was a runner-up on The Bachelor (Season 11). She also cheered for the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns basketball teams.
• Sarah Shahi (1999–2000): She is an actress who has appeared in TV shows like Fairly Legal and Person of Interest.

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