Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team

Only a small number of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders hopefuls will be chosen from a crowd of hundreds after performing freestyle dance routines in the preliminary auditions at Texas Stadium.

Training camp gets underway as the women are introduced to a grueling schedule of dance rehearsals with choreographer Judy Trammell and workout sessions with fitness instructor Jay Johnson.

The mental and physical stress of training camp hits hard, with sudden dropouts, fitness critiques, and the scrutiny of Kelli and Judy weighing heavily on the hopefuls.

Super Bowl XXX MVP Larry Brown and Dallas Cowboys player Ryan Fowler test the training camp candidates on their NFL knowledge and athletic skills on the field.

The training camp candidates get major makeovers ahead of their first solo publicity stills, and the veteran cheerleaders visit with members of the armed forces before deployment.

As training camp winds down, the hopefuls are on their best behavior after Kelli's annual etiquette luncheon, and a tough choreographer pushes the women with new dance techniques.

Hundreds of hopefuls arrive for preliminary auditions, where less than half will move on after Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Director Kelli Finglass observes their freestyle dance routines.

Competition heats up in the final audition as surviving candidates go head-to-head against experienced veteran cheerleaders to secure one of the coveted spots at the DCC Training Camp.

The group of 43 hopefuls celebrate moving on in the selection process and adjust to the physical demands of Training Camp, and DCC Director Kelli Finglass reminds them there will be cuts.

Two weeks into training camp, veteran cheerleaders choose their wardrobe for the swimsuit calendar shoot, rookies audition for a spot in Show Group, and Kelli and Judy make the first cut.

As reality sets in for the remaining candidates, the rookies are fitted for their skimpy DCC uniforms, then they must pass a strict etiquette test and prove they have mastered the kick line.

After brutally honest guest choreographer Kitty Carter puts them through the wringer, the training camp candidates get stunning makeovers, and Kelli and Judy make another heartbreaking cut.

Over 600 excited and anxious Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders hopefuls arrive at Texas Stadium for the preliminary auditions.  After performing their freestyle dance routines for the judges, they anxiously await the reveal of who gets to move on ... only 130 make it to the semi-finals.  At semis, they’re taught the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ style of dance, along with the legendary kick line.  Amid tears of joy and disappointment, only 60 girls are called back for the finals, where they’ll compete against the seasoned veterans to earn a spot in the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Training Camp.

In the finals audition, the competition really heats up.  Now, surviving candidates must go head-to-head against experienced veteran cheerleaders for a coveted spot in the DCC Training Camp. All trying out are interviewed by judges, have their backgrounds checked and are asked to perform solo dance routines.  Which candidates can handle the stress and “WOW” the judges to prove they are the total package?  Only 45 have what it takes and in a dramatic DCC upset, returning veteran cheerleaders are not invited back to the squad.

Training Camp begins!  The newly elected training camp candidates are excited, even star struck, as they meet the veterans for the first time at Valley Ranch.  At the first team meeting, anxiety ripples through the ranks when DCC director Kelli Finglass announces that a couple of the more seasoned veterans have failed the written test.   Veterans come up short again during the body fat evaluation—some of them have put on weight, while the rookies test lean and mean.  The vets’ experience finally shines through at the first dance rehearsals, while the newbie rookies struggle to learn the choreography.

Only two weeks into training camp, it's time to start making cuts. Uniform Fittings is the first order of business. It's a bittersweet moment when the rookies are measured for their uniforms because they have yet to really earn them. From the famous knotted blue blouse to the belted white shorts, the rookie candidates hope Kelli confirms that they have the DCC "look." Then the group competes in a grueling army fitness test to try and earn the privilege of being on the elite "Power Squad." At that evening's rehearsal the first cuts will be made.

After saying goodbye to one of their own, reality sets in for the remaining training camp candidates:  nobody's position on the squad is secure.  Hard charging, Kitty Carter is asked to work with the weaker girls and whip them into shape.  The rookies are given “makeovers” to transform them into the image of a DCC.  Can these makeovers give them enough confidence to raise their performance?  Tonight is proof that your past can come back to haunt you as girls are called into Kelli’s office.  How many live to dance another day?

The entire squad needs a wake up call and guest choreographer Kitty Carter gives it to them. She takes the group through a grueling dance rehearsal only to leave a few girls emotional wrecks. Then it's time for a lesson in DCC etiquette. The fashion dos and don'ts put the squad on notice that they must perform off the field in the perfect DCC style.  When Jay shows up with Dallas Cowboys football players, the game is on, in the 1st annual Vets vs. Rookies football game. The night's rehearsal is a challenge as the pace quickens and missteps on the dance floor lead to more girls falling short of the mark. Kelli continues cutting as she looks for the best 36 in the room!

There's a buzz of nervous energy and excitement when over 500 hopefuls arrive for the preliminary auditions, each performing a freestyle dance routine to stand out and impress the judges.

In the final audition, the new candidates compete with returning veterans for a spot in training camp, and the hopefuls answer questions from the judges during panel interviews.

Training camp kicks off at Valley Ranch with the candidates learning how they scored with the judges, and Kelli and Judy determine which hopefuls will survive the first week.

Week three of training camp starts with cuts and uniform fittings, where each candidate gets to try on the famous blue and white star-studded outfit.

The rookies are left in the dark about what Kelli and salon director Rainer Schneck have planned for them when they get their dramatic hair and beauty makeovers.

When Kelli gives a former contestant a once-in-a-lifetime second chance to join training camp three weeks late, there is a lot of catching up the hopeful must do to get up to speed.

For the first time, the magnificent Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is the venue for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders auditions. Over 600 candidates with dreams of making the 2010-2011 DCC team arrive before sunrise for the preliminaries. Only 96 ladies will be invited to the semifinal round. At semis the following morning, the candidates are expected to learn an intense and intricate DCC combination and the world-renowned DCC kick-line choreography in under an hour -- and then, exhausted and nervous, perform both dances in front of the judges. The intensity of the competition comes to an end when 47 girls are invited to join 27 returning DCC veterans at the finals auditions.

The 47 new girls invited to attend DCC finals auditions have had two weeks to prepare, but are they ready to swap dance moves with the 27 returning DCC veterans? From judges' panel interviews to elaborate solo dance routines, all the girls are scrutinized and critiqued. And for the first time ever, the DCC combination dance and kick line portions of the audition are performed on the field. This year, the judges view the performances on the mammoth 60-yard long HD screen hovering from the roof of Cowboys Stadium. From this vantage point, the slightest misstep, bad hairstyle, gaudy make-up or flabby tummy is magnified and seen like never before. At the end of the day, 44 girls are invited to training camp.

DCC training camp begins. The training camp candidates arrive at Valley Ranch for the first time and have the opportunity to meet their idols and mentors -- the DCC veterans. DCC director Kelli McGonagill Finglass and DCC choreographer Judy Trammel lead the orientation meeting with each training camp candidate and veteran, sharing a little known yet surprising fact about themselves. The following day, before the first night of rehearsals, the veterans break the tension and promote team bonding when they host a luncheon for the rookie candidates. DCC alums join the party and offer some insightful advice to all in attendance. That evening, the first night of rehearsal reveals these rookie candidates have a long way to go if they are going to take the field with the vets for the first game.

In just the second week of rehearsals, the first cuts of a training camp loom. Before the arduous rehearsals begin, a few select veterans in training camp are sent to film a segment for Good Morning America and they help to make a life-long dream come true for one lucky lady. Then, the rookie candidates are fitted for their DCC uniforms. It's a process that is tinged with excitement and optimism as these girls hope to one day wear the iconic blue blouse and belted white shorts on the field at Cowboys Stadium. To date, the training camp candidates have learned four routines and this week's rehearsals are important for all. The evaluation of the candidates' mastery of these dances will be meticulous under the watchful eye of DCC Director Kelli McGonagill Finglass and DCC Choreographer Judy Trammell. Four candidates are called into the office for a meeting with Kelli and Judy. Who will be warned and who will be told, "This will be your last night"?

Week four of training camp begins with the rookie candidates getting their DCC "Makeovers." From having their hair and make-up revamped to receiving full body tans and teeth whitening, the rookie candidates are transformed into the DCC mold and in the process instilled with a new confidence and drive to make the squad. Next, both rookie candidates and veterans audition for the illustrious DCC Show Group. The evening is a magnificent showcase of the girls' talents and abilities to perform powerful dance moves and acrobatics. But only a select group will be chosen for this squad. As rehearsals begin, the training camp candidates know there are more cuts coming. DCC Director Kelli McGonagill Finglass and DCC Choreographer Judy Trammell are looking for marked improvement by everyone. Three candidates are called into Kelli's office for a face-to-face meeting about their progress. The atmosphere is tense and emotional for all, but cuts must be made. Who lives to dance again at Valley Ranch?

The end of training camp is approaching, and DCC cameo photos are on the schedule. The training camp candidates and veterans are readied for their close-ups, dressed in their fitted DCC uniform with their hair and makeup flawless. Director Kelli McGonagill Finglass and choreographer Judy Trammel are searching for the perfect DCC package, and these photos are a tell-all. The good and the bad is revealed. Next, technical director Kitty Carter shows up at Valley Ranch and directs the girls through rehearsal. With Kelli and Judy looking on, Kitty is quick with her blunt honesty in calling out the glaring mistakes made by the candidates and veterans during drills and routines. Kelli's and Judy's eyes are opened to a wide array of lingering problems with this class -- from performance issues to weight gains. Tonight, no one is safe from being scrutinized. Eight girls are called into the office. Who stays? Who goes home?

Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is once again the venue for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders auditions.

Tensions run high for the 69 new hopefuls as 18 returning DCC veterans join the competition by way of coveted invitations to training camp.

The stress the newly selected training camp candidates are under is evident as they struggle to rearrange their schedules and secure new living arrangements in Dallas.

Two weeks into training camp, the dancers are tasked with mastering the world famous DCC kick line and jump split as Kelli and Judy prepare to make their first cuts.

On makeover day, the rookie candidates are given a new look with hair and makeup to transform them in the DCC mold.

Rehearsal starts with a big bang when DCC Technical Director Kitty Carter makes a surprise visit to Valley Ranch.

Six hundred hopeful candidates arrive at Cowboys Stadium for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders preliminary auditions.

DCC training camp opens, and many of the new candidates have had to uproot their lives and move to Dallas with no guarantee of becoming a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader. DCC director Kelli McGonagill Finglass is quick to state there will be no tolerance of missed practices, lax effort or foolish decisions outside the DCC. Simply put, if you screw up, you're cut.

It is just the second week of rehearsals, and Kelli and Judy are quick to run the training camp candidates through the signature kick line and jump split. Many of the new candidates have never done a jump split, and their inexperience causes a few girls to be injured.

The women receive DCC-approved makeovers before rehearsing their routines, and Kelli and Judy get to know some of the out-of-state candidates a little better.

DCC Technical Director Kitty Carter runs an intense rehearsal while Kelli is out sick, the remaining candidates enjoy a photoshoot, and the groups bond over a bowling night with the veterans.

Another week of training camp kicks off with a rehearsal on the field at the Cowboys' home stadium, and the women start to feel the pressure as Kelli and Judy narrow down their final cuts.

Dreams are on the line as the tryouts for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders 2013-2014 squad begin.

The pressure mounts as 54 new candidates compete with 32 returning veterans for a coveted spot in the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders training camp.

Training camp kicks off at Valley Ranch, and the first meeting is filled with excitement and energy -- and surprising news for the veterans.

Episode re-built by Multi-Platform to sit under the new Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team series

D.J. Guthrie teaches the ladies a new dance style; Kelli and Judy have some tough decisions to make.

Kitty Carter pays a visit to the training camp and takes no prisoners, ripping into the new girls and the veterans.

Tryouts begin for the 2013-2014 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading squad. 500 ladies put their dreams on the line and try to survive one of the most demanding dance auditions in professional sports.

With 55 high-calibre girls making it to finals, the 30 veterans join the audition process and must fight to keep their place on the team; Kitty Carter takes no prisoners as she prepares the girls for their solos.

Fear takes over for the new training camp candidates as they face the reality of doing the DCC kick line and jump splits for the first time, landing in an unnatural position takes a lot of faith.

To be a DCC, you need to look like a DCC. This week Kelli makes sure all the girls have the look starting with makeovers and she takes the new girls to the swank Halcyon salon for new hairdos.

The candidates feel the pressure to look the part as they enter the sixth week of training camp, and Melissa Rycroft and Tina Kalina sit in for Judy and give Kelli some fresh eyes.

400 girls that have aspired to become a world famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader put it all on the line as preliminary auditions for the 2015-2016 season begin.

Dreams are made and hopes are crushed when the 59 candidates are reduced down to 46 to attend training camp.

Training camp begins and the candidates start to crack as the reality of how hard it is to become a DCC sets in. Melissa Rycroft offers the ladies hope and advice on how to make it through.

Kelli and Judy must cut 10 girls to get down to the magic number of 36 for the squad. Uniform fittings give Kelli a better idea of who has the whole package.

The ladies get the DCC look, which helps some but not all. Later, two surprise guests stop by rehearsal and rock the DCC's world; and Kelli endures an incredibly awkward office visit.

Cameos and Show Group auditions push the new girls and vets to their limits. Meanwhile, Melissa Rycroft tries to save a DCC who is hanging by a thread; and a shocking outcome occurs from a Kelli office visit.

Hundreds of beautiful and talented hopefuls arrive to try out for the best cheerleading team in the world, while many of the returning girls are looking for redemption. New judges increase the pressure of moving on to Finals.

Veterans fight for their jobs as new girls try to live their dreams and make DCC Training Camp. But standing in their way are panel interviews, solos, an exhausting dance combination and a room full of very tough judges.

The new candidates' eyes are opened when they get a taste of what it is to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. As girls struggle to learn the dances, the reality of being "Big Time" sets in. Melissa Rycroft meets the new ladies for the first time.

A new choreographer shakes things up as uniform fittings and the Belk fashion show are on the agenda. Meanwhile, singer Kacey Musgraves stops by rehearsal.

Melissa Rycroft makes a house call to help Yuko; Kitty Carter rocks a few of the candidate's worlds; cameos give Kelli and Judy a fresh perspective on the girls; the girls let it all hang out at Show Group auditions.

Hundreds of beautiful and talented women converge on AT&T Stadium to start the hardest audition process in professional sports, trying out for a coveted spot on the most famous NFL cheerleading squad in the world.

With the field narrowed down to 119 women, the pressure is on. They must quickly learn a power pom routine and the famous kickline in order to perform it an hour later before the judges.

The veterans finally enter the audition process. Now all 83 women are judged head to head during a panel interview, a solo dance performance and on their appearance on the football field as seen and the big screen.

44 women begin the very first training camp at the new 1 billion dollar Cowboys’ facility, The Star. At the First Meeting, Kelli lays down the law and makes it clear that eight women will be sent home this summer.

First the ladies need to have the “classic look” of a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. Kelli’s hair and make-up transformations are legendary. The ladies are also assessed through a new state of the art fitness test, “Styku”.

Kelli media trains the rookie candidates to determine who best represents the DCC at press events. NBC news anchor, Meredith Land tests their on-camera interview skills.

Hundreds of eager hopefuls -- ranging from starry-eyed rookies to experienced NFL cheerleaders -- gather at AT&T Stadium for a shot at joining the world’s most famous squad.

The 125 remaining hopefuls must nail a choreographed routine before advancing to the final rounds, and the DCC veterans reveal their plans for the future.

A former Laker Girl who survived the Las Vegas shooting chases her dream, and the women work on their solo presentations and interviews as finals approach.

The returning veterans travel to the Bahamas to shoot the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders swimsuit calendar, and the rookies feel the pressure as training camp begins.

The first-year hopefuls get new looks on Rookie Makeover Day, DCC alumni give the candidates feedback, and Cowboys' Head Coach Jason Garrett stops by during a rehearsal.

Before Kelli and Judy make roster cuts, the rookies learn the famed kickline and jump splits, get fitted for the iconic uniform and face Jay Johnson's power squad training.

Four hundred dancers from all over the country converge on AT&T Stadium to start the hardest audition process in the entertainment business to become a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.

The 101 remaining hopefuls must master tough choreography, learn the famous DCC kickline and impress judges Melissa Rycroft and Charm La'Donna. Melissa Rycroft and Charm LaDonna are featured.

It’s Finals! The new rookie candidates face off against the re-auditioning veterans.

36 hours after making Training Camp the candidates are thrust into a new level of pressure. Some break down.

Emmy-award winning choreographer, Travis Wall, comes to rehearsal to shake things up. The physical rigors of training camp begin with the kickline and the fear of the jumpsplits.

Charm La'Donna teaches the candidates a hip-hop-style routine, the judges pick their charm squad, the ladies visit the Dallas VA Medical Center and two rookies are sent home

After an unusual online audition process, the rookie candidates for the 2020 squad move into an isolated training camp bubble amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Rookie candidates must show Kelli & Judy they can learn choreography quickly; the ladies try on the fabric of the DCC; things take an unexpected turn for some; Melissa Rycroft and Evan Miller are featured.

Celebrity choreographer Charm LaDonna challenges the candidates; the vets arrive and the stakes go up; choreographer Denise Dicharry pushes them out of their comfort zone; and Mickey Guyton and Denise Dicharry arrive to join Charm.

A Day at the Stadium

Famed celebrity choreographer Travis Wall arrives and realizes the new candidates are tough competition for the veterans.

Upstaged

As 51 rookies and veterans arrive to chase their dreams, the candidates hope to prove their talent with a standout solo performance and take on the kick line in the Judges' Showcase.

Melissa Rycroft comes to the first rehearsal to look for showmanship mentoring candidates. Then Brittany Perry-Russell shakes up the candidates with her choreography.

The candidates are taught techniques to get their kicks even higher. Evan Miller teaches his fast-paced choreography that has Kelli concerned for one of the candidates.

Denise DiCharry teaches high level choreography to see who learns quickly. Kelli gets to know the rookie candidates better during uniform fittings. And will an inappropriate post on social media lead to one of the ladies being cut?

Criscilla Anderson teaches LA style choreography and gives some hard-learned life lessons. Then Emmy winning choreographer Travis Wall, comes to help Kelli & Judy make some tough decisions.

Judy teaches the DCC entrance and the candidates must do jump splits for the first time, though not everyone is successful. A rookie rehearsal reveals the weaker candidates.