The challenge and sheer competition behind the process of becoming a member of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is told on Netflix America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Created by Greg Whiteley, the seven-part docuseries follows a rigorous audition process led by long-time director Kelli Finglass and head choreographer Judy Trammell as they try to find the next cheerleader cast to be part of the 2023 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders team.
America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders premieres on Netflix June 20.
Every main interviewee in America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Kelli in Finglas
Instagram: @kellifinglass
Kelli Finglass is the director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC), responsible for leading the team through ups and downs since 1991.
Finglass is portrayed in the Netflix documentary as a tenacious leader who doesn’t mince words during the audition process to select the perfect candidates for the 36-woman Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders team for the upcoming season.
Kelli, who is a former DCC member, shares the rigorous audition process, which ranges from online videos to live performances in front of the judges.
Judy Trammell
Instagram: @dcc_judy
Judy Trammell, head choreographer for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, works with Kelli Finglass each year to find the next members of the 2023 squad.
Judy, a former DCC in the 1980s, spoke about her experience as a member while explaining how today’s team has much better talent than those of the past.
Kelsey
Instagram: @kelcey_w
“We create such a close-knit family every year… It’s just a community that you really can’t find anywhere else.”
As a fifth-year veteran member and one of the team’s leaders, Kelcey has probably seen it all in the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders world.
Kelcey, who also works as a nanny, has juggled the difficult task of balancing a stressful full-time job with being a cheerleader in a fast-paced environment.
Little
Instagram: @kleinepowell
Kleine is a second-year DCC veteran who is re-understanding the intricacies of auditioning for a spot on the 2023 team.
Kleine says it’s tough for veterans because they know what they’ll lose if they end up eliminated from the competition.
McKenzie
Instagram: @dcc_mckenzie
“You don’t put yourself in this situation if you didn’t deserve to be here.”
McKenzie, a fourth-year veteran, embraces the challenges of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ annual auditions, noting, “Pressure is (a) privilege.”
Victoria
Instagram: @victoriakalina
– Making the team was definitely the best moment of my life.
As a second-generation DCC member, Victoria knows what it takes to be part of a team, having already gained valuable experience as a DCC member for four years.
Victoria works with her mother Tina to help her stay fit and healthy throughout the season. Victoria and Tina’s close mother-daughter relationship is introduced America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Tin
“These Millennials… They see it as a job where us old workers see it as more of a privilege.”
Victoria’s mother, Tina, was a DCC member in the 1980s, and she’s helping her daughter figure out what it’s like to bear the responsibility of being one of America’s most beloved.
Tina also became roommates with current DCC director Kelli Finglass in the 80s.
Michelle “Sharpie” Sharp
“(Veterans) know their place is not a given, and they know they have to work for it.”
Being a test administrator is perhaps one of the most difficult jobs in the world. However, Michelle “Sharpie” Sharp seems to be used to all the pressure and emotions.
Michelle joins the cast America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to tell fans about the process of performing live, putting veteran costumes and gear into action, and the bittersweet reality that the final cut won’t be made.
Saara Hepola
Instagram: @thesarahhepolaexperience
“Nobody else has cheerleaders like (DCC.)”
Sarah Hepola, host and creator American girls podcast, appears in documentaries sharing his thoughts on the economic growth of cheerleaders across America and how the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders helped the Dallas Cowboys become the biggest brand in the sports world.
Cat
Instagram: @katpurr
Kat is a retired DCC member who was in the class of 2022.
Kat joins the conversation in the docs to talk about her previous salary with DCC and her previous work experience with the team.
Charlotte Jones
Instagram: @cjonescowboys
“(Joining DCC) means being a part of something bigger than yourself.”
Charlotte Jones is the owner, executive vice president and chief brand officer of the Dallas Cowboys. She is also the daughter of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
Charlotte talks about the low pay for cheerleaders, but is also blunt about the fact that DCC members don’t join the team for the money. Instead, they join the team for something bigger than themselves, which is their passion for dance.
Kristi Vaaka
Instagram: @kristicowboy
Dallas Cowboys sideline reporter Kristi Scales is among the main group of interviewees appearing in the A series.merican Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Kristi tells how DCC has earned a reputation as a strong band over the years. He also serves as one of the judges in the live performance.
Reece
Instagram: @reece_christinee
One of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleader rookie candidates featured in the documentary is Reece.
Although Reece admits that she feels a lot of pressure going into her audition, she believes she has what it takes to become a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader because of her strong faith in God.
Anna Kate
Instagram: @annakatesundvold
Anna Kate is a rookie candidate for DCC and Caroline Sundvold’s younger sister.
Anna Kate strives to be her best with the help of her sister, and the pair worked hand-in-hand together to deliver an impressive solo routine in live performances.
Caroline
Instagram: @carolinesundvold
“(Being a part of DCC) was the best job you could ever have.”
Caroline is Anna Kate’s sister and a former member of DCC as part of the class of 2022.
As a newly retired member of DCC, Caroline is still struggling with this big change in her career. Caroline helps her sister practice before the audition.
Kelly V
Instagram: @kellyvillares
“All my life I’ve wanted to be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.”
New Jersey native Kelly V is one of the auditionees who made it to boot camp after impressing the judges with her solo and court performances.
Madeline
Instagram: @_madelineggrace
Madeline, a 3rd year veteran candidate, admits that she just wanted to be a part of DCC ever since she saw “Thunderstruck” for the first time.
Madeline wants to use her dance skills as a launch pad for her career, and a great way to start that journey is with DCC.
Lynn London
Lina Londono, Kelly’s mother, is one of the interviewees America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Lina tells how Kelly’s passion for dance developed over the years.
Onel Villares
Onel Villares is Kelly’s father, who admits that his daughter wanted the spotlight since she was a child.
America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders now streaming on Netflix.
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