Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team
| Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Reality television |
| Based on | Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders |
| Starring |
Kelli Finglass Judy Trammell Jay Johnson Melissa Rycroft |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of seasons | 13 |
| No. of episodes | 115 (as of October 11, 2018)[1] |
| Release | |
| Original network | CMT |
| Original release | September 29, 2006 – present |
| Chronology | |
| Related shows | NFL Cheerleader Playoffs |
| External links | |
| Website | |
| Production website | |
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team is an American reality television series that premiered in 2006 on Country Music Television.[2] The series follows the auditioning process and the forming of the annual Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad. The series features DCC director Kelli McGonagill Finglass and choreographer Judy Trammell (both of whom are former DCCs from the 1980s), and former Army drill sergeant Jay Johnson (who is the founder of "Boot Camp Fitness" and is responsible for the conditioning drills each girl must perform for testing).[2] Hundreds of young women audition each year and are put through the DCC "training camp" system before being cut down to the final 36 squad members for the first home football game of the Dallas Cowboys' preseason.
Show style
The show tracks the progression each candidate must follow in order to make the final roster and premiere on opening day at Texas Stadium (Seasons 1-3) and going forward to AT&T Stadium (formerly Cowboys Stadium); first the open audition "cattle call", then the 5-person audition "cut-down", then the personal interviews, uniform fittings, BMI testing, physical fitness testing, etiquette training, mock media interviews, and calendar shoots. Successful candidates must also complete a knowledge test on various subjects; including, but not limited to: the Dallas Cowboys and their history, NFL Football in general and the rules of the game, general history, government, and current events. There is also the grueling elite dance choreography that tests each girl's capacity to grasp dance combinations and perform the trademark kick-line/jump-split routine for which the DCC is known. Girls are judged by a hand-picked panel of experts and scoring is based on physical appearance, physical fitness, dance style, poise, grace, intelligence, and showmanship.
Once DCC training camp opens, the girls are put through a program of elite dance training and physical conditioning that is comparable to some professional sports training programs. If a girl is struggling, she is called into Finglass's office to discuss the nature of her difficulty and is generally given an opportunity to correct the shortcoming(s) to avoid being dismissed (cut) from the squad. However, some girls do have to be cut for several reasons. Common reasons for being cut include failure to correctly perform mandatory dance routines, failure to display an elite level of dance skill, a lack of physical fitness and/or failing to meet body fat requirements, and to reduce the squad roster down to the traditional number of 36 girls. Candidates have also been cut due to past legal problems, morality issues, domestic distractions (family issues), lack of preparedness, and poor time management skills. And rookie candidates haven't been the only ones who have been cut; even veterans have been cut due to some of the above-mentioned reasons.
Seasons
The series returned for a second season in 2007, and with the success of the program, the series returned for a third season on October 4, 2008. The fourth season started on October 10, 2009. The fifth season began airing on October 15, 2010. Season 6 began airing on October 20, 2011. Season 7 premiered on September 7, 2012. Season 8 premiered on September 6, 2013. Season 9 premiered on August 1, 2014. Season 10 premiered on August 6, 2015.[3] Season 11 premiered on August 25, 2016.[4] Season 12 premiered on August 3, 2017. Season 13 premiered on August 2, 2018.
2018 season
2018 - 2019 Squad
Veterans: Alexis Peterson, Amy Leonall, Christina Riccelli, Gina Ligi, Heather O'Connor, Jessika Palmer, KaShara Garrett, Kelli Sullivan, Khalyn Cole, Lacey Munoz, Lauren Parker, Lexie Sullivan, Madeline Massingill, Miranda Tims, Molly Neumeister, Rachel Alexander, Savannah Heineken, Tasha Cruz, Tess Guidry, and Yuko Kawata.
Rookies: Alanna Tarango, Amber McMillan, Ashlee Ford, Brennan Cook, Briana Baisden, Bridget Jacob, Caroline Sundvold, Cianna Levi, Daphne Janes, Erin Sauerhage, Hannah Anderson, Gabby Goduco, Jalyn Stough, Madeline Molloy, Rachel Wyatt, and Taylor Johnson.
2017 season
2017 - 2018 Squad
Veterans: Amy Leonall, Cersten Bradley, Chantel Jones, Elizabeth Voegtle, Heather O'Connor, Jenna Jackson, Jessika Palmer, Jinelle Davidson, KaShara Garrett, Kelli Sullivan, Kelsey Lowrance, Khalyn Cole, Lacey Munoz, Madeline Massingill, Maggie Rouse, Milan Brahney, Robin Richardson, Selina Flores, Simone Culwell, Stephanie Larson, Tasha Cruz, Tess Guidry, and Yuko Kawata.
Rookies: Alexandria Stavropoulos, Alexis Peterson, Christina Riccelli, Gina Ligi, Kalyssa Singleton, Keyra Ford, Lauren Parker, Lexie Sullivan, Miranda Tims, Molly Neumeister, Rachel Alexander, Savannah Heineken, and Tara Szybillo.
2016 season
2016 - 2017 Squad
Veterans: Amy Trader, Amy Leonall, Chantel Jones, Claire Brown, Danielle Barhold, Elizabeth Voegtle, Erica Wilkins, Holly Powell, Jaclyn Tisdale, Jenna Jackson, Jennifer Amburn, Jessica Purdy, Jinelle Davidson, KaShara Garrett, Lacey Munoz, Megan Carcioppolo, Melissa Wallace, Raylee Stearman, Robin Richardson, Simone Culwell, and Stephanie Larson.
Rookies: Allie Droste, Cersten Bradley, Heather Hamilton, Heather O'Connor, Jessika Palmer, Kelli Sullivan, Kelsey Lowrance, Khalyn Cole, Madeline Massingill, Maggie Rouse, Mandy Voecks, Milan Brahney, Selina Flores, Tasha Cruz, Tess Guidry, and Yuko Kawata.
2015 season
2015 - 2016 Squad
Veterans: Angela Nicotera, Ashley Holland, Caila Sims, Danielle Barhold, Erica Wilkins, Holly Hubbard, Jacie Scott, Jenna Jackson, Jennifer Amburn, Jessica Purdy, Jinelle Davidson, Kelsey Bond, Kinzie Rusco, Lacey Munoz, Loren Roeder, Mary Dill, Melissa Wallace, Paige Cavalieri, Rachel Lunsford, and Victoria Carriere.
Rookies: Amy Trader, Amy Leonall, Chantel Jones, Claire Brown, Elizabeth Voegtle, Holly Powell, KaShara Garrett, Kat Rogers, Jaclyn Tisdale, Megan Carcioppolo, Raylee Stearman, Robin Richardson, Simone Culwell, and Stephanie Larson.
2014 season
2014 - 2015 Squad[5]
Veterans: Abby Bertrand, Angela Nicotera, Ashley Ferrel, Ashley Holland, Brittney Schram, Danielle Barhold, Emma Dutton, Holly Hubbard, Jacie Scott, Jasmine Goode, Jenna Jackson, Jennifer Colvin, Jennifer Amburn, Jessica Purdy, Jessica Kalil, Jinelle Davidson, Jordan Daigle, Katy Fink, Kelsey Bond, Kinzie Rusco, Nicole Bulcher, Paige Cavalieri, Rachel Lunsford, Samantha Clark, Sydney Durso, and Veronica Lind.
Rookies: Ashley Prochazka, Breelan Statham, Caila Sims, Courtney Russ, Erica Wilkins, Lacey Munoz, Loren Roeder, Mary Dill, Melissa Wallace, and Victoria Carriere.
2013 season
2013 - 2014 Squad[6]
Veterans: Alex Hermes, Amelia Smith, Angela Nicotera, Ashley Ferrel, Brittney Schram, Carisa McMillan, Danielle Barhold, Emma Dutton, Holly Hubbard, Jacie Scott, Jacqueline Bob, Jasmine Goode, Jenna Jackson, Jennifer Colvin, Jessica Purdy, Jordan Daigle, Katy Fink, Kelsey Bond, Kim Tong, Kinzie Rusco, Lauren Williams, Mackenzie Weeks, Mia Greenhouse, Nicole Bulcher, Olivia Sharber, Sydney Durso, and Veronica Lind.
Rookies: Abby Bertrand, Ashley Holland, Courtni Shae, Hannah West, Jennifer Amburn, Jessica Kalil, Jinelle Davidson, Kaitlyn Phillips, Morgan Jordan, Paige Cavalieri, Rachel Lunsford, and Samantha Clark.
2012 season
2012 - 2013 Squad
Veterans: Alexandra Gandara, Amelia Smith, Angela Nicotera, Brittney Schram, Cassie Trammell, Colleen Brent, Courtney Cook, Emma Dutton, Holly Hubbard, Jackie Bob, Katy Fink, Lauren Williams, Mackenzie Weeks, Meagan McVay, Melissa Kellerman, Mia Greenhouse, Nicole Bulcher, Sydney Durso, Veronica Lind, and Whitney Isleib.
Rookies: Alex Hermes, Ashley Ferrel, Carisa McMillan, Chelsea Chaney, Collin Sarvis, Danielle Barhold, Emily Claire, Jacie Scott, Jasmine Goode, Jenna Jackson, Jennifer Colvin, Jessica Purdy, Jordan Daigle, Kali Drake, Kelsey Bond, Kim Tong, Kinzie Rusco, Olivia Sharber, and Teri George.
2011 season
2011 - 2012 Squad
Veterans: Ally Traylor, Ann Lux, Ashton Torres, Brittany Evans, Cassie Trammell, Jackie Bob, Kaitlin Ilseng, Kelsi Reich, Lauren Williams, Meagan McVay, Melissa Kellerman, Mia Greenhouse, Nicole Bulcher, Sasha Agent, Sunni Cranfill, Sydney Durso, and Whitney Isleib.
Rookies: Alexandra Gandara, Alyssa Torres, Amber Lea, Amelia Smith, Angela Nicotera, Brittney Schram, Cassie Dyson, Colleen Brent, Courtney Cook, Emma Dutton, Holly Hubbard, Jenna Brooks, Kamilah Todd, Katy Fink, Mackenzie Weeks, Meghan Phillips, and Veronica Lind.
2010 season
2010 - 2011 Squad
Veterans: Ally Traylor, Ashton Torres, Brittany Evans, Brooke Sorenson, Carey DePasquale, Cassie Trammell, Crystal Trevino, Evan Anderson, Jackie Bob, Joannah Liad, Jordan Baum, Jordan Chanley, Kaitlin Ilseng, Kelsi Reich, Meagan McVay, Meagan Sharp, Melissa Kellerman, Meredith Oden, Mia Greenhouse, Michelle Keys, Sunni Cranfill, Sydney Durso, Tia Williams, Tobie Percival, Trisha Trevino, and Whitney Isleib.
Rookies: Alyssa Sarasani, Ann Lux, Kaitlin LeGrand, Lauren Williams, Nicole Bulcher, Olivia Stevanovski, Sasha Agent, and Stephanie Heymann.
2009 season
2009 - 2010 Squad
Veterans: Abigail Klein, Ally Traylor, Amy Reese, Brittany Evans, Brooke Sorenson, Cassie Trammell, Crystal Trevino, Jordan Baum, Jordan Chanley, Justine Phillips-Orf, Kaitlin Ilseng, Kelsi Reich, Kristen Gauthier, Meagan Sharp, Melissa Kellerman, Meredith Oden, Michelle Keys, Nicole Hamilton, Sarah Gourley, Sydney Durso, Tia Williams, Tobie Percival, Trisha Trevino, and Whitney Isleib.
Rookies: Ashton Torres, Brandi Kilby, Carey DePasquale, Evan Anderson, Jacqueline Bob, Joannah Liad, Malia Morales, Meagan McVay, Mia Greenhouse, Sunni Cranfill, and Vanessa Jenkins.
2008 season
2008 - 2009 Squad
Veterans: Abigail Klein, Ally Traylor, Brooke Sorenson, Dara McFarlane, Deryn Derbigny, Erica Jenkins, Julie Jacobs, Justine Phillips-Orf, Kandi Harris, Kristen Gauthier, Makenzi Swicegood, Meagan Sharp, Meredith Oden, Nicole Hamilton, Ryan Ray, Sarah Clay, Sarah Gourley, Tia Williams, Tobie Percival, and Trisha Trevino.
Rookies: Amy Reese, Brittany Evans, Cassandra Trammell, Crystal Trevino, Jennifer McMahon, Jordan Baum, Jordan Chanley, Jordyn Ketchum, Kaitlin Ilseng, Kelsi Reich, Lauren Castillo, Melissa Kellerman, Michelle Keys, Stefani Peterson, Sydney Durso, and Whitney Isleib.
2007 season
2007 - 2008 Squad
Veterans: Andrea Rogers, Brooke Sorenson, Carmen Butler, Christina Parker, Deryn Derbigny, Erica Perry, Jennifer Nix, Julie Jacobs, Justine Philips, Kandi Harris, Leah Mullinax, Makenzi Swicegood, Megan Fox, Melissa Rycroft, Misty Duncan, Nicole Hamilton, Sarah Gourley, Starr Spangler, Tobie Percival, and Trisha Trevino.
Rookies: Abigail Klein, Ally Traylor, Candice Carr, Christina Murphy, Dara McFarlane, Erica Jenkins, Gina Becchetti, Kelly Jo Stauffacher, Kristen Gauthier, Loni Lindsey, Meagan Sharp, Meredith Oden, Michelle Mozek, Natalie Woods, Ryan Ray, Sarah Clay, Sarah Shelton, and Tia Williams.
2006 season
2006 - 2007 Squad
Veterans: Andrea Richards, Becca Gambel, Carmen Butler, Christina Parker, Cori Robinson Brown, Elizabeth Davis, Emma Dawson, Erica Perry, Jen Hill, Justine Phillips, Leah Wilkins, Lisa Henslin, Lynlee Allen, Makenzi Swicegood, Megan Fox, Misty Duncan, Monica Moore, Nicole Hamilton, Sarah Gourley, Starr Spangler, Trisha Trevino, and Whitney Ott.
Rookies: Andrea Rogers, Brooke Sorenson, Carrie Stilwell, Deryn Derbigny, Dulce Rosales, Jennifer Nix, Julie Jacobs, Kandi Harris, Kristin Hager, Leah Mullinax, Melissa Rycroft, Tobie Percival, and Yoshiko Danjo.
Series overview
| Season | Episodes | Originally aired | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First aired | Last aired | ||||
| 1 | 8 | September 29, 2006 | November 17, 2006 | ||
| 2 | 8 | September 4, 2007 | November 3, 2007 | ||
| 3 | 8 | October 4, 2008 | November 22, 2008 | ||
| 4 | 8 | October 10, 2009 | November 28, 2009 | ||
| 5 | 8 | October 15, 2010 | December 10, 2010 | ||
| 6 | 8 | October 20, 2011 | December 8, 2011 | ||
| 7 | 11 | September 7, 2012 | November 16, 2012 | ||
| 8 | 8 | September 6, 2013 | November 1, 2013 | ||
| 9 | 8 | August 8, 2014 | September 26, 2014 | ||
| 10 | 8 | August 6, 2015 | September 24, 2015 | ||
| 11 | 8 | August 25, 2016 | October 13, 2016 | ||
| 12 | 13 | August 3, 2017 | October 26, 2017 | ||
| 13 | TBA | August 2, 2018 | TBA | ||
Episodes
Season 1 (2006)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | US viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Episode 1" | September 29, 2006 | N/A |
| Hundreds of women audition for one of the 45 open spots in the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders training camp. | ||||
| 2 | 2 | "Episode 2" | October 6, 2006 | N/A |
| 45 women start training camp with choreographer Judy Trammell and fitness instructor Jay Johnson. | ||||
| 3 | 3 | "Episode 3" | October 13, 2006 | N/A |
| The girls get fitted for their uniforms; one girl doesn't make the cut. | ||||
| 4 | 4 | "Episode 4" | October 20, 2006 | N/A |
| The girls are tested on their NFL knowledge and athletic skills; another girl is sent home. | ||||
| 5 | 5 | "Episode 5" | October 27, 2006 | N/A |
| The contestants get hair makeovers in preparation for some publicity stills. | ||||
| 6 | 6 | "Episode 6" | November 3, 2006 | N/A |
| Kelli's annual etiquette luncheon; a new choreographer. | ||||
| 7 | 7 | "Episode 7" | November 10, 2006 | N/A |
| The candidates get a crash course in how to deal with the media; the judges from the open call return. | ||||
| 8 | 8 | "Episode 8" | November 17, 2006 | N/A |
| Training camp comes to end and 36 women are poised to become Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. | ||||
Season 2 (2007)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | US viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 1 | "Episode 1" | September 4, 2007 | N/A |
| Hundreds of hopefuls arrive at Texas Stadium to tryout for the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders; many hopefuls are eliminated during the preliminary and the semi-final auditions. | ||||
| 10 | 2 | "Episode 2" | September 21, 2007 | N/A |
| Finalists compete against each other and veterans for a spot at the DCC training camp. | ||||
| 11 | 3 | "Episode 3" | September 28, 2007 | N/A |
| The 48 candidates that have made it to training camp are put through an army fitness test and receive evaluations during their first rehearsal. | ||||
| 12 | 4 | "Episode 4" | October 6, 2007 | N/A |
| The veteran cheerleaders model bikinis for an upcoming calendar shoot; the rookies perform for Kelli and Judy. | ||||
| 13 | 5 | "Episode 5" | October 13, 2007 | N/A |
| Reality sets in at the training camp after the first cuts are made; the cheerleaders are fitted for their uniforms; the candidates sweat through a physical workout. | ||||
| 14 | 6 | "Episode 6" | October 20, 2007 | N/A |
| Guest choreographer Kitty Carter teaches a class; the rookies get professional makeovers. | ||||
| 15 | 7 | "Episode 7" | October 27, 2007 | N/A |
| The rookies get to wear iconic uniforms during their first modeling shoot; the girls go skydiving with the Golden Knights. | ||||
| 16 | 8 | "Episode 8" | November 3, 2007 | N/A |
| The last rehearsals and the final cuts for the 2007 squad; the ladies pose for their Squad Photo; the squad performs in front of 65,000 fans at Texas Stadium. | ||||
Season 3 (2008)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | US viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1 | "Episode 1" | October 4, 2008 | N/A |
| 600 hopefuls arrive at Texas Stadium for the preliminary auditions for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders; 60 women are called back after the semifinals for a chance to compete against the veterans to earn a spot in training camp. | ||||
| 18 | 2 | "Episode 2" | October 11, 2008 | N/A |
| In the finals audition, contestants compete with veteran cheerleaders for a spot in training camp. Tryouts feature solo dance routines, background checks and interviews. | ||||
| 19 | 3 | "Episode 3" | October 18, 2008 | N/A |
| DCC director Kelli Finglass announces that a couple more veterans have failed the written test; the body fat evaluation does not go well for some veterans; the rookies struggle to learn the choreography. | ||||
| 20 | 4 | "Episode 4" | October 25, 2008 | N/A |
| The ladies go for uniform fittings; the girls compete in an army fitness test for a spot on the elite "Power Squad"; the first cuts are made. | ||||
| 21 | 5 | "Episode 5" | November 1, 2008 | N/A |
| The candidates learn that nobody's position is secure; Kitty Carter works with the weaker girls; the rookies are given makeovers. | ||||
| 22 | 6 | "Episode 6" | November 8, 2008 | N/A |
| Guest choreographer Kitty Carter gives the squad a wake up call; a lesson in DCC etiquette on and off the field; a Vets vs. Rookies football game; Kelli continues to make cuts. | ||||
| 23 | 7 | "Episode 7" | November 15, 2008 | N/A |
| The remaining candidates model the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders uniform during a photo shoot; a veteran helps a rookie when the new girl is asked to dance with more sex appeal; a surprise guest judge has everyone on edge. | ||||
| 24 | 8 | "Episode 8" | November 22, 2008 | N/A |
| The girls are run through their final dance routines; Jay tests the girls' endurance; Kelli and Judy make their final decisions; the '08-'09 squad is announced; the girl's perform during the first Dallas Cowboys game of the season. | ||||
Season 4 (2009)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | US viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 1 | "Episode 1" | October 10, 2009 | N/A |
| The 600 hopefuls arrive at the Gaylord Texan Hotel for the preliminary auditions; each contestant performs a freestyle routine in front of the judges; the 115 semi-finalists get a crash course in the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders style of dancing. | ||||
| 26 | 2 | "Episode 2" | October 17, 2009 | N/A |
| The 75 remaining hopefuls compete with the returning veterans for a spot at training camp. | ||||
| 27 | 3 | "Episode 3" | October 24, 2009 | N/A |
| The girls head to training camp; Kelli Fineglass critiques the girls' dance abilities. | ||||
| 28 | 4 | "Episode 4" | October 31, 2009 | N/A |
| The third week of training camp; uniform fittings; Jay judges the physical fitness level of the girls. | ||||
| 29 | 5 | "Episode 5" | November 7, 2009 | N/A |
| Contestants are hoisted 16 stories and dropped into a net; Kelli invites former contestant in camp; Another contestant is released from camp. | ||||
| 30 | 6 | "Episode 6" | November 14, 2009 | N/A |
| Forty-one wannabes pose for their Official DCC Cameo Photograph; Contestants rehearse flying jump splits; Contestants prepare for first game. | ||||
| 31 | 7 | "Episode 7" | November 21, 2009 | N/A |
| Kitty Carter visits Valley Ranch to teach a techniques class; a tour of the stadium; a pop quiz during rehearsal. | ||||
| 32 | 8 | "Episode 8" | November 28, 2009 | N/A |
| Two rehearsals left before the final cuts; the girls have their final rehearsal on the stadium field; the new squad takes the field in front of 80,000 fans. | ||||
Season 5 (2010)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | US viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 1 | "Episode 1" | October 15, 2010 | N/A |
| In the fifth-season premiere, the best rookies are chosen to join the returning veterans. | ||||
| 34 | 2 | "Episode 2" | October 22, 2010 | N/A |
| The 47 new girls invited to attend DCC final auditions have had two weeks to prepare, but are possibly ready to swap dance moves with the 27 returning veterans. | ||||
| 35 | 3 | "Episode 3" | October 29, 2010 | N/A |
| 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; director Kelli and choreographer Judy lead the orientation meeting, sharing a surprising fact. | ||||
| 36 | 4 | "Episode 4" | November 5, 2010 | N/A |
| The first cuts loom and four candidates are summoned for a meeting with Kelli and Judy. | ||||
| 37 | 5 | "Episode 5" | November 12, 2010 | N/A |
| Three candidates are called into Kelli's office for a face-to-face meeting. The atmosphere is tense and emotional for all, but cuts must be made. | ||||
| 38 | 6 | "Episode 6" | November 19, 2010 | N/A |
| The training camp candidates and veterans are readied for their photos. Technical director Kitty Carter directs the girls through rehearsal and points out a wide array of lingering problems with the class. | ||||
| 39 | 7 | "Episode 7" | November 26, 2010 | N/A |
| Kelli announces who she wants to see. | ||||
| 40 | 8 | "Episode 8" | December 10, 2010 | N/A |
| The squad is finally set and the new team performs. | ||||
Season 6 (2011)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | US viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | 1 | "Episode 1" | October 20, 2011 | N/A |
| Five hundred candidates dream of making the 2011-2012 Dallas Cowboy Cheerleading squad. | ||||
| 42 | 2 | "Episode 2" | October 27, 2011 | N/A |
| The 18 returning Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders veterans join the competition for a invitation to training camp. | ||||
| 43 | 3 | "Episode 3" | November 4, 2011 | N/A |
| Training starts at Valley Ranch; the candidates struggle to rearrange their schedules and secure living arrangements in Dallas. | ||||
| 44 | 4 | "Episode 4" | November 11, 2011 | N/A |
| The girls are expected to master the world famous DCC kick line and jump split. | ||||
| 45 | 5 | "Episode 5" | November 18, 2011 | N/A |
| It's week three of training camp; the rookie candidates get their DCC makeovers. | ||||
| 46 | 6 | "Episode 6" | November 25, 2011 | N/A |
| Rehearsals start with a big bang when DCC technical director Kitty Carter makes a surprise visit to Valley Ranch; both rookie and veteran candidates are immediately on edge, aware that Kitty is quick to call out shoddy performances and mistakes. | ||||
| 47 | 7 | "Episode 7" | December 2, 2011 | N/A |
| Candidates who are not DCC ready will be exposed at the only field rehearsal on the Cowboy's Stadium turf. | ||||
| 48 | 8 | "Episode 8" | December 18, 2011 | N/A |
| In the final part of the series, some dreams are made and others broken as Judy and Kelli make their final decisions; it is time for the girls to put on their famous uniforms for the squad photo as the dream starts to become a reality. | ||||
Season 7 (2012)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | US viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | 1 | "Episode 1" | September 7, 2012 | N/A |
| 600 hopeful candidates arrive at Cowboys Stadium for the preliminary auditions. | ||||
| 50 | 2 | "Episode 2" | September 14, 2012 | N/A |
| Training Camp begins, and it's clear that if the candidates screw up, they'll get cut. | ||||
| 51 | 3 | "Episode 3" | September 21, 2012 | N/A |
| The candidates must run through the signature kick line and jump split. | ||||
| 52 | 4 | "Episode 4" | September 28, 2012 | N/A |
| In week four of training camp the rookie candidates are brought in for their DCC makeover; under the scrutiny of Kelli Finglass, new hairstyles and make up applications give the girls the DCC look. | ||||
| 53 | 5 | "Episode 5" | October 5, 2012 | N/A |
| In week five, Kitty Carter fills in for a sick Kelli and calls out girls with messy routines; DCC Cameo Photos are taken. | ||||
| 54 | 6 | "Episode 6" | October 12, 2012 | N/A |
| A rehearsal on the field could determine who makes the squad and who gets cut. | ||||
| 55 | 7 | "Episode 7" | October 18, 2012 | N/A |
| One final rehearsal is run before the DCC squad is announced. | ||||
| 56 | 8 | "Episode 8" | October 26, 2012 | N/A |
| The squad has their first game day performance behind them, but a bad rehearsal brings a warning that cuts can still be made; the squad has their first off-the-field appearance. | ||||
| 57 | 9 | "Episode 9" | November 2, 2012 | N/A |
| The team travels to Mexico for their annual swimsuit calendar photo shoot, and also puts on a show for the resort's guests. | ||||
| 58 | 10 | "Episode 10" | November 9, 2012 | N/A |
| The cheerleaders prepare intensely for their first regular season home game performance. | ||||
| 59 | 11 | "Episode 11" | November 16, 2012 | N/A |
| The team has their marquee performance at the Susan G. Komen Cancer Awareness Halftime Show during a nationally televised game. | ||||
Season 8 (2013)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | US viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 1 | "The Journey Begins" | September 6, 2013 | N/A |
| Tryouts begin for 2013-2014 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading squad. | ||||
| 61 | 2 | "Return of the Vets" | September 13, 2013 | N/A |
| Pressure mounts as 54 new candidates compete with 32 veterans for an invitation into the famed Dallas Cowboys cheerleading camp. | ||||
| 62 | 3 | "Pressure to Perform" | September 20, 2013 | N/A |
| Training camp begins at Valley Ranch; first meeting is filled with energy until Kelli calls a meeting with the veterans. | ||||
| 63 | 4 | "Harsh Reality" | September 27, 2013 | N/A |
| The cheerleaders learn the dreaded jump split, a famous and required move. | ||||
| 64 | 5 | "Appearance Counts" | October 4, 2013 | N/A |
| D.J. Guthrie teaches the ladies a new dance style; Kelli and Judy have some tough decisions to make. | ||||
| 65 | 6 | "A Toxic Situation" | October 18, 2013 | N/A |
| Kitty Carter pays a visit to the training camp and takes no prisoners, ripping into the new girls and the veterans. | ||||
| 66 | 7 | "The Pressure Cooker" | October 25, 2013 | N/A |
| With their futures on the line, the camp candidates need to push through their emotions to prove they deserve to be a part of "America's Sweethearts." | ||||
| 67 | 8 | "Game Day" | November 1, 2013 | N/A |
| The squad finally learn their fate and dreams come true. | ||||
Season 9 (2014)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | US viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 1 | "The Journey Begins" | August 8, 2014 | N/A |
| Five hundred hopeful women endure a demanding audition to become Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders for the 2014-2015 season. | ||||
| 69 | 2 | "Dancing for Your Life" | August 15, 2014 | N/A |
| Intimidation sets in for the veterans when 55 high caliber girls make it to the finals. | ||||
| 70 | 3 | "Welcome to Valley Ranch" | August 22, 2014 | N/A |
| Training camp begins with 43 ladies, with seven girls cut to make a squad of 36; Kelli's passion infects and intimidates in First Meeting as she sets the expectations very high. | ||||
| 71 | 4 | "A Week of Firsts" | August 29, 2014 | N/A |
| The new training camp candidates are nervous about doing the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders kick line and jump splits for the first time; the girls try on the uniform for the first time. | ||||
| 72 | 5 | "Getting the DCC Look" | September 5, 2014 | N/A |
| Kelli makes sure all the girls have the look of a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader; the final rehearsal of the week brings emotions to the forefront as a girl gets sent home. | ||||
| 73 | 6 | "Time to Get Serious" | September 12, 2014 | N/A |
| The candidates enter the sixth week of training camp and need to start looking like a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader or their spot is in jeopardy; Melissa Rycroft and former Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Tina Kalina sit in for Judy. | ||||
| 74 | 7 | "A Lucid Dream" | September 19, 2014 | N/A |
| With three girls left to cut and the first game around the corner, the pressure is intense as the girls return to AT&T Stadium to take the field for the first time since auditions. | ||||
| 75 | 8 | "The Payoff" | September 26, 2014 | N/A |
| Everyone nervous during the final training day because Kelli and Judy might take a squad of less than 36. | ||||
Season 10 (2015)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | US viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76 | 1 | "Dare to Dream" | August 6, 2015 | N/A |
| Four hundred girls who each aspire to become a world-famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader put it all on the line as preliminary auditions for the 2015-2016 season begin. | ||||
| 77 | 2 | "Dance Your Heart Out" | August 13, 2015 | N/A |
| Talent and looks won't be enough to get on the squad; only 46 out of 59 candidates make it into training camp; dreams are made and hopes are crushed. | ||||
| 78 | 3 | "An Emotional Beginning" | August 20, 2015 | N/A |
| Kelli sets strict rules as training camp begins; some girls start to crack as the reality of how hard it is to become a Dalls Cowboys Cheerleader sets in; Melissa Rycroft offers hope and advice on how to make it through. | ||||
| 79 | 4 | "The Cuts Begin" | August 27, 2015 | N/A |
| Kelli and Judy must cut 10 girls to get to the magic number of 36 for the squad; uniform fittings gives Kelli a better idea of who has the whole package; as the cuts begin, the emotions flow. | ||||
| 80 | 5 | "Becoming World Class" | September 3, 2015 | N/A |
| As the girls get the look of a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, it helps some and not others; two surprise guests stop by rehearsal; Kelli has an extremely awkward office visit. | ||||
| 81 | 6 | "Having a Bad Day" | September 10, 2015 | N/A |
| The new girls and veterans are pushed to their limits during the Cameos and Show Group auditions; Melissa Rycroft tries to save a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader that's barely hanging on; a shocking outcome from Kelli's office visit. | ||||
| 82 | 7 | "The Cutting Board" | September 17, 2015 | N/A |
| Kelli and Judy make many tough cuts to keep up the quality of the team, which causes emotions to run high; Melissa Rycroft offers invaluable field experience. | ||||
| 83 | 8 | "Living the Dream" | September 24, 2015 | N/A |
| Kelli announces who will be on the squad; injuries threaten the opening of Cowboys training camp; chaos during game day puts their performance at risk. | ||||
Season 11 (2016)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | US viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84 | 1 | "The Dream Begins" | August 25, 2016 | N/A |
| Hundreds of beautiful and talented hopefuls arrive to try out for the best cheerleading team in the world while many of the returning girls look for redemption. | ||||
| 85 | 2 | "Comeback Girls" | September 1, 2016 | N/A |
| Veterans fight for their jobs as new girls try to live their dreams and make DCC Training Camp as they face panel Interviews, solos, an exhausting dance combination and a room full of very tough judges. | ||||
| 86 | 3 | "These Are The Big Dogs" | September 8, 2016 | N/A |
| The new candidates get an eye-opening taste of what it means to be a DCC; girls struggle to learn the dances; Melissa Rycroft meets the new girls for the first time. | ||||
| 87 | 4 | "Time To Push" | September 15, 2016 | N/A |
| With the first cut looming, the girls must push their dance skills to the limit; Melissa Rycroft works to bring out showmanship; stress increases on makeover day as the girls try to get the DCC look. | ||||
| 88 | 5 | "Big Surprises" | September 22, 2016 | N/A |
| A new choreographer shakes things up; uniform fittings and the Belk fashion show approach; two-time Grammy winner Kacey Musgraves stops by rehearsal. | ||||
| 89 | 6 | "Dance Intervention" | September 29, 2016 | N/A |
| Melissa Rycroft makes a house call to help Yuko; Kitty Carter rocks some of the candidate's worlds; cameos give Kelli and Judy a fresh perspective on the girls; at Show Group auditions, the girls let it all hang out. | ||||
| 90 | 7 | "Rehearsals With The Stars" | October 6, 2016 | N/A |
| Kellie Pickler comes to a rehearsal to share her experience and motivate the girls as Training Camp comes to an end; Melissa Rycroft makes Kelsey aware of a big mistake; Candace Romo helps with a big night of cuts. | ||||
| 91 | 8 | "The Finish Line" | October 13, 2016 | N/A |
| Squad announcement feels bittersweet as some favorites go home; the team has their first appearance at the Star Ribbon cutting; Game Day arrives. | ||||
Season 12 (2017)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | US viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92 | 1 | "Auditions Begin" | August 3, 2017 | N/A |
| 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. | ||||
| 93 | 2 | "Making the Team" | August 10, 2017 | N/A |
| The 119 remaining women have one hour to learn a power pom routine and the famous kickline; the stress of mastering the choreography in such a short time leads to numerous mistakes. | ||||
| 94 | 3 | "Finals" | August 17, 2017 | N/A |
| The veterans finally enter the audition process; all 83 women are judged head to head during a panel interview, a solo dance performance and on their appearance on the football field. | ||||
| 95 | 4 | "Empty Your Bucket" | August 24, 2017 | N/A |
| 44 women begin the very first training camp at the new 1 billion dollar Cowboys' facility, The Star; Kelli lays down the law and makes it clear that eight women will be sent home this summer. | ||||
| 96 | 5 | "Getting the Look" | August 31, 2017 | N/A |
| The ladies first need to have the "classic" Dallas Cowboys cheerleader look; Kelli's legendary hair and makeup transformations; assessing the ladies with a new fitness test, "Styku." | ||||
| 97 | 6 | "Media Training" | September 7, 2017 | N/A |
| Kelli media trains the rookie candidates to determine who best represents the cheerleaders at press events; NBC news anchor Meredith Land tests their on-camera interview skills. | ||||
| 98 | 7 | "Personality Testing" | September 14, 2017 | N/A |
| Personality is critical when representing the brand; Kelli takes the women on location to see how they interact during a public appearance. | ||||
| 99 | 8 | "Picture Perfect" | September 21, 2017 | N/A |
| Choreographer Nick Florez stops by to offer performance advice; the cheerleaders experience a day they will never forget when they wear the DCC uniform to pose for their cameo photos. | ||||
| 100 | 9 | "Hit the Field" | September 28, 2017 | N/A |
| The squad goes on an appearance to support pop-music star Demi Lovato; a make-or-break moment finds the ladies learning the entrance to the famed pre-game dance. | ||||
| 101 | 10 | "The Next Step" | October 5, 2017 | N/A |
| With two suspended vets, the team must re-block their formations for their Hall of Fame performance; new vets step up as a new point of the triangle is named; the rookie candidates attempt to get their footing during a rehearsal. | ||||
| 102 | 11 | "Hall of Fame Week" | October 12, 2017 | N/A |
| Twenty three veterans travel to Canton, Ohio to perform for Jerry Jones' induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. | ||||
| 103 | 12 | "Down to the Wire" | October 19, 2017 | N/A |
| As training camp winds down, the pressure skyrockets, and the ladies start to crack. | ||||
| 104 | 13 | "The Pre Season Test" | October 26, 2017 | N/A |
| Kelli announces the official squad; the hard-fought dream of becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader; full of excitement and nerves, the squad prepares for their very first football game at AT&T Stadium. | ||||
Season 13 (2018)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | US viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105 | 1 | "The Road to World-Class Begins" | August 2, 2018 | N/A |
| Four hundred nervous and excited women flock to AT&T Stadium to try out for the best cheerleading squad in the world. | ||||
| 106 | 2 | "Field of Dreams" | August 9, 2018 | N/A |
| 125 ladies try to conquer a DCC dance routine and the kickline to advance to Finals. | ||||
| 107 | 3 | "Leave It All on the Dance Floor" | August 16, 2018 | N/A |
| 23 veterans join 50 new candidates at Finals for a place in Training Camp. | ||||
| 108 | 4 | "Success Is Such Hard Work" | August 23, 2018 | N/A |
| The returning veterans go to the Bahamas to compete to be the calendar cover girl. Then Training Camp begins for all. | ||||
| 109 | 5 | "Getting The DCC Look" | August 30, 2018 | N/A |
| The ladies learn to look and dance like a DCC. | ||||
| 110 | 6 | "Jump Split Reckoning" | September 6, 2018 | N/A |
| The ladies learn the famed kickline and the scary jump splits. They must also pass Jay's boot camp fitness test or be called out and a dream comes true as the new ladies try on the legendary uniform for what may be their only time. | ||||
| 111 | 7 | "Big Time Dance" | September 13, 2018 | N/A |
| Nick Florez, choreographer for Katy Perry, Pink and the Super Bowl, comes to rehearsal; Kelli and Judy must pick the best of the best for "Show Group"; Katie Schaar attempts to prevent injuries. | ||||
| 112 | 8 | "Here Comes Kitty" | September 20, 2018 | TBD |
| Kitty comes to a rehearsal and stirs thing up; the new candidates bond, then are judged as they perform at a mock appearance; Travis Wall comes to town. | ||||
| 113 | 9 | "Field of Fears" | September 27, 2018 | TBD |
| Candidates dance on the football field for the first time, and Judy teaches them the signature DCC entrance. | ||||
| 114 | 10 | "The Next Level" | October 4, 2018 | TBD |
| The training camp candidates go through media training. Kelli reveals which veterans will be feautured in the squad’s calendars. | ||||
| 115 | 11 | "Staying Strong" | October 11, 2018 | TBD |
| The ladies take their cameo photos and learn how to carry themselves under pressure at etiquette training. Kelli and Judy have a tough time making cuts. | ||||
References
- ↑ "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team 2006". TV Guide. Retrieved July 29, 2016.
- 1 2 "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team: Characters". Country Music Television. 2008.
- ↑ "CMT Announces Four New Fall Series; Return Of 'Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders'". Deadline. 2013-08-07. Retrieved 2015-09-05.
- ↑ "I Love Kellie Pickler and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making The Team New Seasons Premiere Aug. 25". cmt.com. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
- ↑ "archived article". Archived from the original on September 21, 2014. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
- ↑ "archived article". Archived from the original on October 6, 2013. Retrieved September 30, 2013.