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They are often imitated .....
They are never equaled .....
"They are the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders"
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Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Swimsuit Takes - 2004
Beautiful ladies decked out in blue and white uniforms cheering
America's Team on to victory; precision dance routines that require a
combination of stamina, flexibility and timing that would leave most of us
gasping - yet they smile and dance on; or for some, it's the time that we met
one of them and she signed an autograph and we spent a few minutes talking...the
images differ, but each holds a special place. And today's phenomenon of the
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is equally special. Everywhere across the country or
around the world that any of these young ladies appear thousands of fans
congregate looking for the opportunity for a photograph, an autograph, or a few
moments to say hello. America's Sweethearts have truly become the darlings of
the National Football League. But it didn't start out that way.
The Beginning...
The Dallas Cowboys have always had cheerleaders. As was the standard in
professional football throughout the 1960's, the CowBelles & Beaux were high
school students from the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex managed by Dee Brock. They
cheered on the football teams success all the way to the 1971 Super Bowl
Championship. But, during the Cowboys preparations for the defense of their
World Championship title in the 1972 season, a new idea was born.
Tex Schramm was the Cowboys general manager and, with his extensive
background in television, recognized that professional football had become more
than sports - it was sports entertainment. He knew that the public liked pretty
girls. In fact, he'd already tried hiring professional models for the sidelines.
It was a disaster. The models were beautiful, but they were not athletes. More
than 3 hours of exertion in the hundred degree heat of the sidelines had left
them in worse shape after the game than the football players. But, the idea just
would not go away. Models had not worked, but what about dancers?
He talked the idea over with Dee and the decision was made to expand the
established football tradition of sideline cheerleaders into a glamorous,
choreographed squad of accomplished dancers that would serve as a counterpoint
to the game itself. Dee recruited one of the top dancers in America, Texie
Waterman, who also owned a dance studio in Dallas, to judge at the auditions and
help create a squad of dancers to grace the sidelines of Texas Stadium. Sixty
ladies attended that first audition. Seven were chosen. They spent their summer
at Training Camp with Texie where cheers and chants were replaced with grand
jetes and pirouettes.When the 1972-73 NFL season kicked off that fall, it was a
major turning point in Cheerleader history. The Dallas Cowboys introduced their
"new" Cheerleaders at Texas Stadium wearing new star spangled uniforms and
debuting an innovative and exciting new form of gameday action. For the first
time ever, anywhere, jazz dancing was blended with beauty and brought to a
football field...and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders were born.
When Dee left to resume her graduate studies, Texie became the heart and soul
of the new form of on-field entertainment. Her total commitment to professional
creativity and disciplined dance execution found a new focus in sideline
routines and field performances. As the Cheerleaders success grew, so to did the
dozens of responsibilities for auditions, rehearsals, personal appearances,
meetings, and all of the details required to put the group in top form on the
football field. Initially, Tex asked his secretary, Suzanne Mitchell, to handle
managing the squad in her "spare time", and in 1976 she become the first
Director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
While Texie perfected the performance, Suzanne piloted the organization to
world-wide renown. With her guidance, dedication, and love for each of the
Cheerleaders, as well as the traditions of the Squad, she succeeded in
developing the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders beyond anyone's wildest expectations.
The Discovery...
While the crowds at Texas Stadium responded enthusiastically to this new
facet of professional football, it wasn't until January of 1976 that the Dallas
Cowboys Cheerleaders took their next big step. During a break in the action at
Super Bowl X in Miami, an astute television cameraman let his lens wander over
to the sidelines, catching a row of lovely young women wearing their striking
blue and white uniforms. One of the Cheerleaders caught his gaze and winked. It
probably never occurred to her that she was on national television, but 75
million viewers - a full one third of the nation - were watching. And they
didn't take their eyes off what they saw.
The Phenomenon...
The 1977 season brought a second World Championship to "America's Team"
and helped to launch "America's Sweethearts" well beyond the football field. The
'77 squad appeared on two network television specials in the spring of 1978 -
the NBC Rock-n-Roll Sports Classic and The Osmond Brothers Special on ABC. In
August, the '78 squad was featured in a Faberge shampoo commercial. September
had the Cheerleaders kicking off the season for Monday Night Football by hosting
their own one-hour Special on ABC entitled "The 36 Most Beautiful Girls in
Texas". Hollywood came to Dallas in November to film "The Dallas Cowboys
Cheerleaders", a two hour movie that aired on January 14, 1979. In taking a 60%
share of the national television audience, it became the second highest rated
made-for-television movie in history. The sequel, "The Dallas Cowboys
Cheerleaders II" aired on January 13, 1980. More recently, the Cheerleaders had
a featured role in Robert Altman's latest motion picture, starring Richard Gere,
"Dr. T and the Women" which was released in the Fall of 2000.
The television appearances have continued throughout the years. The
Cheerleaders have sailed on "The Love Boat" twice, battled the Dallas Cowboys on
"Family Feud", visited with "Harry & the Hendersons", made a "Salute to Lady
Liberty" and celebrated the "Billy Bob's New Year Special" for CBS. They have
joined NBC for three "Academy of Country & Western Music Awards" shows and a
"Nashville Palace Show", and been the guests of Phil Donahue, Geraldo and "The
Wheel of Fortune". They've even spent their Saturday night dancing on "Saturday
Night Live", made appearances with Jay Leno and David Letterman, and performed
alongside celebrities such as Clint Black, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Reba
McEntire, Jessica Simpson and Billy Gilman.
The International Appeal...
1978 also brought the beginnings of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
international activities. A performance at the Mirage Bowl football game in
December of that year took the squad on a very successful 10-day tour of Japan.
Millions of Japanese took advantage of the opportunity to see them perform in
theaters and parades across the country as well as on a number of national
television programs. They also completed several commercials for Mitsubishi
Motors Corporation during the trip. Other international promotional tours have
included a return to Japan for American Airlines, a trip to Australia for
Philips Consumer Products, and appearances in Peru sponsored by the Saga
Company. In fact, their international appeal has proven to be a tremendous
marketing tool for companies around the world needing to make an American
"splash" with their campaign, including the National Football League. When the
NFL wanted promotional appearances for American football in Mexico and Japan,
the group they asked was the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
The Show Group...
Wherever crowds gather, the Cheerleaders unique brand of entertainment and
appeal has been sought after and much appreciated. As their reputation has
grown, so too have the opportunities for these extraordinary young women to
share their range of talents. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Show Group was
developed specifically for that purpose. Each year the most versatile and
accomplished of the Cheerleaders are selected for this elite entertainment
troupe. Their elaborately costumed and fully choreographed musical variety show,
"America & Her Music", has proven to be a crowd pleaser at national
conventions, corporate events and government gatherings.
While the high-profile experiences of being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader are
unique, for many of the members of the squad the most rewarding of their
activities are in somewhat less glamorous surroundings. In 1979, the U.S.
Department of Defense (DOD) requested their presence on a USO Christmas tour of
installations in Korea. The ladies performances were so enthusiastically
received by the thousands of American troops serving their country so very far
from home that a tradition was born.
The Cheerleaders, the DOD and the USO have since teamed up an unprecedented
42 times to boost the morale of the men and women of our U.S. military at
hundreds of bases and outposts around the world. If our country's forces are
stationed there, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders stand ready to offer their own
brand of thanks to these dedicated young Americans. The one-hour variety shows
bring standing ovations and tears to the eyes of the audiences and the
entertainers alike. The ladies have their meals in the mess halls and share in
close conversations about the Cowboys, happenings in the States and loved ones
at home.
It is a special time. So special in fact, that in 1991 the Cheerleaders were
honored to receive the USO's prestigious "50th Anniversary Award" and in 1997
their many years of distinguished service to the men, women and families of
America's Armed Forces was recognized with the presentation of the USO's first
ever "Spirit of Hope" Award. The entire Dallas Cowboys organization is extremely
proud of the high regard this nation has for the Cheerleaders and for the
distinction they have earned in having performed for more troops overseas than
any other entertainer...ever!
Community Service...
Most of the Cheerleaders non-game appearances are done for charity. They
have lent their support to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Salvation Army,
the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, the George Lindsey Celebrity Golf Tournament
for Special Olympics, the Association for Hearing Impaired Children, Veterans
Administration Hospitals , the March of Dimes, American Heart Association,
Arthritis Foundation, Cancer Society, United Way, Variety Club Telethons, and
the Make A Wish Foundation - in addition to their annual visits to numerous
nursing homes and children's hospitals.
The Individuals...
This unique group of young women has a deep responsibility: they assume a
corporate identity, yet they cannot lose sight of themselves as individuals. It
is a basic concept of the organization that each person in the stadium or in the
audience has a mental picture of their ideal girl - and the squad offers someone
for each of them to identify with. As in the past, almost every phase of the
American woman is represented: teachers, secretaries, company executives,
homemakers, nurses, students, medical technicians, fashion coordinators,
accountants, sales and advertising representatives, file clerks, receptionists,
cashiers, dental hygienists, flight attendants, etc. Some are single, some are
married - several have children. Typically they range in age from 18 to 36,
although there is no upper age limit. They are from small towns and big cities.
Some have been performing for years with extensive dance backgrounds and some
come to the Squad with no training at all, but have the gift of showmanship and
the ability to learn.
What they all have in common is the dedication to responsibility and
commitment to excellence that being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader requires. They
subject themselves to rigorous physical conditioning, an exhaustive year round
rehearsal schedule and stringent rules and regulations that govern their
part-time life.
The Auditions...
Each spring up to 600 young women from across America converge on Texas Stadium
in pursuit of their dream to become a member of the DCC. The basic requirements
are: (a) Ladies must be at least 18 years of age; (b) They must be a high school
graduate; (c) They must be attending college or hold a part-time/full-time job -
yes, being a full-time mother and homemaker counts; and (d) if selected they
must reside in the Dallas/Fort Worth area during their tenure as a Cheerleader.
And although they receive a bye into the Finals, even the members of the
previous years squad must once again compete in the hope of reclaiming a
position.
The Preliminaries, Semi's, and Finals of the audition process result in the
selection of approximately forty-five "training camp" candidates. From May until
late July this elite corps rehearse almost every evening for four or more hours
at a time under the critical eyes of their Director, Kelli McGonagill Finglass
and Choreographer Judy Trammell.
The Rules...
All rehearsals of the 50-plus song and dance numbers in each season's
repertoire are mandatory. If a Cheerleader misses a rehearsal prior to a home
game, she will not be allowed to perform at that game. Anyone with two unexcused
absences prior to a home game is subject to being released from the squad. The
axiom of "practice makes perfect" certainly applies. And while perfection is the
common goal of each of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, excellence is the
standard of the entire organization.
The set of rules which govern each lady's appearance, performance, and moral
character is lengthy and explicit. No DCC may, for example, date any of the
players, coaches, or other employees of the Dallas Cowboys Football Club - this
ensures a professional relationship while maintaining the supportive role that
the squad fulfills. Each girl is individually counselled on personal grooming,
makeup, physical fitness and interpersonal communications. Cheerleaders receive
training in etiquette, communications skills, media relations and fan mail. The
DCC uniform may be worn only with the organizations specific authorization and
when in uniform, Cheerleaders are not permitted to smoke, drink alcohol, or
conduct themselves in any manner not becoming to the tradition of the Dallas
Cowboys Cheerleaders.
The Uniform...
The uniform itself is a carefully guarded trademark and may not be
duplicated in any way without the written permission of the DCC. The
internationally recognized blouse, vest and shorts were originally designed by
Paula Van Waggoner, of the Lester Melnick store in Dallas. Since first
introduced with the formation of the squad in 1972, there have been only six
modifications to the uniform. In May of 1989 the original "go-go" boot had gone
out of style and a more western oriented design was selected. In 1991, the large
buckled belt was left behind in favor of shorts with a more flattering cut. 1992
brought a cowboy-style boot to the uniform, and in 1993 crystals were added to
outline the fifteen stars on the vest and shorts. 1994 brought a more western
shape to the blouse lapels, and finally, in 1999 crystals were added to the
fringe line of the vest. Each modification, after careful consideration by
Director, Kelli McGonagill Finglass, was implemented to enhance the image that
the uniform has represented from the very beginning - an image made all the more
consistent through the efforts and dedication of Ms. Leveta Crager, who for
twenty four years made and hand tailored every uniform worn by a Dallas Cowboys
Cheerleader. Upon her retirement, designer Greg Danison was selected at the
start of the 1996 season to continue the tradition of individual craftsmanship
in each Cheerleader's uniform.
The Leaders...
Today's Cheerleaders are guided by 2 former DCC - Kelli McGonagill
Finglass and Judy Trammell. Both, as young girls aspired to don the uniform and
perform for the fans while cheering on "their" Cowboys. Both felt the
intimidation of being among hundreds of beautiful, talented young women at their
first audition. Both endured the long hours of rehearsals preparing their minds
and bodies for the exacting precision expected of every performance. Both
embraced the rewards of the truly unique experiences inherent in being a DCC.
And, both have, from that foundation, grown to become the guardians of the past
and the shepherds of the future.
Kelli's road to becoming Director in 1991 included five years as a
Cheerleader, one year in the Cowboys' Sales and Promotions Department, and one
year serving as the Squad's Assistant Director. She leads the Cheerleaders with
passion and dedication to be the best in the world in their field of
entertainment. In doing so, the standards of measure are simple: Everything must
improve each year. As director of the internationally acclaimed organization,
Kelli's responsibilities are extensive. From costume design and licensing
agreements to sponsorships and legal issues of employment, she must create
programs that enhance the image of the DCC, while maintaining growth and
development of the business. Under her stewardship, the Dallas Cowboys
Cheerleaders have evolved from a highly valued operational expense of the
football club to a self sustaining business enterprise with a world-wide reach.
She is a Director who also serves as a disciplinarian, mediator, consultant and
administrator in all facets of the operation.
Judy's four years of cheering led to six years as the Squad's Assistant
Choreographer. In 1991 she assumed her current role as Choreographer. With her
natural creativity having been honed under Texie Watermen's tutelage, Judy has
succeeded in blending the performance traditions of the Dallas Cowboys
Cheerleaders with the latest trends in music and dance. Her relationship with
the members of the Squad as both a teacher and trainer is based on high
expectations buffered by her understanding nature. Her talents are displayed
every time the Cheerleaders perform...from the elaborately choreographed and
costumed production numbers of the Show Group to sideline routines and halftime
extravaganzas featuring hundreds of cast members. Together, Kelli and Judy are
partners sharing a deep respect for each other and for the heritage and the
phenomenon for which they are now responsible.
The Traditions...
Whether at a football game, a charity performance, or a sponsored
autograph session, when a DCC appears in her uniform many hours have been spent
in preparation and the DCC staff maintains protective control over the
situation. Under the guidance of Ms. McGonagill Finglass hundreds of requests
for interviews, photographs and appearances are carefully screened. Many of them
must be rejected for a variety of factors which make them unsuitable by DCC
standards. All appearances are arranged by contract, and if the stipulations are
not fully met, the Cheerleaders will not appear. If overnight travel is required
at least one member of the administrative staff will always accompany the girls.
They will travel in a group, return as a group and are not allowed to go out on
their own at any time during the trip. Escorts, transportation, lodging,
itineraries and all other details of the trip are agreed upon prior to departure
and deviations are not permitted.
All of the many precautions are to protect the image of the DCC as a whole
and each Cheerleader as an individual. Their fans want and expect a first-class
organization and first class young women representing that organization. Someone
that they can admire and respect. The Dallas Cowboys are that kind of
organization, and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are a reflection of that
image.
Now in their thirtieth season, they are as popular as ever...if not more so.
National television audiences have followed them on Entertainment Tonight,
visited with them on Montel Williams and Vicki, and accompanied them on ESPN for
their annual DCC Calendar photo shoots for the last six years. They have
participated in a number of music videos, there have been three sets of trading
cards that feature the entire squad, and corporate shows are averaging three a
month. Demand for personal appearances have exploded and there is much, much
more to come. The year 2000 included the DCC being featured in a NetPliance
Super Bowl television ad, the premier of "Dr. T and the Women", a return to
Japan for the American Bowl and two USO tours. They, again helped kick off the
Salvation Army's National Kettle Campaign with their Thanksgiving Halftime Show
and danced on the deck of the USS Truman on FOX-TV's NFL pregame Show. Yet
through it all, they remain committed to their long established standards of
excellence and dedicated to the heritage of their tradition.
Kelli McGonagill Finglass has probably come to know the mystique of the
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders as well as anyone. "What we look for in our
cheerleading squad is simply something for everyone - a cross section of the
American woman. We want everyday ladies who can make an impact on their
community: intelligent role models who are poised, attractive, confident,
talented entertainers. They must be givers who understand that they themselves
have been given a gift, and now have the opportunity to share that gift with
others. But when the music and dancing stops, these young ladies must have the
ability to relate on a one-to-one basis with fans whose ages range from infants
to grandparents. In short, they must be educated, well-informed young women who
represent the Dallas
Cowboys, their families and their community in a first-class manner. "The
organization affords them a opportunity to broaden their own lives and enrich
the lives of others as they travel throughout the United States and around the
world. They are given a perspective on life that they may not have conside ed
before. And that might lead them to reassess what's truly important...and to
share that with others."
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