Kaedee

Ashley P has always had a softer middle. If you watch MTT S9 you notice that. She's definitely not one of the 6-pack girls. From the bikini shots she doesn't look like she's put on any weight. The one who looked like she had a bit was Melissa, but I think that was just the angle of the camera. The ones I think would be in jeopardy would be Breelan and Caila. Caila has always been inconsistent and if they weren't able to wake up Breelan's "wow," she might not be back. JMO, but I think Ashley P will be safe. Judy didn't care for her because she wasn't a dancer. But she won over Kelli and Kitty, has an unusual look and she's a gymnast, a tumbler. They need tumblers on the team because they use them in half-time shows to top the pyramids.

Maybe some of the Vets haven't decided if they're retiring or not. I know Angela was going to retire a couple of times and changed her mind. It's only March. Maybe some of the Vets are still considering the next season. Since they couldn't say for sure whether they were coming back, they weren't eligible for the sidelines calendar. Maybe.....?

Yeah, I was surprised by how few pictures of vets were featured. There wouldn't be, like, 15 vets retiring, would there? That would be a mass exodus of veterans! It seemed most of the pictures up for voting were of '14-'15 year rookies. I didn't see Abbey, Brittney, Emma, Holly, Kinzie, Nicole, Samantha, Sydney, Veronica, Katy, Ashley H or Jessica M, I think. Some may be there that I missed, but that's a BIG retiring class.

Emma is now being featured in that Retiring DCCs post on the blog I listed above. So that's Nicole, Veronica and Emma retiring, according to TheDCCBlog. http://thedccblog.tumblr.com/

It would be nice to know who is retiring, because on MTT vets aren't featured much. So often it's hard to see which vets are still there and which aren't. I wouldn't mind if the show focused at least a little on the vets trying out again as well as the promising rookies.

Does anyone know if the DCC tumblr blog is official? They're doing a thing where they're featuring retiring vets, and have done a tribute to Nicole and now Veronica. I haven't seen anyone else featured yet, but wanted to know if this was a legit blog. http://thedccblog.tumblr.com/

I may be wrong, but I think the try-out dance performed on the field at finals is new to everyone, firsties and vets alike. It would be odd if the vets knew the dance and newbies not. Of course, there appears to be a couple weeks between semis and finals, and we've seen it on DCC:MTT that everyone goes to prep classes in between, so it looks like the newbies (as well as the vets) work on the routine during the classes. Does anyone know about that? Vets need to try out again every year to make sure they're still "on their game" as one vets said, and we know some returning vets get out-danced by new candidates and don't make the team again. The talent pool changes every year. I think the vets have as much right to prep classes as those candidates coming in for the fist, second or fourth (however many) time. At the end of each season the vets hand in their uniforms and have to earn it back again. So they're going to do what they need to in order to get back on the team. They need to keep up their skills so they make it back again.

I've seen the new website for the DDC's and don't care for it, but don't think it's done either. I'm sure all the old data from the Cheerleaders' site will be moved over to the main site. I really like the history section as well. Personally, I think they combined the Cheerleaders with the official Cowboys site to get more traffic for the Cowboys! lol I've seen a lot of talk and criticism about the Cheerleaders and their weight, how unhealthy it is and they aren't good role models for girls etc. To me they're perfectly all right for what they're trying out for - which is to be in a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader in a very skimpy uniform. And they're healthy enough to dance 3 hours every night for practice as well as dance for 4+ hours in the hot, humid Southern weather during games. Most people can't do that. Most of the girls who try out are in their late teens and early 20's. I think the difficulty keeping weight down as one gets older is why Cheerleaders retire after a couple, three seasons - especially cheerleaders who got on the team in their mid-20's. But these girls knew that going in, they knew what was needed to wear that skimpy uniform. And it is really tiny! None of this is a big secret. So why criticize Kelly and Judy for upholding criterion that has stood for decades? It's only been in the last 15 to 18 years that the average US female size is 12-14. In the '70's and '80s it as size 8-10, in the '60's the average was 8. These girls and their "thinness" is being judged against a generation that isn't thin. That doesn't automatically make them bad role models. Are there some girls who shouldn't try out because their bodies just don't naturally get that slim? Absolutely. Does it mean those girls aren't going to strive to get down there anyway? Of course not. They're going to because they want to be a part of an elite organization. But each girl makes those choices. And not all of the girls on the team now are the super skinny types like Jinell, Lacey and Kelsey. Ashley P isn't super skinny, and neither is Breelan, Jasmine, Nichole, and several others. They just have the right proportions, their weight falls in the right places to fit the uniform. Some are thin and their body type doesn't fit, like Rachel Buckmaster for example. Anyway, just thought I'd throw my opinion onto the pyre. :)

I think Christine was in pic #5, so looks like she tried out too. I think I saw a picture of the team, and it looks like Chandler didn't make it. I think she needs to revamp her image, grow her hair long, wear more makeup and try for the DCC again. I bet she'd make the team. NOTE: On 2nd thot, I dont think that was Christine...

Gotta be in the minority when I say I think the new pink outfit is adorable! it's a 20's via the 60's flash back outfit, and it's totally cute! The girls aren't going to be wearing it year round. It's a fun, playful outfit for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Morgan being a DCC was always a mystery to me. I think her personality had a lot to do with her making the team. To me, Alexandra as much talent as Morgan, and she was cut this year. Guess a lot depends on how talented the seasons rookie candidates are that year. This year the candidates were so talented, Morgan might not have even made it to TC if this year's crop was there last year. (If that made sense! LOL) And regarding Vivian ... that whole situation was just weird. Judy and Kelli seemed very much in Vivian's corner up until episode 6. Even in episode 5 (I think it was), Kelli said, "Don't you dare let this slip through your fingers" after Vivian confessed her broken heart/lackluster solo. (Course, Vivian was accepted into TC despite the solo, so think that should have been put to rest.) Even Charlotte said Vivian had "pop" and presence at try-outs. So it appeared going into TC she had as much potential as Ashley, Breelan, Victoria, Loran or Courtney to make the team. Stuff happened that we, as viewers, weren't privy to that soured Judy and Kelli on Vivian. I know Vivian stared in mirrors a lot. But would that be enough to knock her out of the running? Just the apparent abruptness of it all had me wondering.

Does anyone think Vivian will give it one more shot next year? Kelli said sorry to put an end to this two year journey, and Vivian's "this sucks" then gathering herself together before shaking Kelli and Judy's hands seems to indicate no. But a year is a long time. Breelan could be this year's Morgan. But I think she has more going for her than Morgan did when she was accepted to the team. Quite frankly I was surprised when Morgan made it last year.

I had a thought - do those candidates who are almost chosen for Training Camp but just miss out, are they given any feedback on how they can improve their chances next season? I really liked Shannon from Pittsburg and think she'd be a terrific DCC with a makeover. She was genuine and sweet. I think she'd have made Training Camp if she hadn't messed up on the kick line both times. Anyway, just wondering.

I was watching one of the earlier episodes of MTT S9, and it occurred to me that Judy seemed to focus negatively on Ashley throughout the season. If Ashley was so bad, why did she make training camp for the 2nd year (and ultimately the team)? When Kitty Carter came to the studio earlier in the season, she even told Ashley that she had it in S8 - she just let Kitty and her own nerves knock her off the platform. And Kitty said Ashley did a decent job during that rehearsal (which is high praise from Kitty). Kelli's former DCC friend who visited also picked Ashley out as someone she really liked. Yeah, Ashley (and Breelan) seemed more effected by their nerves, but it appeared to me through the season it was only Judy who didn't like her. Ashley was one of the few girls who didn't have dance experience, her experience being gymnastics and cheerleading, not straight out dance (tho I imagine she has taken some dance classes, especially after being cut last year). Anyway, I just thought Judy may have taken a dislike to her for some reason and that was why she kept calling her out. On the "beauty" front, I think all the DCCs are gorgeous. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and in my eyes Ashley is a stunner. Breelan is a sweetie pie. I have also always loved Danielle's looks. Her heart adds to her overall beauty. :D

Wasn't Victoria a part of the show group as well? I thought I caught a glimpse of her on stage during that friends/family show, but it went by so fast. I didn't mind the Melissa Rycroft segment at all. Her appearance was a couple minutes at the end and it didn't overwhelm the episode. As the rookie candidates' mentor, it was only natural that she be there at their first on-field performance. I know some viewers would rather have seen more of Kitty this season. But with the extreme pressure cooker environment the rookies were in, having a voice that encouraged in addition to all the critiques provided a more well rounded training experience. Having more Kitty would have been like double Judy. I was fine without that. I think Melissa brought something very valuable to the table, which was a seasoned viewpoint along with a sympathetic and understanding ear for the rookies.

I loved how, when Kelly showed that all the girls present had made the team - Ashley was surrounded by a TON of the DCC's, mainly veterans. They all jumped to surround and hug her. That gave visual substance to Emma's comments to Judy and Kelly that Ashley was well liked on the squad and would be a valuable member of the DCCs. I wished there was more focus on the vets too. I guess they translate "making the team" as newcomers vying to make the team rather than vets re-upping. I do think once a vet gets to training camp, odds are she'll be on the team (Hannah not withstanding).

I really liked the episode. It was a nice way to end the season instead of another episode with badly edited footage of Judy yelling out how bad everyone was. It was upbeat and I enjoyed the letting-off-steam outing where the teams set up their tents. LOVED that Kelly and Judy's tent blew away! LOL The scene where Kelly told Ashley she came across rude and stand-offish was a good one, IMO. I've always been tall and as a blond, people would always tell me I came across as standoffish, conceited, etc. I am more reserved, especially in large groups or situations when I feel off kilter. But I was so shocked when I first heard that, cause who would have thought a sci-fi-watching nerd who loved reading and history in all it's forms would be thought of as conceited and aloof? Could have knocked me over with a feather! Once I learned that I was able to alter my expression and my responses so I didn't come across that way. I did notice that when Ashley was critiqued etc. she got quieter. That can come off as aloof and standoffish. So it's good for her to know how she can be perceived so she can change that. Though I really would like to have seen more of the show group and first show (the one for their family/friends), all in all I loved the way the season ended.

While there's no way to know what would have happened without "The Poem," Vivian appeared as consistent as Ashley, Breelan and Caila in those last few practices, at least as far as we could see with the extreme edits. DCC: Making the Team crams a week's worth of practices into 42 minutes. There's a whole lot more going on than we see. I don't know - I just got the feeling Kelly may not have cut her right then except for that poem, which didn't express Vivian's desires with grace but with desperation, and DCC's are all about appearence. Anyway, doesn't matter now!

I watched the episode again, and wondered if Vivian hadn't read her Lucid Dream poem if they would have cut her. When Vivian first walked into the office Kelly asked how she felt she did. Vivian mentioned they'd said her name a lot and that made her nervous. Judy or Kelly said something about yeah, she'd gotten a lot of feed back. That's when Vivian pulled out her poem and after that, Kelly and Judy let her go. I just wonder if they would have given her a bit more time ala Breelan if she hadn't read that poem. Guess we'll never know. I'm not on Caila because I haven't seen her dance a whole dance. I've seen Breelan doing some really good dancing, smiling and tossing her hair, and I've really liked her, nerves aside. The pressure these girls are under is huge. I do think they'll all do better once those who make the team do so.

Some nice comments and I'm glad Vivian still has her fans. I thought the last one I read was hysterical; "I guess I was watching a different show. I thought she was a self centered fake crying wacko." LOLWhat I find odd is that after 9 seasons people are criticizing Kelly and Judy for their critiques and getting onto candidates for their weight when the DCC type hasn't changed much since the show has aired. Weird.

In all truth, I like Vivian. But she was a square peg in the round DCC holes. That was apparent last year at try outs when she did the tin man routine. I mean, really? DCC: Making the Team had already aired 7 seasons and she thought a tin man routine was appropriate? Right there she showed she wasn't the round hole type. The DCC "type" is very specific: beautiful and thin, big-ish hair, somewhat conservative off the field, good dancer, intelligent (or able to fake it well), and able to fall in line with all the other candidates - standing out while not actually standing out. Vivian was always going to stand out. She was much more sultry than the other candidates, not really the girl next door. That Vivian thought it appropriate to compose and read that long "poem of the heart" to Judy and Kelly just shows again she's a road-less-traveled kinda person. Her burning desire to be a DCC aside, she would never have fit into the mold while being true to herself. Anyway, I wish her well. :)

When Vivian took the page out of her shorts, it looked to me as though it was filled with writing, front and back. What was aired was considerably shorten.

I liked Melissa and thought she was genuine. The coffee shop interlude looks like something the network thought would make a good scene and it kinda fell flat. But that wasn't Melissa's fault. I like that Melissa was brought in to mentor the rookie candidates in an open and friendly manner, that she really sought to help out the candidates most in need of a boost. I liked it. I know the show is DCC: Making the Team, but I would like to see a bit more of the veterans. They're trying to make the team again too. I would have liked to see more of Danielle, Jasmine, Samantha, etc. I really like Ashley P and Breelan. They're just easy targets for Judy (and easy drama-fodder for the network) because they do get more rattled when they're picked on. Early on in TC I thought Ashley was as good as Mary and Kelsey. She's got power, the body and terrific looks. But she's the one Judy picked at all the time. I think she'll do much better if she actually makes the team and can relax and focus on dancing without someone yelling at her constantly. I do think the editing process makes it look like some girls - Ashley, Breelan, Caila, etc - have more trouble than others. You can't tell me Victoria, Melissa, Mary and others training camp rookies picked up the routines sans mistakes and goofs. Plus editing makes much of Judy's criticism look completely unhelpful. "You're all a mess..." doesn't mold a cohesive team without detailed critiques on how to correct mistakes. Judy and Kelly didn't make the DDC's a world class dance troupe with critiques like that. I wouldn't mind this series being 12 weeks long so we can see more than berating without direction.

My first time posting! Wow, Vivian. She was much more genuine last year, but a lot can happen in a year. Right from the beginning this year it seemed she forgot she was auditioning for a cheerleading squad, not for a role on a soap opera. Since she was the favored underdog from last year and that garnered her some fame, looks like it went to her head a bit. Maybe now she wants the fame more than being a DCC. I can understand her staring at herself a little though. She worked hard for that body & she really glammed up. Of course, she should probably do her face-gazing at home! I think it's hard to adequately judge Brelan and Ashley, as we only see Judy yelling at them and don't see them just dancing too often. But the few times I have seen them going all out, I thought they looked good. But there has to be some yelling or there's no show & it looks like they were the nominated pair. Judy really can't yell too convincingly at Melissa, Erika or Mary! But I honestly don't think they'd still be there if they were as horrible as Judy's yelling makes them out to be.