[2021 Auditions, Finals, and Training Camp]

39 minutes ago, TB12 said:

bc I just can't help myself, how on earth did Lisa make the team? Aside from all we heard about her being a kiss up and her very thick (by DCC standards not mine) thighs her look is just NOT glamorous in the least she looks like she's posing with the team. On another note, she elevates how much prettier everyone else is... 

Lisa is there because people like her. Not you, obviously, 😆 but she has fans. I don't know much about her, but I think she is pretty, she's in amazing shape, she dances well, and has presence on the field.

Not every DCC is meant to be glamorous. Part of the DCC mystique is to include "a girl for every fan." That means glamour girls, yes, but also includes the athletic girl, the girl next door, the leggy beauty, the bubbly outgoing type, the petite dynamo, and so on. You're going to have Lexie, but you're also going to have Maddie, and both have plenty of fans.

I don't pay attention to anonymous comments  like "so-and-so is a kiss up" or "nobody likes so-and-so" because when it comes to things like that, the source is just as important as the story they are telling, and when I have no clue as the credibility of the source, I don't care that much what they are saying, even if the source is an insider.

Insiders share verifiable facts, but they also share their opinions, and those two things aren't always the same. We have definitely had some insiders in the past who had an axe to grind with certain cheerleaders and made no bones about it. Just because you know who got cut in advance, doesn't necessarily make you The Unbiased Source of Truth on all topics. I take everything I read here with a shovelful of salt.

[2021 Auditions, Finals, and Training Camp]

1 minute ago, StellaCL said:

Oh yeah - I agree. Kelli is already forecasting this and prepared. I guess my comment comes more from how the past few seasons they have had a very large amount of returning vets, and it looks like the tide will soon turn with a large amount of vets exiting. Then you have season 15, where none of us really got too attached to the rookies - it makes their longevity and future leadership on the team seem shorter. We don’t have favorites that dominate the team for four seasons and beyond like the Gina, Maddie, Jenna, etc. years.

Agreed. It won't be an easy time, but any means. But to be honest, the ones who will notice it (and care) are the DCC staff and the group here. I think it's ok to not have favorites. I know I'm probably alone in this, but whenever there were certain cheerleaders out front as the favorites, there seemed to be just as many people who were sick of them, as people who supported.😄

[2021 Auditions, Finals, and Training Camp]

1 hour ago, StellaCL said:

Woo Boy- have TPTB realize how much team building needs to happen in the next year?

Kelli has been doing this job for 30 years. During that time, hundreds of cheerleaders have come and gone. At this point, I'm sure she's seen this scenario repeat itself several times over. Which isn't to say some periods aren't more difficult than others, and some squads greener than others, but they bring in a ton of talent and they rehearse them all summer and continue to rehearse them almost daily through the season. I don't think there is any danger of the wheels falling completely off the cart.

There has been a lot of criticism of Kelli in this forum, but regardless of whether you* agree with her methods, it is clear that her #1 priority is THE BUSINESS, and she is always going to make sure the business survives. The entire team could quit, and they'd adapt and keep it pushing, just like they did last year.

*ETA: @StellaCL, I don't mean you, specifically, just meant the forum collectively.

[Former DCCs: Where They've Gone & What They're Doing]

Karissa 2012

 

Karissa today. It looks like she's done well for herself.

[2021 Auditions, Finals, and Training Camp]

5 hours ago, parrotfeathers said:

OHHHH I'm glad to know the name for what she does.  I just never notice any lingerie?

I believe she falls into the category of "glamour modeling," which includes lingerie, swimwear, maybe partial nudity, etc.

[All Past Seasons of the Late Lamented Show]

7 hours ago, DCC-UK said:

I loved all the formation changes, it's much more interesting visually and it would give multiple girls the chance to shine at the front too.

Can we also say that they've been using the same moves for over 11 years now in exactly the same order? Parts of this routine are used in the same combo in Thunder as well as other sideline routines. That's why I like them to have guest choreographers!

I have a vague recollection of Jenna and maybe some others changing some of the Thunder choreo during their time on the team. I could be thinking of something else though.

In the past discussion on this same topic, someone posted that the Cowboys and the DCC were all about tradition and Thunder is part of that tradition, so don't expect it to change. I think that probably plays a large role in it.

As always, whenever this topic comes up, I find myself wondering about Judy. Someone once pointed out that her role is more like Artistic Director than choreographer, and that makes more sense to me. From what I understand, she sets the formations, stages the larger performances, and does a lot of creative around the swim calendar. I'm sure there are other things as well.

I don't think Judy creates or teaches dances anymore, and hasn't for ages. It makes me wonder who the actual team choreographer is in reality. I think they say they have 50 new dances every year. Who creates those? We know they bring in outside choreographers, but they aren't paying outsiders to create 50 dances. The DCC also always seem to have one or two assistant choreographers (recently retired DCC) on staff. Maybe they're doing most of it? Them and the group leaders? Or maybe they're getting alumni like Sarah and Jenn and we just don't hear about it? Very curious about how this works.

 

[2021 Auditions, Finals, and Training Camp]

1 hour ago, kalibean said:

I think quite a few DCC make the squad, check off that goal on the bucket list and call it good. Lifelong koolaid drinkers or short time future Instagram influencers all the same. @sleepyjean - didn’t your data have most being one and done? Through their own volition or not. 
 

I suspect for most, the dream isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, but some hold hope longer than others. Or just keep praying the sacrifice is worth the reward, whatever their post DCC goals are. 

Just under 60% of cheerleaders were on the team 1 year (27.3%) or 2 years (24.5%).

Of the 1-year girls, 54% left because they were cut, not because they wanted to leave.

I think there is some disillusionment, for sure. But the main thing is that this job requires so much of the DCC, there is only so long most people can afford do that. It takes a lot to become a 5 year DCC, but I imagine most people can't (or don't want to) defer progress in other areas of their lives for such a long period of time.

One or two years during college or fresh out of high school? Sure. But any more than that and my parents would've been like "LOL, no. Time to get a real job, or focus on preparing for grad school."

[All Past Seasons of the Late Lamented Show]

Jaycie Seta, who was chosen for training camp last year and deferred until this year, then chose not to return, is a finalist for the Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders. Someone previously mentioned that she has a serious boyfriend now that she didn't have at the time of DCC auditions, so I guess that's the end of Texas for her.

 

She's in the front row, third from the left, white top, red shorts.

[2021 Auditions, Finals, and Training Camp]

1 hour ago, JayDKay said:

How does an 18 yo with no experience of living out of home or going to college survive this when mummy has always done everything for her. 

I wouldn't be surprised if Victoria just couldn't keep up and she's suffering from anxiety. I don't blame her. Her mother is to blame! 

Victoria is 21. She'll be 22 in four months.

[2021 Auditions, Finals, and Training Camp]

My thoughts on the vaccine-related exits, spoilered for those who are annoyed by long-winded responses.

TL;DR: Everyone should have expected this and if some DCC step away because they don't want to get Pfizered, they should be allowed to do so without being targeted.
 

Spoiler

 

1. If someone doesn't want to get vaccinated, that is their right. People are entitled to their personal freedoms and beliefs, so long as they do not infringe on others' rights and freedoms. They should not be targeted for hate or ridicule because of their beliefs.

2. Every director in the league knew that new Covid guidelines would be released this summer and that a vaccination requirement would likely be included. Directors don't like losing team members after the squad is chosen. I am certain the possibilities around vaccines were discussed with every group of finalists who auditioned for any team this year. I am also certain this is why so many teams pushed their auditions back so late.

3. Even if they had not been told by the team, ANY person auditioning for any entertainment team in this league should have known this was a possibility. Vaccine requirements for reopening different types of businesses have been in the news every day for months. If someone is clueless and didn't know, that's on them for not doing their homework on the organization they are trying to be part of. If some people who don't want the vaccine chose to audition anyway, well, they chose to gamble, and in this case they lost. (And in losing, they may have taken an opportunity that could've been offered to someone else who doesn't mind getting vaccinated.) 

4. Kelli is following NFL guidelines. She is following Charlotte's guidelines. This isn't some unilateral decision to require vaccines. Nor could she unilaterally exempt anyone just because she likes them a whole lot.

5. I can't think of any realistic way to accommodate non-vaccinated cheerleaders. It isn't just about on-field performances. They are close to each other and to other game day staff when they enter and exit the field, when they dance on the sidelines, and when they perform outside before the game. If they put the cheerleaders back on the touchdown decks, they would be close to people there because those seats will be full this year. They are close to other people when they do appearances. The only place where they can reasonably control distancing is in the rehearsal spaces, and maybe the locker room. They are trying to get this squad back as close to normal as possible. If a non-vaccinated cheerleader can't perform and can't do appearances, what is the point of having her on the team?

6. The plain truth is that the organization doesn't need to go out of of their way to accommodate 3 or 4 cheerleaders. The squad is a valuable commodity. Individual cheerleaders aren't. The NFL cheerleader business model is built on the concept of replacing a certain number of members each year, and they have far more candidates than available positions. If an unexpectedly large number of vets leave and they can't find enough rookies to reach the magic number 36, they can have a smaller team. (Random factoid: In 1998 they had a squad of 27. That was a long time ago, but my point is it has been done.)

7. These aren't employees threatened with termination. They are auditioning to be offered a contract. If the requirements of the contract aren't tolerable to your personal beliefs then shake hands and part ways. I expect that's what the ones who left did. I'm sure there was disappointment, but the idea of someone having a hissy fit or Kelli saying "oh, fine, for YOU, we'll bend the rules" makes me shake my head. Rachel W does not seem the type to throw a fit over anything. She doesn't seem very excitable.

 

 

[2021 Auditions, Finals, and Training Camp]

I believe these inside sources will tell names if/when they can.

Just a friendly reminder that we have had other sources in the past leave this forum entirely due to unrelenting pleas for more and more and more information. Others left (I believe) when they responded to those requests and gave up enough info to out themselves to those who are trying keep the info under wraps. Then we never saw them again.

While I do think some sources in the past have enjoyed keeping people in suspense, I imagine most times people are sharing what they can, and are putting themselves in a rather precarious position by coming here at all. Patience is a difficult, but necessary thing.

[Former DCCs: Where They've Gone & What They're Doing]

14 hours ago, Uk-Eve said:

I haven't looked at that website in ages so didn't that pic but thanks for the info. But in the picture section of that (not the home page bit) 

http://pulsedancenw.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/10905990_840758899328714_1947156847062933635_n-e1537398698835.jpg

 

Is that not Mandy? Looks like it to me maybe I am wrong!!! That pic's been there for years (Or has been for several years) Pic is a bit fuzzy and I have been known to mix names up with faces of people I don't see daily etc!!!

 

It's hard to tell, she's too small. It could be Mandy or the other blonde instructor. Or even someone else who used to work there.

[2020 Squad and Social Media]

I'm really surprised no one has brought up devonanddarian (IG). The company just launched last month. Brown and beige athleisurewear with tonal embroidered slogans. Did I miss the discussion?

[Former DCCs: Where They've Gone & What They're Doing]

4 hours ago, Uk-Eve said:

Exactly I don't know or heard anything about Mandy's ex I thought the studio was completely hers which was why I asked about how the US "tracks" companies etc because here in the uk our "companies house" is runned by the gov and it also shows transfers of businesses and its current and ex directors. Even here in the UK people set up fake businesses and even register it on Companies house.

Back on topic, Mandy's old studio it does still have a pic of her somewhere on there I seen and it had never been completely updated pictures wise (I noticed) eg the year Mandy was a DCC there was a pic of her in the gallery of her lying on the floor teaching the kids some floor move and some other pics, which ARE still there several years later ... so I take that with a pinch of salt of what is said on her old dance studio website.

I don't know much about this but I suspect the US is too big to have a national business registry. On the suspicion that this is governed at the state level, I did a search on the website for the Secretary of State for the state of Washington. It appears she is no longer involved.

This site and this site have older records that do include Mandy, but I believe the Secretary of State is the system of record, since they are the authority where business licenses are applied for and registered.

I don't see any pics of Mandy, though I didn't look very hard. However, they have updated the landing page.

[2021 Audition Speculation]

1 hour ago, Holly85 said:

I didn’t see any of that can you send me a link 

ecpomcats

💛🐾 We’re excited to introduce our 2 new POMcats coaches for 2021-2022, ECHS alumnae, Mia Nelson & Megan McElaney! 🐾💛While we welcome these 2 amazing dancers, we also want to acknowledge and thank Coach Hannah for the time and energy she put into the team the last 3 years. We are forever grateful! 🥰

Here’s a little bit about 1 of our new coaches:

Megan McElaney began her dancing career at the age of 3 years old and progressed to become a competitive dancer at 8 years old. She has trained and competed in all styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre, contemporary, lyrical and hip hop. She was a member of El Camino's Dance III program and ECDC all 4 years and she was a leader for 2 years. In her senior year she joined the POMcats team where they placed 3rd in the nation at USA Nationals, making history for El Camino! Upon graduating high school, she earned a spot, and now serves as captain on the nationally ranked San Diego State University Dance Team, which claimed the National Championship title at UDA Nationals in 2020. On top of her dancing career, she also spent her summers traveling across the nation as a Universal Dance Association Instructor, coaching high school dancers, judging auditions, and assisting with competitions. She cannot wait to work with the team she was once a part of & take them to new heights!

⭐️ Let’s go POMcats! ⭐️

[The DCC Organization: Coaches, Judges and Owner Group]

12 hours ago, corrieb90 said:

Does anyone know Judy's backround in Dance? I would be interested to find out her talents like in tap or jazz for example, I've recently read a book which was released the year she auditioned. 

Most of what I know about her is in her CMT bio...

"Trammell brought to the cheerleaders 16 years of dance experience with most dedicated training in the areas of jazz, tap, drill team, and pompom. Also of great significance is the expertise she gained as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader for four years, three of which she acted as show group member and group leader."
 

...and in this article Judy Trammell’s Accidental Journey to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

 

[Former DCCs: Where They've Gone & What They're Doing]

7 hours ago, DancingDina13 said:

I have to wonder if she is the type that’s difficult to work with and doesn’t accept criticism or being told no. She didn’t like being told to tone up so she quit . She apparently didn’t like something all of a sudden at Raiders and resigned after post after post of being on the job . The world is full of “mean girls” and criticism but some people seriously can’t take it and expect everyone to butter them up. That’s my impression of her 

That's quite the reach, my friend.😄

[2021 Audition Speculation]

The rumors about Sydney are just gross.

If it is true, it speaks to her character, but it's none of my business.
If it isn't true, then what's being done to her is truly disgusting.

But let me get this straight, we're supposed to believe:

1. Her strategy for catching this man was to follow him to Dallas and then audition for a training process and a job that would give her no time to see him.
"Hey girl, I snuck out. Wanna meet up?"
"Babe...you know I have rehearsal five nights a week and sometimes on Saturday."

2. A job that is attached to a tv show that would shine a spotlight on her and draw attention to her personal business.

3. A job that - were she caught - would very likely televise it when Kelli gives her the boot.

We're also supposed to believe:
4. Kelli didn't know about this. Shelly didn't tell her. Alumni didn't tell her. Nothing came up when her AFC references were checked.

5. Or Kelli DID know about this, and put her on the team anyway. Because Sydney is that amazing. "Hey you haven't snagged him yet, so it's not fraternization, amiright? wink wink."

Make it make sense.

People are really out here on reddit or wherever, talking about this woman like they are spitting facts when I bet they don't know any of people involved. And other people listening to it like "Well, I never liked her" as if there is any evidence for this, and then going on to repeat it on IG or Facebook.

Note: this post is not to be construed as an attack on this forum or anyone on it, but the internet really is cancer.

[Former DCCs: Where They've Gone & What They're Doing]

On 6/20/2021 at 8:11 PM, ShellyB said:

Nope, she was there…but I know the Vets were asked if they wanted to reshoot or use a previous cameo/dancing girl. She may have opted for that photo instead of using a new one shot last summer - not that they ever have a say, but last TC, everything was so different - they did their own HMU, one person in set at a time, a long process…longer than normal. As far as the pics on the site, they were selected from the shoot, had final edits and put into a 2020 folder for webmaster to add. Could totally be human error - I’ll have to look into it. 
 

Oh, LinkedIn…rarely look at that, so interesting that those are posted there. No wonder I had so many random lookyloos! 🤣🤣

Ok HOLD. UP. Are you telling me y'all refer to those as the "dancing girl" pics? I am so tickled by this, and I don't know why. Like, I'm going to have work this in whenever someone takes my picture. "Hold on, lemme do my dancing girl pose. Boom." 

On another note, I wasn't actually looking at your profile on LinkedIn. I was looking at someone else....George...um...Glass! Yes, that was his name. He goes to another school.

No but really, I was looking at someone who must be connected to you in some way and the graphic popped up as an association with you. And I'm not trying to get somebody in trouble, so that's all I'm going to say about that. You ain't heard it from me. 🤐

And finally, back to Gina. Left is the pic on the website. Right is the one she posted on IG when everyone else's cameos dancing girls 😆 were revealed last year. I'm guessing it's the one she liked best from last year's shoot. And now I am really and truly letting go of it.

As always, much appreciation for the inside scoop!

 

[2021 Audition Speculation]

On 6/20/2021 at 8:14 PM, Survivor197 said:

What was the scoop that later came out about Kelsi’s experience?

 

23 hours ago, Trulyadorkable said:

Wow! SleepyJean! I really enjoyed this post and had a fun time reading all those old articles written by DCC's. But now I'm curious about the inner conflict you said Kelsi Reich later wrote about before turning her back on the whole experience. I was not aware of this story. Could you give me the Cliff Notes version of that story or point me to where I could read where she wrote about this? It sounds very interesting!

Kelsi was one of the young ones who joined the team at age 18 and remained on the squad for 4 years. Some time after retirement, she published a blog where she reflected on her time on the team.

She talked about her faith a lot. She is a devout Christian, and spent those five DCC years reading her Bible before every game, leading Bible study on USO tours, and praying before every performance. She pretended like the "sexy" aspect of the DCC wasn't a thing. Or wasn't a thing that applied to her in particular. She told herself that she was just sharing her talent and her love of dance to raise people's spirits, to spread happiness. She prayed that none of the football fans were looking at her with lust in their hearts.

I wish I had saved it. Maybe one of the OGs here did. It wasn't dramatic. She didn't denounce the team or anything like that. She mentioned a few things like being on weight watch all the time, and being told to keep her bible verses to herself. (IIRC she used to put Bible verses when she signed autographs, but don't quote me on that.)

Looking back, she seemed to come to the understanding that the DCC experience was in conflict with her personal and religious values. She realized that she wanted to live a more faith-centered life and the time she was a DCC she put a lot of focus on the wrong things. She didn't seem ashamed of it, and I don't think she hides it, she was just SO not about that anymore. It was another time, another life, another planet. (I think she wrote this 2-3 years after retirement.)

I think she is still friendly with some of of her teammates, but to my knowledge she has never returned to Dallas to participate in any of the alumni events. 

[2021 Audition Speculation]

3 hours ago, JayDKay said:

From this Marketing Managers opinion, the DCC don't realise the importance of social media. They give it to interns or family to look after, who obviously have no idea. Just because everyone uses social media, doesn't mean you know social media strategy. One of the biggest gripes in my role!!!!

The DCC have long been behind the curve when it comes to their online presence.  They have stepped up a bit in recent years with things like DCC in motion, but yes they could be doing more. I hope the re-launch of the website portends good things.

I just did some digging around on the wayback machine and it reminded me that they did use to make more of the kind of content you're talking about. Warm. Humanizing. Approachable.

Who's Who Ally breaks down interesting factoids about the ladies on the team
Who's Who 2 More of the same
Game 6 Ally Traylor game day rundown
Thanksgiving Tidbits Nicole writes about the big Thanksgiving game
A New Look That time Sydney Durso was a brunette for 5 minutes
Celebrating the Year Nicole reports on end of year banquet
Weekend Getaway Nicole's girl trip
Twas the Night Before Tryouts Why Schram? Why?
Mailbag 11/15/2012 Ma'am?
Dancing With Our Stars Kelli writes about Melissa Rycroft

What I Love About Lindale Kelli F. talks about her small town roots
Farewell from Kelsi Betrays none of the inner conflict she later wrote about before essentially turning her back on the whole experience
Yay for May Courtney Cook writes about her audition experiences

 

Having the cheerleaders write articles was a great idea. But it depended heavily on having DCC who write well and who have the time and inclination.

This wouldn't work in today's snapchat world. People don't read long format anymore. But they could produce short videos or IG posts with this same kind of content

[2021 Audition Speculation]

2 hours ago, Opine said:

Well, I think we have all agreed that putting a lid on info is a bad thing for the show in the long run. 

I don't agree. It is bad for the DCC fandom, particularly superfans who want to know everything about everything. But bad for the show? The facts don't seem to support that assumption.

DCC auditions used to get a lot of coverage in mass media and social media. Coverage has tightened up more and more every year to the near complete blackout we have now. Meanwhile, the ratings have gone up and up.

I don't know what the ratings were last year (season 15), but according to CMT, season 14 was the "highest-rated season in franchise history." This article says season 14 ratings were up 23%, and it seems unlikely (to me) that there was a big ratings drop last year while everyone was stuck at home in lock down.

[Former DCCs: Where They've Gone & What They're Doing]

4 hours ago, ShellyB said:

First of all…thank you. I was instrumental in being vocal enough to push for something bigger, bolder and brighter. There is still room to grow with the site, but the platform offers so many ways to continually build upon. Secondly, where did you get this? This was an internal email and highlight reel at The Star, maybe Stadium. Lastly, not sure what you are referring to about Gina. All the girls were at the photo shoot last year. 

Hi @ShellyB I'm sorry but I can't reveal my sources. Mwahahahahahaha.....

Just kidding. It's on LinkedIn.

Regarding Gina, I asked because the uniform photo currently on the website is the same photo that was posted for the 2019 squad. All of the other veterans had new photos for 2020, so I wondered if Gina was either unable to attend the shoot or her photos didn't turn out last year.

[Former DCCs: Where They've Gone & What They're Doing]

2 hours ago, nmvrn said:

Why did Alexanfria resign after 1 yeat? I can't remember. Thank you!!

She wasn't on the team very long. Based on her Instagram, her boyfriend proposed 9/1/2017 in Massachusetts. That is followed by a photo of her with her DCC teammates pointing at her diamond ring, so she went back to Dallas after that.  From what I can tell, it looks like she performed at the home game on 9/10, but left before the next home game on 10/1.

Nobody knows for sure why she left, though there were many rumors:
1. Missed her fiance
2. Gravely sick relative (grandmother?)
3. Was treated poorly by the some of her DCC teammates
4. Only tried out for DCC to see if she could make it and never intended to complete the season.
5. Tried out for DCC because her prior team (Patriots) had a 5 year cap at the time and she wasn't ready to end her NFL cheer career, but after spending the entire summer in Dallas for training camp, found she was too homesick to stay in Dallas for an entire year.

I doubt we'll ever know the truth, but it must've been something pretty major to drive someone who put that much blood, sweat, and tears into reaching a goal, to give it up just when it started to pay off.

(Having said that, it's hard not to go with #1 due the number of photos she posted of herself gazing adoringly at her man. On its face, it sure looks like he proposed and she immediately packed her bags and peaced-out of DFW.)

And now that I have clogged up this thread with my ramblings, I'll see myself out.

[Former DCCs: Where They've Gone & What They're Doing]

For the sake of completeness, here are the charts to back up the numbers above - corrected again for Alex, Alyssa and Courtni (and Chelsea K who I believe now is a confirmed cut). For those who have zero interest in any of this, I appreciate your patience. 

CORRECTED (v 3.0)