The Process: Auditions, Training Camp and Squad

[Kees080]

13 minutes ago, PepperM said:

Okay, list of recently confirmed/to watch/maybes...

Alyssa B (@alyssanoelleb) - new dance headshot, TCC 2022
Amanda S (@amandasouks) - has used #pictureyourselfhere, finalist (TCC?) 2022
Anisha K (@anishakula) - recently moved to Dallas & started going to DCC alum's classes (Jen and Michelle), former GSW and 49ers Gold Rush
Ashle A (@ashleuhh) - frequent class goer, TCC 2022 and stayed in Dallas, former AZCC
Ashlyn J (@_ashlynjordann) - frequent class goer, AAIA 2023
Bailee U (@bailee.utter) - occasional class goer, TCU captain
Brandon F (@brandonjfierro) - has been to prep intensives, recently cleaned his social media??
Brianna M (@briannanoel01) - occasional class goer, AAIA 2023
Brooklyn B (@brooklynbdances) - frequent class goer, DCRB semifinalist 2022 (their semifinals were in-person, so maybe like DCC finals?)
Cami S (@camisturdi) - occasional class goer, maybe new headshot, former Mizzou Golden Girl (like DCC Caroline and hopeful Lauren B)
Caroline C (@caroline_cloud) - went to a prep intensive, Texas State Strutter
Caroline R (@carolinerogers18) - frequent class goer, recently changed her look and maybe filmed an audition video?
Cassie S (@cassieschroeder) - TCC 2020, DSIG 2022-2023, but hasn't been spotted in class in a hot minute?
Emma S (@emmacstrange1) - occasional class goer, former TCU and Rangerette
Emily W (@emily_winkel) - current Mavs DTC, infrequent class goer and taught some Winter College Focus with Jen A
Emma'lee H (@emmahash) - has been to most prep intensives, graduating Oral Roberts dance program this semester
Gwinneth C (@gwinnethcampbell) - frequent class goer, former SMU cheer
Haley S (@haleysmith22/@thedailyhaley_) - frequent class goer, has recently locked down her personal social
Holly S (@hollyskills) - has started her own prep class company with sister DCC Tori focused on collegiate prep, frequently partners with Jen A, personal socials locked down
Kayla G (@kaylamonique_garcia) - posted recent headshots, close with DCC Darian, former Suns dancer
Kim K (@kimklen) - frequent class goer, just returned to dance after a few years away about a year ago
Lauren S (@lala_shaw) - traveled for at least two prep classes, graduating from UCLA Spirit Squad (like DCC Daphne)
Leah R (@leahroga) - traveled to a recent class, graduating from UCLA Spirit Squad
Madi G (@madi_lynn) - spotted in class this week, graduating from UNT Dance
Mallory F (@malloryflores17) - occasional class goer, new recent headshot, graduating from Clemson Rallycats
Melannie M (@melanniemontalvo) - hardly ever misses a Jen class and has attended most prep intensives, AAIA 2023
Molly R (@molly_robinson) - attended prep intensive, graduating from Husker Scarlets (like DCC Claire and Kelcey)
Mora W (@moraw19) - attended recent Michelle classes, followed by DCC Armani and Ashlee, DSD 2023
Natalie H (@nataliehillman23) - has gone to more classes recently, former TCU Showgirl, finalist (TCC?) 2022
Rachel G (@rach_green78) - being quieter on socials, auditioned last year, Texas Legends 2023
Samantha M (@samantha_mm) - frequent class goer, AAIA 2022-2023 and current captain

It's quite the wide variety of possibilities, but this is everyone I think has a remotely realistic chance of popping up in camp that I've seen. But of course, we always get people who crop up that none of us have seen before either, so I'm sure there will be some surprises!

Let me know who else you're looking at that I missed - I have some others I left out that I'm tracking just because I think it's less likely they'll audition, they might be training for another team, or they're still in school. But would love to hear your thoughts!
 

I feel like Kally might also be pretty safe? She's been very strong so far.

Impressive list PepperM. Thank you for doing all the sleuthing and putting that together.

What about Amber Laiche from RC 2021? Did she tryout like many speculated.

Rookie of the year Amanda should be pretty safe one would think. Have they cut a ROTY at auditions right after they won the award?   

[mizzhyer]

6 hours ago, Kees080 said:

Impressive list PepperM. Thank you for doing all the sleuthing and putting that together.

What about Amber Laiche from RC 2021? Did she tryout like many speculated.

Rookie of the year Amanda should be pretty safe one would think. Have they cut a ROTY at auditions right after they won the award?   

As someone has told me several times when I've made a comment about who I think is safe..."everyone is expendable" doesn't matter what their status is.  My opinion, however, is that Amanda and Kally are probably pretty safe.  JMO... that and 5$ buys me coffee😹

 

[PepperM]

9 hours ago, Kees080 said:

Impressive list PepperM. Thank you for doing all the sleuthing and putting that together.

What about Amber Laiche from RC 2021? Did she tryout like many speculated.

Rookie of the year Amanda should be pretty safe one would think. Have they cut a ROTY at auditions right after they won the award?   

Thank you!! Glad I could share and still put my skills to some use even though the show is over 😂

Amber L had a post that sounded like her leaving her hometown dance team that she coached during her injury, but never posted anything about auditions afaik or taking class, and she’s been in Vegas all week. It seems unlikely that she’d be doing two trips back to back, since if she made finals she’d need to be in Dallas next week. But I could be wrong!

And that’s fair! Amanda took two years to make it but with a ROTY award now under her belt, I think she’s much less likely to be a one and done. 

[StellaCL]

Okay well, PrimeTimer is not letting me do the multi quote function.

Last years rookies - just my two cents. I absolutely despise vet cuts, so hopefully there won't be any, or minimal. 

After watching many sideline clips - the weakest rookies to me are Kali and Kally. I am sure TPTB have their own ideas though. You never know who they like and don't like and what goes on all season. 

Kali -  needs more polishing, especially being so tall. She always looks like she is getting out danced. She probably has great kicks since she was a Rangerette.

Kally - has weak arms and less engagement with the crowd. I think other rookies outshine her as far as the power pom style. She has that gorgeous womanly lean ballet dancer physique.  I expected more given she was a pro cheerleader prior to DCC. She should be on Lexie/Caroline/Chandi level by now as far as performance.

Karley - is good, but is a blender to me. TPTB must love her because she was on tons of appearances as the only rookie during the off season. She tried out three times before making the team, I love her dedication and that she achieved her dream.

Kylie - Man is she photogenic on the field. I can't say anything stands out yet as far as dancing, she must blend.

Marissa P. - she's good, but nothing great stands out (yet). I feel like she is on the verge though of being great. She has that dreamy girl next door look. She seems like a future first or second group leader.

Kayla - She has strong power pom style. She is short so I think she sometimes blends.

Sophy - Super strong for her age. Very few 18 year old can come on the team and do well IMO. She seems to be on the same path as Lacey. 

Amanda - She's improved so much. She holds her own next to the vets. She earned ROTY being the one rookie that had to constantly change groups and still perform at the top of her game. 

Zhenya -She is gorgeous, and talented, and a very strong dancer. She's underutilized because of there are so many great senior dancers on the team, hopefully that changes the longer her tenure.


 

[Kamal]

11 hours ago, StellaCL said:

Kally - has weak arms and less engagement with the crowd. I think other rookies outshine her as far as the power pom style. She has that gorgeous womanly lean ballet dancer physique.  I expected more given she was a pro cheerleader prior to DCC. She should be on Lexie/Caroline/Chandi level by now as far as performance.

Kally sure is pretty.

 

[PepperM]

From Caroline R’s story - can’t tell if this is someone moving in or moving out of Dallas… but Emily D, the person she reposted from, is also followed by Jen A, alums Erin, Lisa, and Marissa, and tons of other hopefuls… so I’m wondering if “phase 1” is her crashing with Caroline in hopes of making TC, and then if she makes it she’ll move in? I’ve requested a follow to see if I can get more context. 

[mizzhyer]

On 6/3/2023 at 12:50 AM, Kamal said:

Kally sure is pretty.

 

She also seems to go on a lot of appearances... I love Kally!  

[Christineelgene]

6 hours ago, PepperM said:

From Caroline R’s story - can’t tell if this is someone moving in or moving out of Dallas… but Emily D, the person she reposted from, is also followed by Jen A, alums Erin, Lisa, and Marissa, and tons of other hopefuls… so I’m wondering if “phase 1” is her crashing with Caroline in hopes of making TC, and then if she makes it she’ll move in? I’ve requested a follow to see if I can get more context. 

Emily D went to Appalachia State U, so I would think moving in. Plus she is followed by quite a few DCC

[Holly85]

Dani made cover of the star magazine swim addition 

[Blue hues]

8 hours ago, Holly85 said:

Dani made cover of the star magazine swim addition 

Where was VK featured??  And did mom go on the swimsuit shoot with VK?  Too cool..

[Holly85]

1 minute ago, Blue hues said:

Where was VK featured??  And did mom go on the swimsuit shoot with VK?  Too cool..

This was done from left over pictures from the last shoot but Victoria and this past seasons rookies got a spot light pictures of them in uniform included into the magazine 

[Kamal]

They could have simply taken pictures in the studio with a pictured background.

They always blur the background, so I doubt it will be noticeable.
 

[DCC-UK]

8 hours ago, Kamal said:

They could have simply taken pictures in the studio with a pictured background.

They always blur the background, so I doubt it will be noticeable.
 

Many of the other pro teams seem to manage it, especially in Dallas. Don't a lot of them use swimming pools mostly?

[Holly85]

10 minutes ago, DCC-UK said:

Many of the other pro teams seem to manage it, especially in Dallas. Don't a lot of them use swimming pools mostly?

Only other team in Dallas that does a swim calendar is the Dallas sidekicks dancers 

[...And5678]

2 hours ago, Holly85 said:

Only other team in Dallas that does a swim calendar is the Dallas sidekicks dancers 

The Sidekicks do travel to do their shoot, although they seem to have just traveled within TX and OK in recent years. When the DS Ice Girls, AA Ice Angels, and former Dallas Mavericks Dancers used to do calendars back in the day I think they kept it to local venues, so I feel like that's definitely an option for DCC if they want to save money.

[Holly85]

11 minutes ago, ...And5678 said:

The Sidekicks do travel to do their shoot, although they seem to have just traveled within TX and OK in recent years. When the DS Ice Girls, AA Ice Angels, and former Dallas Mavericks Dancers used to do calendars back in the day I think they kept it to local venues, so I feel like that's definitely an option for DCC if they want to save money.

I saw this picture in the magazine saying they will be back next year maybe it was timing or they have such a large group of returning vets that they wouldn’t be able to take them all due to costs 

[MrsEVH]

15 hours ago, ...And5678 said:

The Sidekicks do travel to do their shoot, although they seem to have just traveled within TX and OK in recent years. When the DS Ice Girls, AA Ice Angels, and former Dallas Mavericks Dancers used to do calendars back in the day I think they kept it to local venues, so I feel like that's definitely an option for DCC if they want to save money.

The AAIA used to go to other countries to do swim calendar shoots. That stopped in 2018 when they did their 2019 calendar shoot locally. Looking at their FB page pictures. it looks like the last year they did a shoot was for 2020. I don't think they had done any since Covid.

[cherryblossom]

They do have beaches & boats in Texas. Why not make use of them?

[MaryWebGirl]

2 hours ago, cherryblossom said:

They do have beaches & boats in Texas. Why not make use of them?

I do think shooting in an "exotic" setting is part of it. Probably influence from the Sports Illustrated swimsuit where that was something they always tried to do.

[Kamal]

I guess they don't feel the need to hide Amanda. Thats nice.

[cherryblossom]

For a number of beach & pool photos I have seen from DCC calendar shoots, I am not sure there was enough info in the pictures to identify location. 
so Covid is over and I’m not sure why they aren’t doing a Calendar shoot but it seems to be that with that and the lack of the TV program the perhaps the powers that be above DCC maybe deciding to allocate money in a different direction to a different group.

[Holly85]

41 minutes ago, cherryblossom said:

For a number of beach & pool photos I have seen from DCC calendar shoots, I am not sure there was enough info in the pictures to identify location. 
so Covid is over and I’m not sure why they aren’t doing a Calendar shoot but it seems to be that with that and the lack of the TV program the perhaps the powers that be above DCC maybe deciding to allocate money in a different direction to a different group.

Or it could be that they had so many ladies either getting married or in weddings they didn’t have the time also could the fact they had so little retirements also there is a picture in the magazine that says they will be back next year to shoot 

[PepperM]

On 6/5/2023 at 2:04 PM, Christineelgene said:

Emily D went to Appalachia State U, so I would think moving in. Plus she is followed by quite a few DCC

I’d guess she’s not fully moving in til she makes TC, but definitely moving along those lines!

[Christineelgene]

37 minutes ago, PepperM said:

I’d guess she’s not fully moving in til she makes TC, but definitely moving along those lines!

Not sure if you had this one in your list:

McKenna Gherke (traveled to DFW June 7, Cowboy emoji in photo.  She is from Arizona)

[PepperM]

Update time!

Samantha M of AAIA: this looks like a solo? And since she’s posting it already, I’m assuming she didn’t make finals, but who knows? https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtSJrqGJTOr/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Lauren S of UCLA: was recently in Dallas, but story has disappeared 🙃 although the TikTok she just posted to her story today might be in a studio at the star? https://instagram.com/stories/lala_shaw/3121560585896439330?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Ari M from last year’s TC has been vagueposting inspirational quotes about doubt and perseverance to her story: https://instagram.com/stories/arimcclure/3121333570618541969?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

1 hour ago, Christineelgene said:

Not sure if you had this one in your list:

McKenna Gherke (traveled to DFW June 7, Cowboy emoji in photo.  She is from Arizona)

I was following so many of the Arizona grads and somehow not her 😂 thank you!

[...And5678]

54 minutes ago, PepperM said:

Update time!

Samantha M of AAIA: this looks like a solo? And since she’s posting it already, I’m assuming she didn’t make finals, but who knows? https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtSJrqGJTOr/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Lauren S of UCLA: was recently in Dallas, but story has disappeared 🙃 although the TikTok she just posted to her story today might be in a studio at the star? https://instagram.com/stories/lala_shaw/3121560585896439330?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Ari M from last year’s TC has been vagueposting inspirational quotes about doubt and perseverance to her story: https://instagram.com/stories/arimcclure/3121333570618541969?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

I was following so many of the Arizona grads and somehow not her 😂 thank you!

Ooh it looks like a Round 1 video that Samantha posted... I feel like I saw a couple girls post theirs around this time last year (I specifically remember seeing Amanda Souks' video), plus a number of ladies from the audition/finalist watchlist have liked and/or commented on Samantha's, so who knows what that means 👀 

Either way, I wish more people would post their Round 1s! I always thought it was fun watching what girls brought to the prelim round on the show, and I liked that CMT posted the girls' videos the last few seasons when they switched to virtual auditions. 

I've seen some of Ari's stories and been wondering about those too! That type of content could really go either way. Hopefully we'll get some more insight after next weekend's finals!

[Christineelgene]

25 minutes ago, ...And5678 said:

Ooh it looks like a Round 1 video that Samantha posted... I feel like I saw a couple girls post theirs around this time last year (I specifically remember seeing Amanda Souks' video), plus a number of ladies from the audition/finalist watchlist have liked and/or commented on Samantha's, so who knows what that means 👀 

Either way, I wish more people would post their Round 1s! I always thought it was fun watching what girls brought to the prelim round on the show, and I liked that CMT posted the girls' videos the last few seasons when they switched to virtual auditions. 

I've seen some of Ari's stories and been wondering about those too! That type of content could really go either way. Hopefully we'll get some more insight after next weekend's finals!

I noticed that Leah Roga was in a Jen A class this week also.

[PepperM]

12 hours ago, Christineelgene said:

I noticed that Leah Roga was in a Jen A class this week also.

Yes she waaaaaas 👀👀👀

[PepperM]

@Christineelgene did you see what day/time McKenna was on the plane with that cowboy emoji? @Holly85 just sent me the screen cap and it’s a Spirit plane, and they have a direct from Phoenix to Dallas every night 👀

[Christineelgene]

8 minutes ago, PepperM said:

@Christineelgene did you see what day/time McKenna was on the plane with that cowboy emoji? @Holly85 just sent me the screen cap and it’s a Spirit plane, and they have a direct from Phoenix to Dallas every night 👀

I did not see it.  Also, she lives in Denver, which also has direct Spirit flights to DFW.

[PepperM]

20 minutes ago, Christineelgene said:

I did not see it.  Also, she lives in Denver, which also has direct Spirit flights to DFW.

I think it’s a false alarm, she just posted a story from a beach in Florida!

[Christineelgene]

24 minutes ago, Christineelgene said:

3:30 pm on Thursday 

 

[Kamal]

On 6/10/2023 at 12:07 AM, Holly85 said:

Or it could be that they had so many ladies either getting married or in weddings they didn’t have the time also could the fact they had so little retirements also there is a picture in the magazine that says they will be back next year to shoot 

Do you mean the "see y'all next year!!" ?

That is not the same as "We will be shooting next year"

but more so of a "There will be a calendar next year as well"

 

But I still think there is a high chance they will shoot next year, but we don't if they will go anywhere fancy for it.

[Holly85]

10 minutes ago, Kamal said:

Do you mean the "see y'all next year!!" ?

That is not the same as "We will be shooting next year"

but more so of a "There will be a calendar next year as well"

 

But I still think there is a high chance they will shoot next year, but we don't if they will go anywhere fancy for it.

I took the see y’all next year as they will be back to shooting for the calendars and magazines next year 

[Christineelgene]

1 hour ago, Christineelgene said:

It was Thursday 3:30, but her instagram shows her in Florida on Saturday moning.

 

1 hour ago, PepperM said:

I think it’s a false alarm, she just posted a story from a beach in Florida!

I agree.  I just saw that.

[Holly85]

On 6/10/2023 at 11:02 AM, Christineelgene said:

 

I agree.  I just saw that.

That or she was only going for the weekend get away !! 

[Christineelgene]

8 minutes ago, Holly85 said:

That or she was only going for the weekend get away !! 

I am going to check and see if her BF was playing in a golf tournament there.

[Holly85]

22 minutes ago, Christineelgene said:

I am going to check and see if her BF was playing in a golf tournament there.

Looks like he will be playing in his first tournament in Canada on the 15th 

[Christineelgene]

9 minutes ago, Holly85 said:

Looks like he will be playing in his first tournament in Canada on the 15th 

 

10 minutes ago, Holly85 said:

Looks like he will be playing in his first tournament in Canada on the 15th 

Saw that.  I still think she is a good candidate for TC.  She has a unique look.

[Christineelgene]

On 6/10/2023 at 9:13 AM, PepperM said:

Yes she waaaaaas 👀👀👀

I would be surprised if both the ladies from UCLA did not make finals, assuming they both auditioned.

[Survivor197]

When do the women know if they made finals?

[Holly85]

4 minutes ago, Survivor197 said:

When do the women know if they made finals?

The ladies already know finals are on Saturday 

[EricaShadows]

9 hours ago, Survivor197 said:

When do the women know if they made finals?

 

9 hours ago, Holly85 said:

The ladies already know finals are on Saturday 

The girls know WHEN Finals are, but I think she means when do the girls who made it if they made it TO Finals in the audition process.  That is, unless I'm completely misunderstanding things

[Holly85]

4 hours ago, EricaShadows said:

 

The girls know WHEN Finals are, but I think she means when do the girls who made it if they made it TO Finals in the audition process.  That is, unless I'm completely misunderstanding things

It was  asked when to the women find out if they made finals and I said they already know and that finals are on Saturday 

Edited June 15, 2023 by Holly85

[...And5678]

Some interesting things I noticed on social media today:

Bre N. of AAIA posted about going to the Mavs' prep class tonight... know someone mentioned her as one to watch a while back but I would assume her going to this prep class means she didn't audition/didn't make finals.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtiYiZZM7lG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Also not sure if anyone had their eye on this gal @mikaylaa.bennett (former Clemson dancer), but Jenn A shared a post showing that she made the NBA team the Charlotte Honeybees. IIRC that's the team Kat was on before DCC. Very random but I just thought it was a fun "small world" type thing!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cth8f0oO_tD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

[PepperM]

20 hours ago, ...And5678 said:

Some interesting things I noticed on social media today:

Bre N. of AAIA posted about going to the Mavs' prep class tonight... know someone mentioned her as one to watch a while back but I would assume her going to this prep class means she didn't audition/didn't make finals.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtiYiZZM7lG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Also not sure if anyone had their eye on this gal @mikaylaa.bennett (former Clemson dancer), but Jenn A shared a post showing that she made the NBA team the Charlotte Honeybees. IIRC that's the team Kat was on before DCC. Very random but I just thought it was a fun "small world" type thing!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cth8f0oO_tD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Continuing to go to classes doesn’t necessarily mean to me that a dancer didn’t make finals - in fact, it might signal the opposite! But I do think it’s possible Bre has really enjoyed working with Stephanie and will try for Mavs instead of DCC. 
 

And yes, I did have my eye on Mikayla, among other Clemson girls. Honeybees could be just her first step into pro cheer, so I’ll keep watching over the next year or two!

[PepperM]

Found a finalist!

Ali M (@alpal5678), Ole Miss grad, confirmed in a story from a friend to be going to finals tomorrow

[PepperM]

I’d say Janie G is out, based on this story - definitely not at the Star this morning! I’ll be keeping my eye on socials and posting other evidence I see of folks we were watching either way. 

[StellaCL]

29 minutes ago, PepperM said:

I’d say Janie G is out, based on this story - definitely not at the Star this morning! I’ll be keeping my eye on socials and posting other evidence I see of folks we were watching either way. 

 

Mel Park seems to be at Jenna's bachelorette weekend. 

[Holly85]

1 minute ago, StellaCL said:

Mel Park seems to be at Jenna's bachelorette weekend. 

That was last weekend she is just posting pictures