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

[TB12]

3 hours ago, ByTor said:

😂

Though I gotta say, I like Jenna, I can't help but have a soft spot for her.

Do you really have a soft spot for her? It’s so funny how we all feel so differently about the ladies. I’m curious what about her gives you a soft spot? Not being funny I’d like to know… :-)

[ByTor]

32 minutes ago, TB12 said:

Do you really have a soft spot for her? It’s so funny how we all feel so differently about the ladies. I’m curious what about her gives you a soft spot? Not being funny I’d like to know… :-)

Not one worry at all, I know you really meant it as a question 😊

She made the team very young, and I just kind of looked at her as a naive person who let the DCC fame get to her, but still remained that naive kid at heart. Like that rumor about she & Dak? If it did indeed happen, I do believe that she really thought he was serious about her. And her texting Shelly about losing point, to me, was sad. I don't know, maybe I'd feel different if I actually knew her, but I just saw something in her naïveté and a sort of vulnerability that made her likable.

[SMP637]

On 9/23/2022 at 2:27 PM, sleepyjean said:

Alexandria Walker (nee Stavrapoulos), now manager of the Patriots Cheerleaders, has redesigned the team's signature uniform.  Read an article about it here.

Alexandria

2021 uniform

2022 uniform

I liked their old uniforms better..... this kinda looks like a knock-off of DCC's uniform.  

[cgloss]

17 hours ago, ByTor said:

Not one worry at all, I know you really meant it as a question 😊

She made the team very young, and I just kind of looked at her as a naive person who let the DCC fame get to her, but still remained that naive kid at heart. Like that rumor about she & Dak? If it did indeed happen, I do believe that she really thought he was serious about her. And her texting Shelly about losing point, to me, was sad. I don't know, maybe I'd feel different if I actually knew her, but I just saw something in her naïveté and a sort of vulnerability that made her likable.

I'm a big fan of Jenna as well, for all the same reasons. I'm also of the belief that, contract or no, her partying with Dak and texting Shelly about point wasn't a big enough deal to warrant demoting her. Especially considering what others got away with. She was a great DCC, among the best dancers they've ever had, IMO. Naive is definitely a great way to describe her.

[moonchild81]

pics of alexis and corey 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CjB17RIMrJv/

[Kamal]

[TB12]

On 9/28/2022 at 11:39 AM, cgloss said:

I'm a big fan of Jenna as well, for all the same reasons. I'm also of the belief that, contract or no, her partying with Dak and texting Shelly about point wasn't a big enough deal to warrant demoting her. Especially considering what others got away with. She was a great DCC, among the best dancers they've ever had, IMO. Naive is definitely a great way to describe her.

I love your perspective & @ByTor too. It is nice to hear differing opinions suddenly I’m feeling a bit soft toward Jenna thanks!!!

[ByTor]

1 hour ago, TB12 said:

I love your perspective & @ByTor too. It is nice to hear differing opinions suddenly I’m feeling a bit soft toward Jenna thanks!!!

Glad to oblige 😀

[Tarode]

16 hours ago, Kamal said:

Gorgeous couple! I knew she would be a lovely bride.

[Teriyaki Terror]

On 9/23/2022 at 5:10 PM, go4luca said:

I never did understand what Kelli saw in Alexandria.

I never saw what Kelli saw in Kalyssa. I knew what girl was not the wholesome DCC they thought she'd be.

[moonchild81]

molly is engaged / maggie , miranda , gina and some others were there 

[LilyD]

On 9/24/2022 at 1:17 AM, TB12 said:

With all due respect she would not have that job had the former manager not passed away. I don’t think she went to Dallas for that job. I also understand how Dallas may not have been for her. I’m in Boston & it may as well be another planet compared to Dallas. I don’t mean to sound defensive but she gets so much hate. She tried it, it wasn’t for her she left. That doesn’t make her a bad person. I respect that she did what was best for her…

I see what you mean and I partially agree with you. It’s hard when you feel out of place and desperately want to go home.

But the thing I struggle with is that we were dealing with a mature and very experienced professional cheerleader. Because of that, I hold her at a higher standard than the 18-year-old just out of high school kid. She could have (and should have) known better before she started this journey.

 

[sleepyjean]

I noticed another change Alexandria has borrowed from the DCC. In the past the Pats have had a separate group of promo models/cheerleaders selected during an interview process alongside cheerleader auditions. This year Alexandria introduced the concept of the The Patriots' "alumni all star" cheerleaders. She chose four all stars, one of whom is her sister Victoria, a 3 year veteran and captain, who retired from the team this year. Two of the other all stars are also retired captains from the 2021 team.

 

A lot of scorn and criticism has been expressed for Alexandria in this forum, and I've never agreed with it. I never felt one way or another about her, and I'm not ready to shred her for quitting the team when the only thing I know for certain is she put just as much blood, sweat, and tears into making the squad as everyone else, and there's no credible information on why she left.* 

Having said that, the optics on this are starting to look bad. While the DCC don't own the concept of a separate promo team, they are the only team that uses hand-selected alumni for this purpose. They are also the only team that has worn stars around their waists for 50+ years. 

Alexandria really needs to take care how much she borrows from the DCC. There's nothing wrong with learning best practices from other organizations, and taking inspiration from them, but when you do it over and over, it starts to look like copying. And when you are copying a team that frequently boasts about being imitated by lesser teams, it isn't a good look.

Now my antennae are up and I'm keeping an eye on the Pats to see what other changes Victoria Alexandria implements and whether they are her own idea.

*On a side note, it's funny to me that one of the rumors around Victoria is that she quit because the DCC are a bunch of mean girls. A couple of months ago a woman who was on the Pats team last year (while Victoria was on staff) posted a long Instagram post about how the Pats Cheerleaders are a bunch of mean girls too.

Edited to fix the names. Thanks Stella. I don't think the DCC "own" the stars or the all-stars. Nobody does. Best practices are best practices for a reason. But the effect is cumulative. The more times you implement something that another team is already well known for, the more it affects your reputation and the respect for your program. For example, there would be a whole lot of side eye if the Pats cheerleaders started doing jump splits, or using Thunderstruck for pregame, or wearing red holiday costumes with stars around the waist.

Edited October 3, 2022 by sleepyjean

[Holly85]

5 minutes ago, sleepyjean said:

I noticed another change Alexandria has borrowed from the DCC. In the past the Pats have had a separate group of promo models/cheerleaders selected during an interview process alongside cheerleader auditions. This year Alexandria introduced the concept of the The Patriots' "alumni all star" cheerleaders. She chose four all stars, one of whom is her sister Victoria, a 3 year veteran and captain, who retired from the team this year. Two of the other all stars are also retired captains from the 2021 team.

 

A lot of scorn and criticism has been expressed for Alexandria in this forum, and I've never agreed with it. I never felt one way or another about her, and I'm not ready to shred her for quitting the team when the only thing I know for certain is she put just as much blood, sweat, and tears into making the squad as everyone else, and there's no credible information on why she left.* 

Having said that, the optics on this are starting to look bad. While the DCC don't own the concept of a separate promo team, they are the only team that uses hand-selected alumni for this purpose. They are also the only team that has worn stars around their waists for 50+ years. 

Alexandria really needs to take care how much she borrows from the DCC. There's nothing wrong with learning best practices from other organizations, and taking inspiration from them, but when you do it over and over, it starts to look like copying. And when you are copying a team that frequently boasts about being imitated by lesser teams, it isn't a good look.

Now my antennae are up and I'm keeping an eye on the Pats to see what other changes Victoria implements and whether they are her own idea.

*On a side note, it's funny to me that one of the rumors around Victoria is that she quit because the DCC are a bunch of mean girls. A couple of months ago a woman who was on the Pats team last year (while Victoria was on staff) posted a long Instagram post about how the Pats Cheerleaders are a bunch of mean girls too.

I have seen that post from the pats cheerleader who retired from the team after a year talked abt how her heart was broken being on that team she ended up auditioning for the chiefs this season made it to finals and plans to audtion for the chiefs again 

[StellaCL]

13 minutes ago, sleepyjean said:

I noticed another change Alexandria has borrowed from the DCC. In the past the Pats have had a separate group of promo models/cheerleaders selected during an interview process alongside cheerleader auditions. This year Alexandria introduced the concept of the The Patriots' "alumni all star" cheerleaders. She chose four all stars, one of whom is her sister Victoria, a 3 year veteran and captain, who retired from the team this year. Two of the other all stars are also retired captains from the 2021 team.

 

A lot of scorn and criticism has been expressed for Alexandria in this forum, and I've never agreed with it. I never felt one way or another about her, and I'm not ready to shred her for quitting the team when the only thing I know for certain is she put just as much blood, sweat, and tears into making the squad as everyone else, and there's no credible information on why she left.* 

Having said that, the optics on this are starting to look bad. While the DCC don't own the concept of a separate promo team, they are the only team that uses hand-selected alumni for this purpose. They are also the only team that has worn stars around their waists for 50+ years. 

Alexandria really needs to take care how much she borrows from the DCC. There's nothing wrong with learning best practices from other organizations, and taking inspiration from them, but when you do it over and over, it starts to look like copying. And when you are copying a team that frequently boasts about being imitated by lesser teams, it isn't a good look.

Now my antennae are up and I'm keeping an eye on the Pats to see what other changes Victoria implements and whether they are her own idea.

*On a side note, it's funny to me that one of the rumors around Victoria is that she quit because the DCC are a bunch of mean girls. A couple of months ago a woman who was on the Pats team last year (while Victoria was on staff) posted a long Instagram post about how the Pats Cheerleaders are a bunch of mean girls too.

I think you might be getting the names Alexandria and Victoria mixed up in the latter part of your post.

I don't mind other teams using alumni or "all stars." I don't see it so much as copying, but rather a good idea for a team that is doing a lot of events and publicity. It certainly shouldn't be exclusive to DCC only.

Edited October 3, 2022 by StellaCL

[JarlenaFan2024]

Is anyone here following Abigail Klein's (2007-2008) appearances on Days Of Our Lives?  She's having a bigger story than what I expected (playing the daughter of two of the show's core characters).

ETA - Just saw this on Facebook! 
"ABIGAIL KLEIN ON CONTRACT, PER CREDITS...

After not being listed at all in the credits throughout September, Abigail Klein (Stephanie) was listed in the contract credits today."

Edited October 3, 2022 by BluegrassDCCFan
formatting

[LilyD]

On 10/3/2022 at 2:30 AM, sleepyjean said:

Having said that, the optics on this are starting to look bad. While the DCC don't own the concept of a separate promo team, they are the only team that uses hand-selected alumni for this purpose. They are also the only team that has worn stars around their waists for 50+ years. 

Alexandria really needs to take care how much she borrows from the DCC. There's nothing wrong with learning best practices from other organizations, and taking inspiration from them, but when you do it over and over, it starts to look like copying. And when you are copying a team that frequently boasts about being imitated by lesser teams, it isn't a good look.

Like StellaCL stated, I don't mind her "borrowing good ideas" from another team. But she is incorporating quite a few typical DCC trademarks and you don't want to look like a copy cat (basically what you said).  It's the stars on the belt, the white diaper short, the new addition of the vest, the All Stars...  It does look very DCC inspired....

Another thing I find awkward, is the fact that it is Alexandria who did this. While  Sleepyjean is 100% right in stating that we're not sure why she left (it could be a very serious, valid reason) she'll always be that cheerleader that dropped out weeks after making the team in her first year, which is very exceptional as well. She allegedly did criticise the DCC for a mean girl culture that was a lot different from what she expected too, though I can't remember the exact source but it was mentioned out here on the forum by a few posters.

If the changes had been incorporated by Kashara or JennA (to just name a few) it would have made sense. They were literally formed by the organisation and loved everything that came with it. Now, I just find it awkward and strange.

[TB12]

On 10/2/2022 at 8:37 PM, Holly85 said:

I have seen that post from the pats cheerleader who retired from the team after a year talked abt how her heart was broken being on that team she ended up auditioning for the chiefs this season made it to finals and plans to audtion for the chiefs again 

Wow how did I miss that Insta post the Patriots are my home team. Fun fact I tried out to be a Pats cheerleader A LONG time ago, I cant dance, so much for most class spirit…

I don’t think DCC or Pats cheerleaders are unique to mean girls. How can there not be when you’re a group of stunning ladies who were prob all prom queen, head cheerleader, flyer… they’re all used to being top dog…

Edited October 5, 2022 by TB12

[moonchild81]

breelan and nick are going to have another baby  / there first son jake just turned one

https://www.instagram.com/p/CjTyJYGLE2n/

[Holly85]

2 hours ago, TB12 said:

Wow how did I miss that Insta post the Patriots are my home team. Fun fact I tried out to be a Pats cheerleader A LONG time ago, I cant dance, so much for most class spirit…

I don’t think DCC or Pats cheerleaders are unique to mean girls. How can there not be when you’re a group of stunning ladies who were prob all prom queen, head cheerleader, flyer… they’re all used to being top dog…

She wasn’t the only one I’ve seen speak out against them one of the pats probowl cheerleader was speaking out abt them at one point 

[DCC-UK]

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci8vK8TDHoM/?hl=en

I know there aren't millions of dance steps to choose from but these two moves look awfully familiar...

[LilyD]

I’d love to know how Kelli and Judy feel about this all and what they’re thinking. I don’t think it will go down well with Kelli. She’s very protective of the brand and her iconic uniform.

You could argue it’s not a true copy, but it looks nothing like the old Patriots uniform and very much like DCC, especially with the stars on the belt. Why the stars? Alexandria could have selected any shape or have a completely rhinestone studded belt. She could have created a whole new look with a hint of DCC but their own signature… A different color of shorts and a different belt would have made all the difference!

As for the dance moves:  I agree with DCC-UK that there’s a limit to possible pom-moves, but when I see the girls in their new uniforms do moves that so obviously come from the DCC signature dance, I can’t help but wonder “what else there is we haven’t seen just yet”. 
 

I suddenly have to think about the signature DCC announcement: “often imitated but never equalled..”  I guess we’ll have to wait and see how far Alexandria pushes her team to imitate and equal or best the DCC…..

[HitItHarder..BAM]

1 hour ago, LilyD said:

You could argue it’s not a true copy, but it looks nothing like the old Patriots uniform and very much like DCC, especially with the stars on the belt. Why the stars? Alexandria could have selected any shape or have a completely rhinestone studded belt. She could have created a whole new look with a hint of DCC but their own signature… A different color of shorts and a different belt would have made all the difference!

Using stars actually makes sense to me because they make me think of 'Stars and Stripes.' The New England Patriots as a team naturally tend to have a lot of American Revolution iconography

[cherryblossom]

Next thing we know, Pats cheerleaders will be performing sexy hips!

[GenX88]

On 9/30/2022 at 5:01 PM, Teriyaki Terror said:

never saw what Kelli saw in Kalyssa. I knew what girl was not the wholesome DCC they thought she'd be.

Definitely ! I could tell from the get go she was a baadddd girl or as Kitty would say “she’s nasty “ I got p*rn star vibes from Kalyssa from the start 

[M1977G]

On 10/5/2022 at 5:29 AM, DCC-UK said:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci8vK8TDHoM/?hl=en

I know there aren't millions of dance steps to choose from but these two moves look awfully familiar...

And they are doing it soooo slowly that you can't possibly miss that they are doing the same moves. I agree that all of this together (moves, uniform redo, all stars, etc) is getting a little suspect. Sure, styles and dance moves circulate and travel, but have some of your own ideas. 

[LilyD]

On 10/6/2022 at 1:10 AM, HitItHarder..BAM said:

Using stars actually makes sense to me because they make me think of 'Stars and Stripes.' The New England Patriots as a team naturally tend to have a lot of American Revolution iconography

Fair point. And of course the DCC don’t own the right to having stars on their belts. 
I guess it really stands out because they switched from the blue-red skirts to white (DCC) shorts + the stars. They could have added a star-belt to a skirt or shorts in the patriot blue colour they used to wear.

[Kamal]

I bet the uniform change has been debated for a long time and it's not her decision ?

[MrsEVH]

When I see the new Patriots uniform I can' help but think of this (ugly) past one. It was the very first one for the (now defunct) Texas Revolution Dancers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/iNs_Q2KXr9/

[LilyD]

Well, it certainly is pretty and a huge improvement of the old uniform! That, I have to admit. To be fair, there are more squads that could do with an upgrade😉

Say what you like about the DCC uniform, it’s not perfect with their too short diaper-shorts, but it is certainly one of the nicer and more flattering uniforms. I personally hate the two-piece bikini swimwear some squads use as uniforms. Those girls dance for NFL teams in a stadium, not for volleyballers on a beach!

[MrsEVH]

1 hour ago, LilyD said:

 I personally hate the two-piece bikini swimwear some squads use as uniforms. Those girls dance for NFL teams in a stadium, not for volleyballers on a beach!

The Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders uniforms look like a 2 pc swimsuit. 

[WenD08]

22 hours ago, MrsEVH said:

The Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders uniforms look like a 2 pc swimsuit. 

Their uniforms were designed by Vera Wang.  When I heard the news, I was excited to see them.  Then I saw them, I was a bit underwhelmed.

[StellaCL]

Erica Jenkins and Shelly! (Now Erica Kiehl). I didn’t know Erica had anything to do with DCC or DCC alumni after her retirement in 2009. So happy for her and her successful journey to becoming a mom. She is still one of my favorites!

Edit: Also, her adorable baby looks just like her!

Edited October 12, 2022 by StellaCL

[dariafan]

8 hours ago, StellaCL said:

Erica Jenkins and Shelly! (Now Erica Kiehl). I didn’t know Erica had anything to do with DCC or DCC alumni after her retirement in 2009. So happy for her and her successful journey to becoming a mom. She is still one of my favorites!

Edit: Also, her adorable baby looks just like her!

They all look fantastic!!

[JarlenaFan2024]

I hate to keep bringing this up but is anyone here really even interested in following Abigail Klein (2007-2008) on Days Of Our Lives?  If not, I'll stop talking about it.

Edited October 13, 2022 by BluegrassDCCFan
formatting

[bjo1969]

10 hours ago, BluegrassDCCFan said:

I hate to keep bringing this up but is anyone here really even interested in following Abigail Klein (2007-2008) on Days Of Our Lives?  If not, I'll stop talking about it.

I don't get to watch it so it's interesting to me to know how she's doing on the show.

[Blue hues]

What is Tina Kalina doing?  Does she work with DCC?  She is so present with the DCC in social media.  Was she on the sidelines at a recent game?   Has Shelly  B retired?

[MrsEVH]

12 hours ago, Blue hues said:

What is Tina Kalina doing?  Does she work with DCC?  She is so present with the DCC in social media.  Was she on the sidelines at a recent game?   Has Shelly  B retired?

She seems like a mom who lives vicariously through her daughter. JHMO.

[MaryWebGirl]

1 hour ago, MrsEVH said:

She seems like a mom who lives vicariously through her daughter. JHMO.

It doesn't seem uncommon for former DCCs. I remember this "interview" with Candy Branson came up when Cami tried out and it's, well, I'll just say it's a lot.

http://www.alumnicheerleaders.com/profiles/blogs/after-the-poms-with-candy-branson-daughter-cami-former-dallas-cow

[go4luca]

2 hours ago, MrsEVH said:

She seems like a mom who lives vicariously through her daughter. JHMO.

To quote Charlotte: 

"Poor thing.  She's living in the past."

[EricaShadows]

19 hours ago, Blue hues said:

What is Tina Kalina doing?  Does she work with DCC?  She is so present with the DCC in social media.  Was she on the sidelines at a recent game?   Has Shelly  B retired?

I heard somewhere that she works for the DCC in some capacity or at least did so at one time, though I don't think she currently does.  The majority of her access comes through Kelli because of their friendship if I'm understanding everything correctly.  I could be wrong though.

[Blue hues]

10 hours ago, MrsEVH said:

She seems like a mom who lives vicariously through her daughter. JHMO.

Love seeing her in the Tik Toks!  Is she on the sidelines in the clip of VK dancing at a game?   She must do ALOT of filming of VK.  Lucky girl to have a supportive mom who is likely her bestie!

[scorpio1031]

1 hour ago, Blue hues said:

 Lucky girl to have a supportive mom who is likely her bestie!

Helicopter mom who is her "person" and part of the problem

11 hours ago, MrsEVH said:

She seems like a mom who lives vicariously through her daughter. JHMO.

Exactly

[ByTor]

How did I not know that Yuko had a baby last year?

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVtaF82JSvz/

[Guest]

On 10/11/2022 at 5:19 PM, WenD08 said:

Their uniforms were designed by Vera Wang.  When I heard the news, I was excited to see them.  Then I saw them, I was a bit underwhelmed.

Vera Wang! Woooooow. So disappointing. And sadly I bet they paid her a small fortune for the “design”!  Rebel Athletic gear is waaaaay cuter than that, IMHO.

[MrsEVH]

1 hour ago, GetEmUp said:

Vera Wang! Woooooow. So disappointing. And sadly I bet they paid her a small fortune for the “design”!  Rebel Athletic gear is waaaaay cuter than that, IMHO.

Rebel Athletic does the AA Ice Angels uniforms which are really nice.

[JarlenaFan2024]

On 10/13/2022 at 6:37 AM, bjo1969 said:

I don't get to watch it so it's interesting to me to know how she's doing on the show.

Abigail's got a pretty decent part on Days right now.  Her story's bigger than I thought.  Interesting to see her in a different genre of entertainment.  Honestly could see her sticking around for a while.  I think I heard she's on contract now anyway. 

I started watching Days for John and Marlena.  Especially Deidre Hall (Marlena), before Abigail was ever cast, so having Abigail there is an added bonus.  Haha I actually about dropped my mouse when I read Abigail was joining Days. 🙃

Edited October 15, 2022 by BluegrassDCCFan
added something

[sleepyjean]

23 hours ago, GetEmUp said:

Vera Wang! Woooooow. So disappointing. And sadly I bet they paid her a small fortune for the “design”!  Rebel Athletic gear is waaaaay cuter than that, IMHO.

The Vera Wang uniforms were introduced in 2003. Vera "updated" the design in 2013, but the changes weren't major. It also looks like they've tweaked the shorts in the last few years to raise the waistband. (I noticed with all the cheerleader lawsuits a few years back, came a trend to dial down the sexy a bit across the league.)

The Eagles uniform (white bra top and white shorts) is incredibly ordinary looking. It is hard to believe that it's a "signature uniform," especially since they have gone almost 20 years with no branding on their outfits. I noticed the guys now have a logo on their costumes, but the women have no logos, no team name, no sparkle. This team is way overdue for something new. 

[cherryblossom]

http://www.alumnicheerleaders.com/profiles/blogs/after-the-poms-with-dana-kilmer-former-dallas-cowboys-cheerleader
 

Here is an interesting piece on a former DCC

[parrotfeathers]

1 hour ago, cherryblossom said:

http://www.alumnicheerleaders.com/profiles/blogs/after-the-poms-with-dana-kilmer-former-dallas-cowboys-cheerleader
 

Here is an interesting piece on a former DCC

That was a nice article--thanks.