Tom Foster
There are at least 20 things to know about the Dallas cheerleaders that might make fans think about this position a bit differently. It’s not all just pretty faces and tight bodies, but that’s a big part of it.
They need to find sponsorships for their amenities
For their makeup and other materials they need to find someone who will help pay. The organization doesn’t provide much in the way of cosmetics.
36 girls make up the final roster
That sounds like a big squad, but one has to remember how many women try out. There are a lot of cuts before the final roster for the Dallas cheerleaders is set.
Over 500 women tried out for Dallas in 2014
Think about that, over 400 women went home disappointed. To be on a stage like this though one has to be the best.
It’s not a full-time job
For all the prestige that might come with it, the job is not year-round. Once the season is up, the cheerleaders have to go back to work.
There’s more than just good looks involved
Dallas cheerleaders have to be physically and mentally fit to take on this role. There’s a lot of pressure that comes with this job.
Making the team means you stick with a single look all season
They can choose the way they look within certain parameters. But once they make a selection they have to stick with it for the duration.
You can’t have any visible tattoos
There’s no rule saying they can’t have tattoos at all. But tattoos have to be concealable, or it’s a no-go.
Charlotte Jones is in charge of the cheerleaders
Is anyone surprised that Jerry Jones would put his daughter in charge of the cheerleaders? Hey, if she does the job well, who cares?
Cheerleaders tend to burn up a lot of calories per game
Think of how much they’re moving and then how much of a toll that takes on the body. One has to assume that these ladies are in prime shape after the season is over.
The schedule is kind of grueling
Practice is daily and lasts for around 4 hours. If you’ve ever been an athlete you know that’s not impossible, but it’s tough.
They have to do their own makeup
Yeah, no makeup artists here. They have to find a way to do their own makeup and make it last for most of the game.
They drink a lot of water each day
This should come as no surprise, all that moving around requires hydration. But they tend to drink several liters of water in a single day.
The application process is intense
They need headshots, full body shots, and videos showing what they can do. Then, they need to come to the field and make sure people know what they can do.
Women have to be at least 18
It’s not too hard to think that one has to be a legal adult to take on this role. Otherwise it might be seen as child exploitation, and no one needs that kind of trouble.
There are plenty of mothers on the squad
Several of those who have been on the squad and are still on the squad do have families. Their sex appeal is just for show.
There are classes to take to become a cheerleader
A lot of times former cheerleaders will hold these classes to let the next bunch know what to expect. It’s a leg-up at least.
Cheerleaders are encouraged to adopt the “Southern Belle” look
This means teased hair and a certain type of look that one would associate with the South. Hey, it’s tradition.
Cheerleaders can come from anywhere in the world
It’s kind of cool to think that a young woman from across the world could realize her dreams to become a cheerleader. It’s a big decision though.
Their earnings aren’t as much as you’d think
They earn about $12/hr and $400/game. It’s not a lot when one considers all they go through.