Seasons & episodes

Go behind the scenes of the 2009 swimsuit calender with the ladies of the 2008 DCC squad

The one-hour special features current cheerleaders Cassie Trammell and Sunni Cranfill and former cheerleader Trisha Trevino as they juggle work, school and practice all while planning their dream wedding. If there’s one similarity among Texas brides-to-be, it’s the person standing beside them throughout the entire wedding planning process – their mother. This is no exception for DCC cheerleader Cassie Trammell, daughter of DCC choreographer Judy Trammell. In the weeks leading up to Cassie’s big day, Judy is right by her side, whether it’s for dress fittings, cake tastings or her bachelorette party. The same goes for third-year cheerleader Sunni Cranfill, also featured in the special, as she plans for her June wedding. Because her mother lives farther away, Cranfill enlists the help of DCC director Kelli McGonagill Finglass in picking out her reception dress and the white cowboy boots that will go with it. Trisha Trevino, who retired from cheerleading in 2010 after six years, also turns to Finglass for guidance as she begins preparations for her 2013 Dallas wedding. Trevino makes a special trip back to Valley Ranch to surprise her former coach and see what motherly wedding advice she can offer. Throughout the one-hour special, each bride demonstrates how the DCC organization has become such an integral part of their lives, providing love and support leading up to their memorable day.

Landing one of the 12 shots in the DCC Calendar is a big deal. While every shot may look effortless, the process behind nailing them proves they’re anything but. Here’s a look back at some of the best calendar shoots.

S1 · E1Episode 1 2006-09-29 · 30 min＋

Only a small number of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders hopefuls will be chosen from a crowd of hundreds after performing freestyle dance routines in the preliminary auditions at Texas Stadium.

S1 · E2Episode 2 2006-10-06 · 30 min＋

Training camp gets underway as the women are introduced to a grueling schedule of dance rehearsals with choreographer Judy Trammell and workout sessions with fitness instructor Jay Johnson.

S1 · E3Episode 3 2006-10-13 · 30 min＋

The mental and physical stress of training camp hits hard, with sudden dropouts, fitness critiques, and the scrutiny of Kelli and Judy weighing heavily on the hopefuls.

S1 · E4Episode 4 2006-10-20 · 30 min＋

Super Bowl XXX MVP Larry Brown and Dallas Cowboys player Ryan Fowler test the training camp candidates on their NFL knowledge and athletic skills on the field.

S1 · E5Episode 5 2006-10-27 · 30 min＋

The training camp candidates get major makeovers ahead of their first solo publicity stills, and the veteran cheerleaders visit with members of the armed forces before deployment.

S1 · E6Episode 6 2006-11-03 · 30 min＋

As training camp winds down, the hopefuls are on their best behavior after Kelli's annual etiquette luncheon, and a tough choreographer pushes the women with new dance techniques.

S1 · E7Episode 7 2006-11-10 · 30 min＋

The candidates find themselves in front of the camera for a crash course in dealing with the media, and the judges from the open call return to give their final say on the official lineup.

S1 · E8Episode 8 2006-11-17 · 30 min＋

With 36 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders hopefuls poised to become America's sweethearts, Kelli and Judy are concerned the team is not ready and more cuts may be needed.

S2 · E1Episode 1 2007-09-04 · 30 min＋

Hundreds of hopefuls arrive for preliminary auditions, where less than half will move on after Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Director Kelli Finglass observes their freestyle dance routines.

S2 · E2Episode 2 2007-09-21 · 30 min＋

Competition heats up in the final audition as surviving candidates go head-to-head against experienced veteran cheerleaders to secure one of the coveted spots at the DCC Training Camp.

S2 · E3Episode 3 2007-09-28 · 30 min＋

The group of 43 hopefuls celebrate moving on in the selection process and adjust to the physical demands of Training Camp, and DCC Director Kelli Finglass reminds them there will be cuts.

S2 · E4Episode 4 2007-10-06 · 30 min＋

Two weeks into training camp, veteran cheerleaders choose their wardrobe for the swimsuit calendar shoot, rookies audition for a spot in Show Group, and Kelli and Judy make the first cut.

S2 · E5Episode 5 2007-10-13 · 30 min＋

As reality sets in for the remaining candidates, the rookies are fitted for their skimpy DCC uniforms, then they must pass a strict etiquette test and prove they have mastered the kick line.

S2 · E6Episode 6 2007-10-20 · 30 min＋

After brutally honest guest choreographer Kitty Carter puts them through the wringer, the training camp candidates get stunning makeovers, and Kelli and Judy make another heartbreaking cut.

S2 · E7Episode 7 2007-10-27 · 30 min＋

The rookies don the iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders uniform for a modeling shoot, and they have a life-changing experience when they go skydiving with a legendary Army parachute team.

S2 · E8Episode 8 2007-11-03 · 30 min＋

The last rehearsals and the final cuts for the 2007 squad; the ladies pose for their Squad Photo; the squad performs in front of 65,000 fans at Texas Stadium.

S3 · E1Episode 1 2008-10-04 · 30 min＋

Over 600 excited and anxious Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders hopefuls arrive at Texas Stadium for the preliminary auditions.  After performing their freestyle dance routines for the judges, they anxiously await the reveal of who gets to move on ... only 130 make it to the semi-finals.  At semis, they’re taught the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ style of dance, along with the legendary kick line.  Amid tears of joy and disappointment, only 60 girls are called back for the finals, where they’ll compete against the seasoned veterans to earn a spot in the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Training Camp.

S3 · E2Episode 2 2008-10-11 · 30 min＋

In the finals audition, the competition really heats up.  Now, surviving candidates must go head-to-head against experienced veteran cheerleaders for a coveted spot in the DCC Training Camp. All trying out are interviewed by judges, have their backgrounds checked and are asked to perform solo dance routines.  Which candidates can handle the stress and “WOW” the judges to prove they are the total package?  Only 45 have what it takes and in a dramatic DCC upset, returning veteran cheerleaders are not invited back to the squad.

S3 · E3Episode 3 2008-10-18 · 30 min＋

Training Camp begins!  The newly elected training camp candidates are excited, even star struck, as they meet the veterans for the first time at Valley Ranch.  At the first team meeting, anxiety ripples through the ranks when DCC director Kelli Finglass announces that a couple of the more seasoned veterans have failed the written test.   Veterans come up short again during the body fat evaluation—some of them have put on weight, while the rookies test lean and mean.  The vets’ experience finally shines through at the first dance rehearsals, while the newbie rookies struggle to learn the choreography.

S3 · E4Episode 4 2008-10-25 · 30 min＋

Only two weeks into training camp, it's time to start making cuts. Uniform Fittings is the first order of business. It's a bittersweet moment when the rookies are measured for their uniforms because they have yet to really earn them. From the famous knotted blue blouse to the belted white shorts, the rookie candidates hope Kelli confirms that they have the DCC "look." Then the group competes in a grueling army fitness test to try and earn the privilege of being on the elite "Power Squad." At that evening's rehearsal the first cuts will be made.

S3 · E5Episode 5 2008-11-01 · 30 min＋

After saying goodbye to one of their own, reality sets in for the remaining training camp candidates:  nobody's position on the squad is secure.  Hard charging, Kitty Carter is asked to work with the weaker girls and whip them into shape.  The rookies are given “makeovers” to transform them into the image of a DCC.  Can these makeovers give them enough confidence to raise their performance?  Tonight is proof that your past can come back to haunt you as girls are called into Kelli’s office.  How many live to dance another day?