If you are a fan of the NFL, you may have wondered how much the cheerleaders who support their teams earn. Cheerleaders are an important part of the game, as they keep the players and the fans motivated and entertained. They also have to train hard and perform complex routines that require athleticism and showmanship.
One of the most famous and popular cheerleading squads in the NFL is the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. They are known as “America’s Sweethearts” and have been cheering for the Cowboys since 1961. They have also appeared in various TV shows, movies, and magazines, and have a loyal fan base.
But how much do they make for their work? And how do they become a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, based on the latest information available in 2023.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Salary For 2024
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders make approximately $12 an hour and also receive an additional $400 per game appearance. This means that they can earn around $500 per game, or $8,000 per season, assuming they cheer for all 16 regular-season games.
However, some senior-level Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders can earn more than that. According to The Cold Wire, a sports news website, some veterans reportedly earn around $75,000 a year. This may include bonuses, endorsements, and other sources of income.
Compared to other NFL cheerleaders, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are among the highest-paid in the league. According to Forbes, the average salary for NFL cheerleaders in 2023 is $14,000 per year. Some teams, such as the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears, do not even have cheerleaders, while others, such as the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, only have part-time cheerleaders who are paid per game.
However, being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader is not an easy job. They have to work long hours, attend rehearsals, appearances, and events, and follow strict rules and regulations. They also have to pay for their own expenses, such as travel, makeup, hair, and uniforms. They also have to audition every year, even if they have been on the team for a long time.
How to Become a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader in 2023
If you have a passion for dancing and cheering, and you dream of becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, you may wonder how to join the team. The good news is that there is always a chance, as the team holds open auditions every year, usually in May or June.
However, the bad news is that the competition is fierce, as thousands of hopefuls apply every year, but only a few make the cut. The audition process is rigorous and challenging, and it consists of several stages, such as:
- Online application: You have to fill out an online form, upload a headshot and a full-body photo, and pay a $40 fee.
- Preliminary round: You have to perform a freestyle dance for 90 seconds in front of a panel of judges, wearing a two-piece outfit and boots. You have to show your personality, technique, and energy. Only a few hundred candidates advance to the next round.
- Semi-final round: You have to learn and perform a choreographed routine, as well as a kick line, in front of the judges and a live audience. You also have to take a written test on the history and facts of the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL. Only a few dozen candidates advance to the next round.
- Final round: You have to perform the same routine and kick line as in the semi-final round, as well as a solo dance of your choice. You also have to undergo a personal interview with the judges, where they assess your communication skills, personality, and professionalism. Only a few candidates make the team.
The entire audition process is documented and televised by the reality show “DCC: Making the Team”, which airs on CMT. The show gives an inside look at the lives, struggles, and achievements of the candidates and the cheerleaders.
Conclusion
Being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader is a prestigious and rewarding job, but it also requires a lot of dedication, hard work, and talent. The cheerleaders are not only dancers, but also ambassadors, role models, and entertainers. They have to balance their cheerleading duties with their personal and professional lives, and they have to deal with the pressure and expectations of the fans and the media.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are one of the most iconic and successful cheerleading squads in the NFL, and they have a rich history and tradition. They have cheered for the Cowboys for over six decades, and they have witnessed many memorable moments and achievements. They have also inspired and influenced many people around the world, and they have made a positive impact on the community and the society.
If you want to learn more about the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, you can visit their official website, follow them on social media, or watch their show on CMT. You can also support them by buying their merchandise, attending their events, or cheering for them at the games.
10 Most Asked Questions and Answers
Here are some of the most common questions and answers about the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders:
- Q: How many Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are there?
- A: There are usually 36 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on the team, but the number may vary depending on the year and the audition results.
- Q: Who is the director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders?
- A: The director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is Kelli Finglass, a former cheerleader for the team who has held the position since 1991.
- Q: Who are the group leaders of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders?
- A: The group leaders of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are the most experienced and senior members of the team, who are responsible for leading and mentoring the other cheerleaders. According to the Cowboys’ official website, the first group leaders for the 2023 season are Kelsey, McKenzie, Claire, and Chandi. The second group leaders are Megan, Jada, Armani, Dani, and Dani.
- Q: Who are the rookies of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders?
- A: The rookies of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are the new members of the team who have passed the audition for the first time. They have to go through a training camp and a probation period before they become official cheerleaders. According to the Cowboys’ official website, the rookies for the 2023 season are Brooklyn, Kennedy, Elli, Jessica, Victoria, Ashlinn, Darian, and Dani.
- Q: How old do you have to be to audition for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders?
- A: You have to be at least 18 years old by the time of the preliminary audition to be eligible for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. There is no upper age limit, but most cheerleaders are in their 20s or early 30s.
- Q: What are the requirements for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders?
- A: The requirements for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are:
- You have to be a trained dancer or have great showmanship as a performer.
- You have to be physically fit and in good shape.
- You have to have a positive attitude and a friendly personality.
- You have to be able to work well with others and follow directions.
- You have to be able to commit to a full-time schedule and travel frequently.
- You have to be a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL.
- Q: How much do the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders practice?
- A: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders practice three to four times a week, usually in the evenings, for about three to four hours each time. They also have to attend additional rehearsals, appearances, and events throughout the year.
- Q: What are the benefits of being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader?
- A: Some of the benefits of being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader are:
- You get to cheer for one of the most popular and successful teams in the NFL.
- You get to perform in front of thousands of fans and millions of viewers.
- You get to travel to different places and meet new people.
- You get to be part of a sisterhood and a family of cheerleaders.
- You get to have fun and enjoy your passion for dancing and cheering.
- Q: What are the challenges of being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader?
- A: Some of the challenges of being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader are:
- You have to deal with a lot of pressure and criticism from the fans and the media.
- You have to balance your cheerleading duties with your personal and professional lives.
- You have to cope with injuries, fatigue, and stress.
- You have to face the risk of being cut from the team every year.
- Q: What are some of the famous alumni of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders?
- A: Some of the famous alumni of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are:
- Sarah Shahi, an actress who starred in shows like “Person of Interest” and “The L Word”.
- Melissa Rycroft, a TV personality who appeared on “The Bachelor” and “Dancing with the Stars”.
- Tina Hernandez, a news anchor who worked for CNN and ABC.
- Judy Trammell, the current