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Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
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The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC), a National Football League cheerleading squad from Texas, is one of the most famous cheerleading organizations in the world.
History
1960s
Before the founding of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, the football team's cheer squad was a male-female group called CowBelles & Beaux. The group made its sidelines debut in 1960. Local high school students made up the squad. It was typical of other cheerleading teams throughout the 1960s, rarely getting much attention. At that time, cheerleading was more about, as its name implied, exhorting the audience to show their support for the team. Seeing the cheerleaders was rarely a reason for watching football at the time.
1970s
In the early 1970s, Cowboys manager, Tex Schramm, decided to change their image to boost attendance. At first he simply tried hiring professional models but that did not work due to the their lack of athletic ability. He then knew that he needed professional dancers with stamina who would be able to perform through an entire game. He worked with local choreographer Texie Waterman, who was charged with auditioning and training an entirely new and unique squad which would combine an attractive appearance, athletic ability, and talent as performers.
This group, The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders appeared on the sidelines during the 1972–1973 NFL season.
Even greater national attention came in 1978 when the squad was on two network TV specials, NBC Rock-n-Roll Sports Classic and The Osmond Brothers Special on ABC. In 1978, they had their own hour special to launch the season for Monday Night Football.
The made-for-TV movie The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, was aired January 14, 1979. Starring Jane Seymour, it had a 48% share of the national television audience[1][2]
1980s
The sequel, The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders II, was aired January 13, 1980. Through the years, they have had many other TV appearances.
They have toured throughout the US (on and off field) and overseas. Included in this are regular appearances in United Service Organizations (USO) tours. This started in the Christmas of 1979, for US troops stationed in South Korea. This remains a regular function for them.
The Uniform
The uniform itself is a carefully guarded trademark and may not be duplicated in any way without the written permission of the DCC. The internationally recognized blouse, vest and shorts were originally designed by Paula Van Waggoner, of the Lester Melnick store in Dallas. Since first introduced with the formation of the squad in 1972, there have been only six modifications to the uniform. In May of 1989 the original "go-go" boot had gone out of style and a more western oriented design was selected. In 1991, the large buckled belt was left behind in favor of shorts with a more flattering cut. 1992 brought a cowboy-style boot to the uniform, and in 1993 crystals were added to outline the fifteen stars on the vest and shorts. 1994 brought a more western shape to the blouse lapels, and finally, in 1999 crystals were added to the fringe line of the vest. Each modification, after careful consideration by Director, Kelli McGonagill Finglass, was implemented to enhance the image that the uniform has represented from the very beginning - an image made all the more consistent through the efforts and dedication of Ms. Leveta Crager, who for twenty four years made and hand tailored every uniform worn by a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. Upon her retirement, designer Greg Danison was selected at the start of the 1996 season to continue the tradition of individual craftsmanship in each Cheerleader's uniform.
Contemporary (current) squad
The current Director of the DCC is Kelli McGonagill Finglass and the choreographer is Judy Trammell. Unlike the early days with Tex Schramm, current owner and general manager Jerry Jones has much less involvement with the DCC, focusing on the football team instead.
The making of the 2006 and 2007 team was featured on the Country Music Television reality series Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team. Season 3 is currently underway.
They are noted for their kick line & the suggestive uniform worn by the cheerleaders. The cheerleaders release an annual swimsuit & sideline calendar.
Off-field television appearances
The squad has appeared on variety of TV shows and specials, as performers, guest acting roles, and game show contestants. Some of the shows they have appeared on are:
Notable former cheerleaders
A number of former cheerleaders have found success outside the organization:
- Kelli Finglass - She is a former DCC, and is now the head director for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
- Judy Trammell - She is a former DCC, and is lead choreographer for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
See also
References
External links
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