Do the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders get to keep their iconic uniforms? The answer is no, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) are provided with their uniforms and rehearsal gear, but they must return all of the team’s property before the final auditions of the following season, as stated by onlineuniforms.net. Understanding the regulations surrounding these uniforms sheds light on the DCC’s commitment to tradition and image. Discover more about DCC uniform rules, appearance standards, and the legacy of America’s Sweethearts.
1. What Are The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ Audition Requirements?
Hopefuls must be at least 18 years old by the time preliminary auditions begin, with no stated age limit. Non-mandatory audition prep classes, taught by current and former cheerleaders, are available to help hopefuls prepare for audition time. To apply, dancers must submit a headshot, full-length photo, a 20-second intro video, and a dance video. During auditions, judges focus on various aspects such as dance technique, high kicks, splits, showmanship, personal appearance, energy, enthusiasm, poise, figure, and personality, as detailed on the DCC’s website.
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All cheerleaders must be flexible and able to perform the splits by the start of the season. A written test evaluates dancers’ knowledge of the Cowboys and football. According to a 1978 New York Times report, the tryouts were “as tense as that at an open casting call for a Broadway production.” Successful candidates need to dance well and possess “a large measure of bubbly charm” for off-season television appearances and public ceremonies.
1.1 What Kind of Dancewear Is Allowed?
Cheerleaders should look well-proportioned in dancewear, though there are no specific weight requirements. According to The New York Times, shorts were custom-fitted, emphasizing a need to maintain their size.
1.2 What Academic Requirements Do Cheerleaders Need?
Cheerleaders must showcase knowledge about the Dallas Cowboys and football in general. This requirement highlights the DCC’s emphasis on cheerleaders being knowledgeable representatives of the team, not just talented dancers.
2. Are There Strict Attendance Rules For DCC Rehearsals?
Yes, attendance at rehearsals is strictly enforced. Before the NFL season begins, there are two to five mandatory rehearsals, followed by a set schedule once the season starts. Rehearsals occur in the evenings, with extra weekend rehearsals for the Show Group and Rookies. The DCC website emphasizes, “CANDIDATES WHO DO NOT FEEL THEY CAN ATTEND ALL REHEARSALS SHOULD NOT CONTEMPLATE BEING A DALLAS COWBOYS CHEERLEADER.” Contracts with the DCC are for one year and include participation in rehearsals, travel, cheer and dance camps, and media interviews, underscoring that “Total commitment is required!!!!”
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2.1 What Were The Original Attendance Rules?
Waterman’s original rules stated that cheerleaders couldn’t miss rehearsals. Later, Mitchell added rules such as “no showing up at rehearsal without your hair and makeup done” and “no wedding rings on game day,” as noted in America’s Girls.
2.2 What Are The Unwritten Rules?
A rules list from the ‘90s included the line, “There will be many other unwritten rules given during the course of the year,” highlighting the evolving and comprehensive nature of the DCC’s expectations.
3. What Body Image Standards Do Cheerleaders Need To Uphold?
While the DCC website states there are no weight requirements, cheerleaders are expected to “look well-proportioned in dancewear.” Fans of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team have observed discussions about specific body parts. In the past, there were alleged standard weigh-ins, with Mitchell sometimes circling body parts in photos to indicate areas for improvement, according to The New York Times.
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3.1 What Did Former Cheerleaders Say About Body Image?
Washington mentioned that shorts were custom-fitted with the saying, “We’ll take it up, but we won’t let it out,” reflecting a strict approach. Regular weigh-ins have been dismantled in recent years, addressing historical concerns about body image pressures.
3.2 Is There A Uniform Size Limit?
A veteran cheerleader on the 2024 Netflix series noted, “You don’t get a new uniform. Once you’re fitted for that uniform, that size is the size that you get. You don’t get to go up. If you go up, they’re like, ‘Why does this not fit you?’ ” This reinforces the expectation of maintaining a consistent body size throughout the season.
4. Why Must Cheerleaders Wear Their Hair Down?
Hair must be flowing, even during rehearsals. Finglass stated in 2016 that it’s about the girls being “as glamorous as they can.” A third-year vet named Melissa noted that most cheerleaders are used to having their hair pulled back, making dancing a little different for a DCC because dances often include “hairography.”
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4.1 How Important Is Hair Movement?
Cowboys cheerleader choreographer Judy Trammell emphasized that the movement of the hair is more important than the length. Hairstyles should be “current” and never hide one’s face, with upkeep at the DCC’s official salon, Tangerine.
4.2 What Are The Perks Of The Official Salon?
Finglass described the salon as a “real fun perk,” especially for girls from small towns, noting its glamorous and high-tech environment.
5. What Makeup Standards Must Cheerleaders Follow?
There’s a strong focus on a natural aesthetic as part of the cheerleaders’ wholesome look. For auditions, dancers are suggested to “wear shades that complement your natural beauty.” Matte eyeshadows are preferred, with a little shimmer allowed, and vibrant yet neutral cheek and lip colors are recommended.
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5.1 What Makeup Is Discouraged?
Once on the squad, red lips and nails are not allowed, Finglass noted. Long and solid false eyelashes should be avoided, as should spray tans that are too dark, have orange tones, or overuse contouring and highlighting. Tans are maintained through memberships at Palm Beach Tan and Planet Tan in Dallas.
5.2 What Kind of Tans Are Allowed?
Tans should be natural-looking, generally spray-ons, maintained through specific tanning salons in Dallas to ensure consistency and appropriateness.
6. What Happens To The Uniforms After A Cheerleader Retires?
Basic uniforms and rehearsal gear are provided, and all of the team’s property must be returned before the final auditions of the following season. Mitchell implemented strict uniform rules in the 1980s after a Playboy scandal, with uniforms signed in and out to prevent them from falling “into the wrong hands,” according to former Dallas cheerleader Dana Presley Killmer.
This policy ensures that the uniforms remain exclusive to active cheerleaders and are not misused or misrepresented after their tenure.
6.1 What Was The Playboy Scandal?
The Playboy scandal involved a DCC hopeful posing in a branded T-shirt, leading to stricter control over the uniforms.
6.2 Why Are Uniforms Signed In And Out?
Uniforms are signed in and out to maintain control and prevent unauthorized use, preserving the image and exclusivity of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
7. What Kind Of Hosiery Is Required?
Cheerleaders “supply their own hosiery,” according to Finglass. They wear skin-toned hosiery that must be sheer and look natural, without any reinforced areas.
Ensuring that the hosiery matches the skin tone and appears natural contributes to the polished and uniform look that the DCC strives for.
7.1 What Are The Specific Requirements For Hosiery?
Hosiery must be sheer, skin-toned, and without any visible reinforcements, ensuring a natural and polished appearance.
7.2 Why Is Natural Appearance Important?
A natural appearance is essential to maintain the wholesome and consistent image that the DCC aims to project.
8. How Do Cheerleaders Maintain A Clean And Wholesome Appearance?
Mitchell aimed to maintain a “nice, clean image” for the cheerleaders. Presley Killmer noted that on Sundays, they were “supposed to be the sexy cheerleaders on the sideline,” but the rest of the time, they were “supposed to be perceived as squeaky clean,” adhering to standards such as high heels, pantyhose, business suits, makeup, hair, and good etiquette.
Maintaining a clean and wholesome appearance extends beyond the field, influencing how cheerleaders are perceived in public and ensuring they represent the DCC positively.
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8.1 What Were The Restrictions On Off-Duty Appearance?
Cheerleaders were allegedly not allowed to be seen with or near alcohol, nor could they chew gum. During Mitchell’s time, they reportedly weren’t allowed to wear jeans or curlers in public.
8.2 What About Tattoos?
No ink, even small pieces, may be visible when in uniform or rehearsal clothes, reinforcing the clean image.
9. What Is The Rule Against Fraternizing With Players?
Cheerleaders were not allowed to fraternize with Cowboys players, coaches, staff, or journalists. This rule was so well-known it didn’t need to be written down.
This strict separation aims to maintain professionalism and prevent any conflicts of interest or compromising situations.
9.1 Why Was This Rule So Strict?
Retired TV sports reporter Dale Hansen noted that this rule “only added to the aura of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which separated them from a lot of other cheerleader groups around the country.”
9.2 What Were The Consequences Of Breaking This Rule?
Cheerleaders caught dating players were allegedly kicked off the team, while the male players reportedly were not.
10. How Are Cheerleaders Compensated?
While exact compensation is not stated on the DCC website, there is “a pay schedule for rehearsals, home football games, promo appearances & shows.” Cheerleaders now reportedly make $12 an hour and $400 on game day, according to America’s Girls.
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10.1 What Was The Historical Pay?
In 1977, Cowboys cheerleaders received $15 per home game, highlighting the significant changes in compensation over the years.
10.2 Are There Any Pay Disputes?
A pay dispute between former cheerleader Erica Wilkins and the Dallas Cowboys was settled in 2019, indicating ongoing efforts to ensure fair compensation.
FAQ: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Uniforms and Rules
1. Do the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders get to keep their uniform?
No, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders do not get to keep their uniforms. All uniforms and rehearsal gear are the property of the team and must be returned at the end of the season.
2. What happens to the DCC uniforms after they are returned?
The returned uniforms are maintained and stored by the Dallas Cowboys organization for future use by the cheerleaders.
3. Are there specific rules about how the DCC uniform should be worn?
Yes, there are strict rules about how the uniform should be worn, including guidelines on hosiery, fit, and overall appearance to maintain a consistent and professional look.
4. Can DCC cheerleaders customize their uniforms?
No, DCC cheerleaders cannot customize their uniforms. They must adhere to the standard design and appearance guidelines set by the team.
5. What type of hosiery are the DCC cheerleaders required to wear?
DCC cheerleaders are required to wear skin-toned, sheer hosiery that appears natural and does not have any visible reinforcements.
6. Where do the DCC cheerleaders get their uniforms?
The Dallas Cowboys organization provides the cheerleaders with their uniforms and rehearsal gear.
7. What is the significance of the DCC uniform?
The DCC uniform is iconic and represents the team’s brand and image. It symbolizes the tradition, excellence, and high standards associated with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
8. Are there any restrictions on where the DCC uniform can be worn?
Yes, the DCC uniform can only be worn during official team events, performances, and appearances. It is not allowed to be worn in public outside of these contexts to maintain its exclusivity and the team’s image.
9. How does the DCC ensure the uniform is not misused?
The DCC ensures the uniform is not misused by requiring cheerleaders to sign them in and out and enforcing strict rules about their use and return.
10. Are there any penalties for not returning the DCC uniform?
Yes, there are penalties for not returning the DCC uniform, as it is considered team property. Failure to return the uniform can result in fines or other disciplinary actions.
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