Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team

A documentary disguised as a reality show, this program follows select candidates as they wind their way through the audition, selection, and weeding-out process leading up to the first football game for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the most famous pro cheerleading team in America (the Raiderettes a close second, followed by the Laker Girls).

The first thing that will strike you about the show is how open the girls are about their fears and concerns, and how critical the coaches and selection committee are in determining which candidates survive each round of cuts. When a dancer is called into the office for her evaluation, you will be right there with her, sweating it out as Lisa and Judy critique her performance and tell her what to focus on for next time, if there is a next time for her. There's a reason why the DCC are the best in the business, and this show tells you why.

Granted, its not like watching football try-outs or practices, but then it's not supposed to be. Its closer to watching auditions for a chorus line in a major Broadway production. DCC has a "look", just like the Rockettes, and every girl on the squad has to match that "look". Too tall, too big, too thin, too small and she's out. Only 5 years of dance training? She's out. A girl has minutes to learn a complete routine. If she forgets a step, she's out. Criteria are high and the chance for failure is abundant.

It's what being a pro-level dancer is all about.

I think cheer leading in general is sexist, not to mention outdated.

This show is shocking to watch at times seeing Kelly Finglass and her cronies measure up these young women more at times based on how thin and pretty they are than on their actual talent. On the flip side, all they're there for is entertainment purposes during half time. As long as these girls know that, understand that and are okay with it, then keep on. I however, think it's crappy and think that they should go use their dancing abilities for something else instead of parading around like eye candy. They have so much to offer! This show exploits these women. And why does Kelly always have that scowl on her face? She looks like she just ate a cockroach.

The main reason I even watched this show is because I'm a dancer and enjoyed watching the dance rehearsals.

These episodes are packed with beauty and drama. The cheerleaders are obviously beautiful. The unfolding stories of how real the women overcoming obstacles to make it on the team provides engaging drama.

Watching these has given me a much greater appreciation for what goes into the making of such a world class performer.

There is a long and complex process from open auditions to the first football game. That includes many related parts that spans many weeks. The director did a great job of weaving together dozens of tiny clips in appealing ways.

I watched all the episodes of season 3 and 4. Three quarters of the way my attention shifted from the candidates to the leaders. I came to deeply appreciate the difficult and delicate work they do.

It was insightful to notice how the different factors go into making the complete package of a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. You will need to see several episodes to understand what that means.

It was amusing to me as a man how the female leaders sometimes called the female candidates by three different terms: girls, women and ladies. This varied widely depending on the person and context.

These videos would be recommended for any female considering becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader as well as their family, friends and coaches. It is amazing how unprepared many candidates were. Those who aspire to this job need to witness how hard the weeks of preparations are. Then maybe many will not even try out. And those who do try out will have previously gotten the needed instructions in dance, cheer leading and the other topics that are covered.

A coach of any sport could pick up insights into how to draw out the potential from an athlete.

Students and practitioners of sports psychology could gain much wisdom and many insights.

Cheerleaders and dancers have much to gain in terms of general inspiration and specific tips.

I hate the Cowboys, but love this show. These girls are tough and beautiful. The process is so much better and more enjoyable then Bachelor, and other reality shows

I don't care about the drama or the storyline. I watch it with the sound off, just like I watch beauty pageants. Crank up the stereo, kick back and have a beer or three.