Justine grew up in Plano, Texas and always dreamed of dancing professionally. Justine danced her entire life at KJ Dance studio, and thought she would move out to New York City or LA to pursue dance as a career. However, throughout high school, Justine was encouraged to audition for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. As she approached graduation, Justine re-routed her dream of dancing professionally. Instead of moving out to the coasts, she decided to stay in Dallas to audition for DCC. Justine hoped to audition at the

I had the privilege and honor of speaking to 5-year veteran, Pro Bowl Cheerleader, Veteran of the Year, and perfect DCC ambassador, Melissa Valdez, also known as Mija, sometimes Pocahontas! I am blown away by all of Mija’s accomplishments as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. Her aspirations to be a cheerleader, along with achieving her dream have shaped her life since she was born. I am so inspired by her story and could not be happier to be paired up with such a legendary DCC. Mija’s dream to be

Growing up around the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, I would always hear about the memories you will forever cherish, and the bonds of friendships that will stay in your life for many years after your time on the team. No one will understand the connection that the cheerleaders have. Six decades of cheerleaders, less than 800 women, sharing a gold band that they proudly wear on their pinkies. Here I am, a rookie DCC, getting to connect with an alumnus from the organization, Nicol Corbin Bush, and talking

I had the privilege of interviewing Makenzi Swicegood Dauwe, who served as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader from 2005-2009. After her time cheering, she danced professionally in Los Angeles, California for three and a half years. She is originally from Plano, Texas, and now resides in Dallas, Texas with her husband, 3-year-old son, and 2-year-old daughter. She is currently pursuing a certification to teach and train group fitness classes at Equinox. In the meantime, she is homeschooling her children, and her husband owns a home building business. Before her

Louisiana native, Gina Parker cheered for the Cowboys from 1997-1999. A small town girl, she knew trying out for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and making it, would be a long shot. Little did she know, her big time dream would become a reality. Gina enjoyed two memorable seasons as a DCC under the leadership of Director Kelly Finglass and choreographer Judy Trammell. Earning $50 a game and nothing for practices, Gina and her teammates cheered for the love of the Cowboys and not much else! She was

Jenni Croft Badolato was a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader for three outstanding seasons, 2002-2005. Prior to making the team, she danced for Wichita State University and auditioned for DCC right after graduation. She was inspired by her college dance team director to audition at the end of her time with Wichita State, and followed her to Dallas. Jenni grew up dancing competitively since the age of three. While speaking, I learned that we were at some of the same competitions growing up and that she is now best

  Meredith Walker Kneis was born in Dumas, TX, raised in the Dallas Ft. Worth Metroplex and was a jack of all trades participating in multiple sports, but showing school spirit as a cheerleader was her favorite. Her senior year, however, she decided to take a break from the squad, a decision she believes may have driven her to audition for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders a year later. Meredith actually learned about the DCC audition through an advertisement on the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show, a radio segment broadcast

In 1985 Kim Wiman walked into her orthodontist’s office expecting a routine check-up. What she came out with was a new dream. During her appointment, Kim overheard the radio advertising the upcoming Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders auditions. Her ears perked up when the ad told DCC hopefuls they could bring any talent to the audition. Kim was a singer with a natural aptitude for performing. At the time she worked as an entertainer in Six Flags. After hearing the radio ad about DCC auditions, Kim decided to go

Christina Parker Rosen was a member of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader from2004-2008 and cheered at the iconic Texas stadium in its last few running years. She said that her favorite part about being a member of the team would have to be game day, USO travel, photo shoots but most importantly the life-long friendships she was able to make during her time as a DCC. I asked Christina what the hardest part about making the team for her was and her answer was simple “Here’s where I