Where DCC Director Kelli Stands With Dayton’s Mom After Show Drama

by

Kelli Finglass isn’t letting a difficult decision affect her relationship with Shelly Bramhall. 

Following the decision made by Kelli and choreographer Judy Trammell to exclude Shelly’s daughter Dayton Bramhall during the training camp in the recent season of America’s Sweethearts, Kelli discussed their current situation with the assistant choreographer.

In a conversation with Us Weekly (on June 19), Kelli, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading director, stated that it has been quite challenging to maneuver through certain situations. Regardless of the circumstances, she emphasized that no changes in the selection process for the team would have occurred.

Originally, Shelly (a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader from 1989 to 1994) expressed frustration about not being invited to participate in Dayton’s auditions. However, Kelli defended against this sentiment.

In simpler terms, Kelli explained that her connection with Shelly is both personal and professional, but they’ve managed to keep it professional at all times. She clarified that they don’t involve the mothers in the initial auditions for anyone, as these are strictly professional evaluations, taking into account HR guidelines. In other words, it wouldn’t be appropriate.

Still, she’s proud of how far Dayton’s high kicks have come.

Kelli stated that she managed to reach the training camp, and all we can do is wish her the best. Despite feeling a bit overpowered at the training camp, she made it there under her own merit. I’m genuinely pleased about that.

Regarding Dayton, she’s still holding onto a glimmer of possibility, as she’s attempted joining the team on three separate occasions so far.

According to Kelli, she is currently going through a trial period that will last another year. We hope things go well for her.

Even so, the importance is greater than just the challenge at hand. To put it another way, Kelli hinted that this year’s competition would be particularly intense.

It’s clear that Dayton understands she needs to improve in order to secure a place on the team. After watching the Netflix series, it was pointed out by Kelli that at 27 years old, Dayton lacked power, projection, precision, and strength, which are essential qualities of a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. Moreover, it was noted that she wasn’t progressing as quickly as needed to learn all the routines.

But Dayton doesn’t want to earn those custom Lucchese boots through nepotism. 

In my heartfelt talk with Kelli and Judy, I expressed, “I yearn for it, but only when I feel I’m truly prepared to embrace it.

Keep reading for a deeper look into America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders…

According to former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Caroline Sundvold, who starred alongside her younger sister Anna Kate Sundvold in the first season of Netflix’s docuseries “American Sweethearts”, the signature jump splits can have a heavy impact.

Caroline disclosed on the program that her doctor advised her to undergo surgery due to years of damaging her joints during cheerleading, which left them in a permanently injured state. However, she expressed a desire to participate in cheerleading for another year despite knowing that a hip surgery of this kind requires three to six months of recovery time. She was determined to persevere.

After completing her fifth season, Caroline remarked that the procedure she’d been waiting for was completely worth the delay. However, the subsequent foot surgery she experienced turned out to be significantly more challenging than anticipated.

Caroline remarked, “I expected hip surgery to be less intense, but since the foot is packed with numerous nerves, my recovery process has been quite extensive – from the end-of-season banquet until now. This prolonged healing period has served as a surprising reminder for me.

None of which deterred Anna, who after making the 2023 squad was back on the roster for 2024.

Notable figure Madeline Salter, affectionately known as America’s Sweetheart, was spotted once again supporting the Cowboys during their 2024 NFL season. She has shared numerous posts on Instagram about her therapy sessions, including frequent trips to Kinetic Centre, a renowned sports rehab and spine clinic, where she addresses tension headaches and gets her feet taped.

In a social media post displaying Salter being treated, Dr. Kristina Myles emphasized their main concern: addressing the deeper muscle layers in the face that may lead to discomfort, rigidity, or restricted movement due to injury or excessive strain.

For the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, being prepared for a football game is second nature, yet their primary source of earnings doesn’t come from this prestigious role.

2017 reports by ESPN revealed that NFL team cheerleaders typically earned between $75 and $150 per game, which came as a surprise to many spectators who believed these attractive entertainers were earning substantial or even livable wages.

In my expertise as a lifestyle guide, I’d like to share an insightful tale I picked up from the initial season of “America’s Sweethearts.” Former DCC member, Kelcey Wetterberg, dedicates her time to caring for children as a pediatric registered nurse. On the other hand, Reece Allman, who graced our screens again in the 2024 season (formerly known as Weaver), found herself working at a flower shop in Dallas to boost her cheerleading income.

As reported by the Dallas Morning News, the compensation for cheerleaders now hovers around $400 per game, with additional hourly pay for all the hours dedicated to game preparation and public appearances.

As a lifestyle expert, let me share an insightful statement from DCC alum Kat Puryear on the Netflix show. Essentially, she described her income as equivalent to that of a substitute teacher or a full-time employee at a Chick-fil-A restaurant.

Megan McElaney, set to return in 2024, shared a peek at her usual routine as a multitasking NFL cheerleader, commencing her day at 6:15 am.

Beyond her day job as a marketing/recruiting coordinator at Bluecrest Financial Alliances, according to LinkedIn, she has taken on the role of a makeup artist for The Styling Stewardess. Once all that work is completed, her evenings are spent at AT&T Stadium for practice, which concludes at 11 p.m.

According to Salter, speaking with TopMob News, “DCC has shown many of us the importance of managing our time effectively. It’s crucial that we balance our commitments, not just between our jobs and DCC, but also for personal time as well.

Keeping physical fitness at its best is an essential aspect of our job, but personalized uniforms designed to fit each cheerleader’s figure have allowed us to step away from a time that was overly focused on body image.

Speaking with TopMob News, Kelli Finglass, DCC director since 1991, emphasized that the focus is on ensuring the uniform looks its best and has flawless lines without any emphasis on weight. The dancers handle their own nutrition and fitness routines independently. They have access to a gym located next to our dance studio, and there are also nutritionists and mental health professionals available for consultation when needed.

Women have the liberty to concentrate on their individual routines, as we strive to offer resources and educate them about it. We prefer to let them handle it, and I believe we benefit from that approach.

As a devoted follower preparing for the DCC audition, I understand from their FAQ that it’s important to appear balanced and proportionate in my dance attire. They’ve made it clear that they don’t impose strict height or weight standards.

Although the DCC organization has undergone significant changes since its inception, as seen by the introduction of star-spangled uniforms in 1972, it still retains much of its original character.

According to Finglass, everything surrounding the cheerleaders appears to have shifted significantly, as reported by The New York Times. They’re adapting to various aspects like social media and increased visibility, but at their core, they remain top-tier dancers. A significant aspect of their work continues to demand a selfless attitude, an attribute that has been consistent throughout our history.

Another resource at the ready: An etiquette coach.

According to Finglass, they attend dinners with important military leaders, which places them in circumstances that might be new and unfamiliar for someone who is only 18 or 19 years old and comes from a small town.

As a dedicated follower, I am thrilled to see the DCC making waves globally, and I take great joy in watching people learn about their various aspects. My aim is to equip them with all the necessary tools, ensuring they are confident, polished, and prepared at every turn. In essence, I want to provide them with every resource possible, so they can carry themselves with unwavering confidence.

As a lifestyle expert, let me share some insights: While they do have access to professional assistance for photo shoots and other formal events, these amazing women are responsible for their own hair and makeup prior to games. To help you achieve the same stunning look, Sophy Laufer – a valued member of our squad since 2022 – has generously shared her step-by-step guide on how she achieves that radiant game day glow, right here on TikTok!

In terms of style guidelines, avoid sporting red lipstick or nail polish. Additionally, your hair should always be left loose, and Dallas’ Tangerine Salon is known for maintaining women’s hair to be full of bounce for quite some time.

Even with the most flawless, sleek, and spotless legs imaginable, as a DCC, they will always be enclosed in sheer stockings.

Additionally, if you have a tattoo, it’s perfectly acceptable, but for the sake of games, it needs to be fully concealed using makeup and bronzer.

Spray tans should ideally have a natural, golden hue rather than an orange tone, as advised on the DCC website. Moreover, the shade of a spray tan should be consistent across both face and body to avoid making facial features appear less distinct when the tan is excessively dark.

In addition to their notable roles, the DCC (Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders) are deeply rooted in their community. It was heartening for lead choreographer Judy Trammell to observe this sense of community reflected in the dance troupe, “America’s Sweethearts”.

She expressed regret that the 16-season long reality show on CMT, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, which concluded in 2022, failed to depict the activities we engage in during the rest of the year, as Trammell explained to Entertainment Tonight. The USO tours, visits to veterans hospitals, and trips to children’s hospitals are some examples of the extensive work that remains largely unseen.

After you depart from the team, Finglass informed TopMob News, there is a vibrant and interactive alumni group known as “The Spirit of DCC” that you can become a part of.

As a former cheerleader myself, I can attest that transitioning out of this vibrant community is indeed a significant shift, moving from spending countless hours with my teammates at rehearsals to finding new routines. That’s why we make an effort to involve our alumni in activities right away, as it helps soften the emotional impact for everyone involved. It’s always sad to see our fellow cheerleaders move on, but we understand and empathize with their reasons.

Reflecting on how they continue to celebrate significant events like weddings (even their children’s weddings) long after their cheering years have ended, Finglass remarked, “It feels a bit like being a teacher, and when your students graduate, you eagerly anticipate the arrival of the next incoming class. Yet, it’s inevitable to have emotions and to maintain relationships that may not be as frequent or immediate.

Read More

2025-06-23 23:47