The following article includes references to disordered eating.
And that’s just for game-day performances.
Even aspects of their social lives are dictated by the organization and its list of dos and don’ts.
But that level of expectation wasn’t arrived at by accident.
Since its inception, the DCC has carefully cultivated a look that has become synonymous with NFL cheerleading.
Instead, though, it stipulates: “You should look well-proportioned in dancewear.”
That knowledge can put a lot of pressure on a young dancer who dreams of becoming a DCC.
On the contrary, getting the uniform is one thing.
Keeping it is something else entirely.
“You don’t get a new uniform.
Like, 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?'”
“I don’t make excuses for our standards,” she toldPeople.
If you need help with an eating disorder, or know someone who does, help is available.
However, while these performers sparkle wherever they go, their makeup doesn’t.
In fact, they are instructed to avoid glittery cosmetics, heavyfake eyelashes, or over-the-top contouring and highlighter.
According to theDCC website, the cheerleaders should stick to more natural shades.
Specifically, it requires mostly subtle matte eye shadows, and no loud lips or bright cheeks.
“We’ve gone from red fingernails to nude and natural nails.
We’ve gone from red lips to nude,” DCC Director Kelli Finglass toldPeople.
She explained that technology is to thank for the shift.
That’s because the performers are required to wear their hair down and styled, even for practice.
Yep, the only thing bigger than the mega-watt smiles of the DCC is their hair.
Yet even with so much movement, their hair never seems to fall.
That’s because the squad is highly skilled at teasing more than just the fans.
Tools of the trade include curling irons, rollers for volume, and super strong hairspray.
Suggestions on ways to cover them up that are provided, like layering concealer, powder, and bronzer.
Facial features are ‘lost’ when a spray tan is too dark."
She also noted that a tan makes more sense than applying body makeup.
And what if all that color or coverup gets on the white uniforms?
As Finglass pointed out, the polyester uniform is easily laundered.
“you might put it in the washing machine, you don’t have to have it cleaned.”
“You couldn’t even be around the players,” she said.
Talk about a double-standard!
According to her, even the practice team football players make $80,000 more than a DCC.
“You don’t even know who these guys on the practice team are,” she said.
The organization’s leaders recognize the issue but argue that the DCC aren’t in it for the money.
These performers are not like the rest of us.
They are governed by a different set of rules that requires them to look the part at all times.
A performer couldn’t go out in public without hair and makeup done.
“We were supposed to be perceived as squeaky clean.”
“High heels, pantyhose, business suit, makeup and hair done, mannerly, good etiquette.”
The off-duty rules also extended to where they went, at least in the past.
Pouts are sidelined for Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Put on a happy face!
Former 1980s DCC Dana Presley Killmer toldInside Editionthat one of the rules was “no pouting.”
‘We are constantly critiqued not just for our dance ability, but our appearance.
