Latest news with #America'sSweethearts:
Perth Now
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Perth's DCC sets record straight on unusual hairstyle
One of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' newest recruits has set the record straight after she was spotted donning a hairstyle not associated with being a DCC. Perth's very own Faith Ward is one of five new rookies to join the famous cheerleading team in Texas that is known for implementing strict rules on the dancers, including extreme beauty guidelines. Following the 2025 team announcement last week, eagle-eyed DCC fans noticed that Ward was the only cheerleader with her hair styled in a ponytail, contrary to the hair-down look that has become synonymous with the squad. On Thursday, Ward confirmed on social media that the ponytail was here to stay after having her official team photos. 'I've been hearing a lot of tales, and I'm here to set the record straight,' she said in a video on Instagram. 'Well, as you can see here, my headshot, that's how it all started, so that's how they found me, that's how they saw me, and I guess they just preferred me with my hair up rather than out there's not that much tea to it.' The 22-year-old said the controversial hairdo made the team's brutal training camp debut two weeks in. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. 'They asked me to tie it up, and then I kind of just left it that way and then uniform fittings really confirmed it,' she said. The Wellington-born, who is the first New Zealander to make DCC, also revealed the reaction from squad director Kelli Finglass. 'Ariana Grande is all she had to say, which I was like, that's amazing, obviously my hair was a little bit shorter at the time, so we added some longer extensions, went a bit blonder,' she said. Friends and fans took to the comments section with mixed reactions to the rule-bending. DCC veteran Charly Barby said: 'Our pony princess.' Faith Ward with her fellow rookies. Credit: Supplied 'This is so iconic. The girl with the ponytail!' a fan said. Another fan said: 'Normalise ponies cause my hair would be a full frizzy mess covered in sweat if I was doing all this with it down.' 'Is Faith really Faith if she doesn't have her iconic slick back ponytail?' a third fan added. Another fan said: 'The ponytail looks SO good!! And I love the uniform on her. She honestly looks like she was born to be a DCC.' However, one fan disagreed with the hair change. 'I think you're gorgeous, but I prefer the down hairstyle of all the DCC! The hair rule STAYS DOWN,' they said. Meanwhile, others paid attention to a film crew in the background of Ward's video, where they hoped for an announcement of season three of the hit Netflix show America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Faith Ward is representing New Zealand and Australia. Credit: Supplied 'I see a film crew in the background 👀 season 3?!' a fan said. It comes after Ward herself hinted at another season where fans would get an insight to her DCC journey after explaining how overwhelmed she felt during her first training camp lesson. 'The first lesson when I came in, I'm sure you guys will eventually see, I'm a deer in headlights,' she told PerthNow 'Going into an environment where I'd never done the style before, never held a pair of pom poms, and didn't know any of the routines, while all the veterans around you know what they're doing is extremely intimidating. 'Plus, you're literally fighting for your life in front of Judy and Kellie, so you want to do the best you can.' 'Girl, hopefully Netflix releases season three. I would love to see that too.'
The Advertiser
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Knights cheerleaders headed to Las Vegas in a big NFL and NBA event
Four Newcastle Knights cheerleaders will travel to Las Vegas for a big event with fellow dancers from the NFL and NBA. Squad director Alexandra Tsambos, who will also attend, said "we'll be representing the Knights in Vegas". "We're very excited," Ms Tsambos said. The Knights contingent depart for Vegas on Thursday. It's the first time Knights cheerleaders have travelled to the US for a cheerleading event. "It's to gain experience in the professional cheerleading world in the US and bring it back to Australia," Ms Tsambos said. "It opens up doors for the girls around here." She aimed to create "a pathway for anyone who has a dream to become a professional cheerleader in the US". The Pro Action Dance event will involve hundreds of cheerleaders from across the US participating in two days of "intensive training". "I've been speaking to the organisers. It's nice to be invited over to be a part of it," Ms Tsambos said. "We're going over there to learn routines, get experience and dance in front of some big-name choreographers." The Miami Dolphins cheerleaders director will be there. "I get to meet her," Ms Tsambos said. With the Knights playing North Queensland in Vegas in March, the cheerleaders will get a feel for the city ahead of the footballers. "We'll put the Knights brand out there," Ms Tsambos said. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have revived interest in the activity with a behind-the-scenes Netflix docuseries. The streaming series, titled America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, follows the highs and lows of auditions, training camp and the NFL season. "Hype around the cheerleading world has grown. It's nice everyone is starting to recognise it again in a better light," Ms Tsambos said. A global purge of cheerleaders has occurred in professional sport, amid political correctness and concerns about sexism. Ms Tsambos has long maintained that Knights cheerleaders aren't just dancers, but ambassadors for the club. They do charity and corporate work and connect with brands and fans, including youngsters. The Newcastle Herald previously reported that Ms Tsambos had been at the helm of the Knights cheerleaders for a decade. Amid a period of social change, she changed the name to the Newcastle Knights Dance Squad and allowed males to join. She started a junior squad and watched it grow to about 100 kids. "It goes to show the community support we have behind us," Ms Tsambos said at the time. "I've shown how we could evolve and adapt into the new world," she said "We've definitely gone past all those typical stereotypes you used to hear about 10 years ago. "Now we have the social media world and acceptance of people for who they are and what they do." Four Newcastle Knights cheerleaders will travel to Las Vegas for a big event with fellow dancers from the NFL and NBA. Squad director Alexandra Tsambos, who will also attend, said "we'll be representing the Knights in Vegas". "We're very excited," Ms Tsambos said. The Knights contingent depart for Vegas on Thursday. It's the first time Knights cheerleaders have travelled to the US for a cheerleading event. "It's to gain experience in the professional cheerleading world in the US and bring it back to Australia," Ms Tsambos said. "It opens up doors for the girls around here." She aimed to create "a pathway for anyone who has a dream to become a professional cheerleader in the US". The Pro Action Dance event will involve hundreds of cheerleaders from across the US participating in two days of "intensive training". "I've been speaking to the organisers. It's nice to be invited over to be a part of it," Ms Tsambos said. "We're going over there to learn routines, get experience and dance in front of some big-name choreographers." The Miami Dolphins cheerleaders director will be there. "I get to meet her," Ms Tsambos said. With the Knights playing North Queensland in Vegas in March, the cheerleaders will get a feel for the city ahead of the footballers. "We'll put the Knights brand out there," Ms Tsambos said. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have revived interest in the activity with a behind-the-scenes Netflix docuseries. The streaming series, titled America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, follows the highs and lows of auditions, training camp and the NFL season. "Hype around the cheerleading world has grown. It's nice everyone is starting to recognise it again in a better light," Ms Tsambos said. A global purge of cheerleaders has occurred in professional sport, amid political correctness and concerns about sexism. Ms Tsambos has long maintained that Knights cheerleaders aren't just dancers, but ambassadors for the club. They do charity and corporate work and connect with brands and fans, including youngsters. The Newcastle Herald previously reported that Ms Tsambos had been at the helm of the Knights cheerleaders for a decade. Amid a period of social change, she changed the name to the Newcastle Knights Dance Squad and allowed males to join. She started a junior squad and watched it grow to about 100 kids. "It goes to show the community support we have behind us," Ms Tsambos said at the time. "I've shown how we could evolve and adapt into the new world," she said "We've definitely gone past all those typical stereotypes you used to hear about 10 years ago. "Now we have the social media world and acceptance of people for who they are and what they do." Four Newcastle Knights cheerleaders will travel to Las Vegas for a big event with fellow dancers from the NFL and NBA. Squad director Alexandra Tsambos, who will also attend, said "we'll be representing the Knights in Vegas". "We're very excited," Ms Tsambos said. The Knights contingent depart for Vegas on Thursday. It's the first time Knights cheerleaders have travelled to the US for a cheerleading event. "It's to gain experience in the professional cheerleading world in the US and bring it back to Australia," Ms Tsambos said. "It opens up doors for the girls around here." She aimed to create "a pathway for anyone who has a dream to become a professional cheerleader in the US". The Pro Action Dance event will involve hundreds of cheerleaders from across the US participating in two days of "intensive training". "I've been speaking to the organisers. It's nice to be invited over to be a part of it," Ms Tsambos said. "We're going over there to learn routines, get experience and dance in front of some big-name choreographers." The Miami Dolphins cheerleaders director will be there. "I get to meet her," Ms Tsambos said. With the Knights playing North Queensland in Vegas in March, the cheerleaders will get a feel for the city ahead of the footballers. "We'll put the Knights brand out there," Ms Tsambos said. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have revived interest in the activity with a behind-the-scenes Netflix docuseries. The streaming series, titled America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, follows the highs and lows of auditions, training camp and the NFL season. "Hype around the cheerleading world has grown. It's nice everyone is starting to recognise it again in a better light," Ms Tsambos said. A global purge of cheerleaders has occurred in professional sport, amid political correctness and concerns about sexism. Ms Tsambos has long maintained that Knights cheerleaders aren't just dancers, but ambassadors for the club. They do charity and corporate work and connect with brands and fans, including youngsters. The Newcastle Herald previously reported that Ms Tsambos had been at the helm of the Knights cheerleaders for a decade. Amid a period of social change, she changed the name to the Newcastle Knights Dance Squad and allowed males to join. She started a junior squad and watched it grow to about 100 kids. "It goes to show the community support we have behind us," Ms Tsambos said at the time. "I've shown how we could evolve and adapt into the new world," she said "We've definitely gone past all those typical stereotypes you used to hear about 10 years ago. "Now we have the social media world and acceptance of people for who they are and what they do." Four Newcastle Knights cheerleaders will travel to Las Vegas for a big event with fellow dancers from the NFL and NBA. Squad director Alexandra Tsambos, who will also attend, said "we'll be representing the Knights in Vegas". "We're very excited," Ms Tsambos said. The Knights contingent depart for Vegas on Thursday. It's the first time Knights cheerleaders have travelled to the US for a cheerleading event. "It's to gain experience in the professional cheerleading world in the US and bring it back to Australia," Ms Tsambos said. "It opens up doors for the girls around here." She aimed to create "a pathway for anyone who has a dream to become a professional cheerleader in the US". The Pro Action Dance event will involve hundreds of cheerleaders from across the US participating in two days of "intensive training". "I've been speaking to the organisers. It's nice to be invited over to be a part of it," Ms Tsambos said. "We're going over there to learn routines, get experience and dance in front of some big-name choreographers." The Miami Dolphins cheerleaders director will be there. "I get to meet her," Ms Tsambos said. With the Knights playing North Queensland in Vegas in March, the cheerleaders will get a feel for the city ahead of the footballers. "We'll put the Knights brand out there," Ms Tsambos said. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have revived interest in the activity with a behind-the-scenes Netflix docuseries. The streaming series, titled America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, follows the highs and lows of auditions, training camp and the NFL season. "Hype around the cheerleading world has grown. It's nice everyone is starting to recognise it again in a better light," Ms Tsambos said. A global purge of cheerleaders has occurred in professional sport, amid political correctness and concerns about sexism. Ms Tsambos has long maintained that Knights cheerleaders aren't just dancers, but ambassadors for the club. They do charity and corporate work and connect with brands and fans, including youngsters. The Newcastle Herald previously reported that Ms Tsambos had been at the helm of the Knights cheerleaders for a decade. Amid a period of social change, she changed the name to the Newcastle Knights Dance Squad and allowed males to join. She started a junior squad and watched it grow to about 100 kids. "It goes to show the community support we have behind us," Ms Tsambos said at the time. "I've shown how we could evolve and adapt into the new world," she said "We've definitely gone past all those typical stereotypes you used to hear about 10 years ago. "Now we have the social media world and acceptance of people for who they are and what they do."
West Australian
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Faith Ward: Perth dancer on becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, selection process and Texas life
Perth dancer Faith Ward is still coming to terms with the surreal feeling of becoming an official Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. 'My whole world has done a 360, it's honestly insane,' she said. The 22-year-old, known as Flexi Faith, was picked alongside six other rookies to join 30 veterans, where they will represent the NFL's Dallas Cowboys team on the sidelines in their iconic blue and white star-spangled uniforms. Ward said she thinks the news will finally sink in when she gets to wear her uniform for official photos on Tuesday. 'I'm just so incredibly grateful to be in this position and feeling like everything that I've done and trained for is paid off,' she said. 'It feels a little bit like a dream, if I'm being 100 per cent honest, and I'm just so excited.' Ward is the first New Zealander to join the team and the third Australian, following in the footsteps of former members Angela Nicotera Brown and Jinelle Esther. 'I honestly feel like I'm doing my country so proud, and it's just so cool, because I know that in New Zealand, we don't really get a lot of opportunity, and we have to really venture out to make ourselves be seen and heard,' she said. 'It's really nice to represent both of my places where I've grown up, but I'll always be a true Kiwi at heart.' Ward danced for her life during a rigorous selection process led by team director Kelli Finglass and choreographer Judy Trammel. The intense method of cutting the team to 36 has become more well-known thanks to the Netflix series America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make the squad. Ward was competing against American women who had grown up dancing in the 'power pom' collegiate cheerleading style, a challenging genre for someone who doesn't come from that dance background. Fans of the Netflix show may get an insight into Ward's DCC journey if the series is renewed for a third season. 'The first lesson, when I came in, I'm sure you guys will eventually see, I'm a deer in headlights. Going into an environment where I'd never done the style before, never held a pair of pom poms, and didn't know any of the routines, while all the veterans around you know what they're doing, is extremely intimidating. 'Plus, you're literally fighting for your life in front of Judy and Kelli. Part of the process sees the rookies and veterans take part in a month-long training camp where they practise choreography from game day dances. 'Training camp is probably one of the hardest experiences of your life, and you are seriously pushed to limits that you didn't even think were possible,' she said. 'I think every athlete needs to go through something like that, because the process just makes you grow so much as a person, mentally and physically. 'But I'm not going to lie to you, definitely one of the hardest experiences.' Ward thanked her dance teachers and said she wouldn't have achieved her dream without them. She specifically thanked them for being strict, which has helped her navigate the reality of the 'brutal' professional dancing world. As Ward settles into life in Texas, she said she has a lot to learn about the American way of life, including the road rules. 'Everything is the opposite...I've been loving trying all the American food,' she said. The cheerleaders are now preparing for the first home preseason game for the Cowboys, scheduled for August 17. The season officially kicks off at their home turf in Arlington, Texas on September 15.
Perth Now
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
‘Surreal': Perth dancer reveals moment DCC dream came true
Perth dancer Faith Ward is still coming to terms with the surreal feeling of becoming an official Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. 'My whole world has done a 360, it's honestly insane,' she said. The 22-year-old, known as Flexi Faith, was picked alongside six other rookies to join 30 veterans, where they will represent the NFL's Dallas Cowboys team on the sidelines in their iconic blue and white star-spangled uniforms. Ward said she thinks the news will finally sink in when she gets to wear her uniform for official photos on Tuesday. Faith Ward with Kelli Finglass (DCC director) and Judy Trammel (DCC choreographer) at her uniform fitting. Credit: Supplied 'I'm just so incredibly grateful to be in this position and feeling like everything that I've done and trained for is paid off,' she said. 'It feels a little bit like a dream, if I'm being 100 per cent honest, and I'm just so excited.' Ward is the first New Zealander to join the team and the third Australian, following in the footsteps of former members Angela Nicotera Brown and Jinelle Esther. 'I honestly feel like I'm doing my country so proud, and it's just so cool, because I know that in New Zealand, we don't really get a lot of opportunity, and we have to really venture out to make ourselves be seen and heard,' she said. Faith Ward before her DCC makeover. Credit: Supplied Faith Ward after her DCC makeover. Credit: Supplied 'It's really nice to represent both of my places where I've grown up, but I'll always be a true Kiwi at heart.' Ward danced for her life during a rigorous selection process led by team director Kelli Finglass and choreographer Judy Trammel. The intense method of cutting the team to 36 has become more well-known thanks to the Netflix series America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make the squad. Ward was competing against American women who had grown up dancing in the 'power pom' collegiate cheerleading style, a challenging genre for someone who doesn't come from that dance background. Fans of the Netflix show may get an insight into Ward's DCC journey if the series is renewed for a third season. 'The first lesson, when I came in, I'm sure you guys will eventually see, I'm a deer in headlights. Going into an environment where I'd never done the style before, never held a pair of pom poms, and didn't know any of the routines, while all the veterans around you know what they're doing, is extremely intimidating. 'Plus, you're literally fighting for your life in front of Judy and Kelli. Part of the process sees the rookies and veterans take part in a month-long training camp where they practise choreography from game day dances. 'Training camp is probably one of the hardest experiences of your life, and you are seriously pushed to limits that you didn't even think were possible,' she said. 'I think every athlete needs to go through something like that, because the process just makes you grow so much as a person, mentally and physically. 'But I'm not going to lie to you, definitely one of the hardest experiences.' Faith Ward with her fellow rookies. Credit: Supplied Ward thanked her dance teachers and said she wouldn't have achieved her dream without them. She specifically thanked them for being strict, which has helped her navigate the reality of the 'brutal' professional dancing world. As Ward settles into life in Texas, she said she has a lot to learn about the American way of life, including the road rules. 'Everything is the opposite...I've been loving trying all the American food,' she said. The cheerleaders are now preparing for the first home preseason game for the Cowboys, scheduled for August 17. The season officially kicks off at their home turf in Arlington, Texas on September 15.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Netflix fan-favorite Jenna Waller makes the cut as Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders announces 2025 rookie cheerleaders
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have announced their 2025-2026 team, featuring six new rookies including Jenna Waller (Image via IG) The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have revealed their 2025–2026 team, and it's already making headlines. With six new rookies officially earning their spots, the announcement not only thrilled fans of the iconic squad but also brought redemption, surprises, and a whole lot of heart. From familiar faces seen on Netflix's America's Sweethearts to brand-new breakthroughs, this rookie class is turning heads — and rewriting stories. Jenna Waller 's redemption arc finally becomes reality Fans who followed America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders season 2 will instantly recognize Jenna Waller. The Oklahoma University grad and former OU Pom dancer was the final cut in training camp last season — a heart-wrenching moment captured on screen. DCC director Kelli Finglass had told her at the time, 'You peaked at the right time for a strong impression for the next time,' but it came 'a little too late. ' In 2025, Waller returned stronger and secured her place on the team. 'Still in absolute shock!!!' she wrote on Instagram, while former rookie Charly Barby praised her comeback with a touching TikTok tribute, calling her, 'my comeback girl.' Global, talented, and fiercely determined — meet the new rookies The rookie class also includes Madeline 'Maddy' Unger, a University of Nebraska–Lincoln graduate and former Husker Scarlets dancer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Unger called her selection 'an honor' and expressed gratitude for those who supported her along the way. Then there's Brenley Herrera, a Fort Worth native and Texas Tech Pom alum, who posted simply and joyfully, 'THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!' as she celebrated making the team. Parker Kilpatrick, another Texas native, brings experience from the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue dance crew and expressed her excitement by calling the team announcement 'THE MOST AMAZING SURPRISE!!!' Meanwhile, international representation arrived with Faith Ward from New Zealand. Ward had previously performed on Quantum of the Seas and is now the first New Zealander and third Australian ever to make the DCC. 'Will never recover from this moment,' she wrote, holding her uniform in a viral TikTok. Rounding out the team is Morgan Perschy, a former Arizona State dancer who attended the DCC prep intensive in early 2025. She described her tailoring day as 'a dream.' Also Read: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Chandi Dayle opens up about abuse, mental health, and her decision to leave DCC in an emotional farewell From emotional second chances to first-time triumphs, this rookie class reminds fans exactly why the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders remain America's Sweethearts — one high kick at a time. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
