Latest news with #Kelli
NZ Herald
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
First Kiwi to make Dallas Cowboys cheerleading team responds to ponytail backlash
'For decades now the DCC girls are known for their appearance, and a large percentage of that is hairography,' she said. Others defended the look. 'Judy wore pigtails in the 80s and Tami Barber, one of the most famous DCCs, also wore pigtails. Super proud of our Aussie girl Faith and love the ponytails,' one said. Another echoed: 'Tami Barber had pigtails in the 70s or whatever. So, I'm all for an updo.' Speaking to the DCC newcomer joked about the 'controversy' surrounding her ponytail. 'I actually came into training camp with my hair out, like everyone else, thinking that was what the expectation was going to be,' she said. 'But in my headshot my hair is tied up and that was what I was shown as. Every day in training camp Kelli and Judy [DCC director and choreographer, respectively] are sat with the rookies' headshots and doing their voice notes.' She said during the six-week-long training camp, after performing the iconic Thunderstruck routine twice, she looked in the mirror and was stunned by her appearance. 'I am a bit of a head sweater, I'm not going to lie. No one else was looking like me. I was giving drowned rat. I was like, 'Why do I look like this and everyone else looks airbrushed?',' she said. 'And Kelli looked at me, and said she really loved my hair in my headshot. She asked how I got it that way and I explained it was tied up with extensions in.' It had been mentioned previously about the dancer having her hair up while performing – something Ward didn't realise was an option – and so on a water break she decided to give it a crack. It was immediately met with approval, on the condition that it 'danced well'. 'I wanted to dance with my hair up just as much, because I knew I didn't suit dancing with my hair out. My whole life, I've been a slick girl. I am a technical dancer. We never have our hair out,' she said. 'And my face shape doesn't suit it, from what I've found personally.' Kelli then expressed her enthusiasm for the look, with Ward putting everything into the next run through the routine to prove it danced well. 'You look like you're having a lot more fun,' was the feedback she was given. Another was: 'You're going to be our little Ariana Grande.' Faith Ward's ponytail sparked online debate because of the team's strict hair regulations. Photo / @flexi_faith via Instagram Ward said things could change between now and when the team takes to the field in September, but it was looking likely that she would be sporting a ponytail when they do. To the reaction online about the look, she said people needed to 'chill out' after she discovered people were zooming in on the baby hairs on the nape of her neck. This was the first year that Ward, who has been a competitive dancer her whole life, auditioned for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. She was introduced to it by a friend she competed against while dancing. A recruiter for the DCC then reached out to Ward on Instagram, encouraging her to apply. Growing up, she learnt everything from lyrical to jazz, contemporary and acrobatics – but never knew what she wanted to do with it. Then, she discovered All Star cheerleading – which involves a lot of flying and flipping through the air over pompoms. She knew there weren't many jobs in the sport, so she decided to keep up dancing as well. Ward didn't even say a proper goodbye to family and friends when she flew to Texas to audition for DCC, thinking that she would likely be home soon, given she'd never done power pom or college cheer. She knew she had the talent to eventually make the team but didn't believe she'd nail it on her first try. 'I am honestly feeling overwhelmed and still not comprehending the fact it is actually real. It feels like a dream,' she said. She said she was honoured to be the first person born in New Zealand, and the third Australian, to be part of the team. Before the announcement, Ward spent six weeks in training camp, where the potential cheerleaders learn the routine while being scrutinised to make sure they have everything it takes to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. Ward said it was probably one of the hardest experiences any athlete could go through. 'I've never been pushed in ways that I have in training camp. I am grateful for that,' she said.
Buzz Feed
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
22 Rules Behind The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Training
I don't know about you, but I was floored when I watched Netflix's America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the docuseries chronicling the making of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleading squad. And since Season 2 dropped on June 18, we've gotten even more of an inside look at the inner workings of the iconic team, for better or for worse. The participants' passion, athleticism, and dedication were inspiring, and TBH, it broke down the stereotypes I had about cheerleaders if I'm being totally honest. The process of making the squad is an intense, months-long affair where sweat, tears, and extreme makeovers are just a small part of the process. After three days of binge-watching the docuseries, here's what I learned about what it's actually like to become a DCC: Hundreds apply online for the first round of auditions. Applicants turn in one headshot and one full-length photo, accompanied by a 20-second intro and a 60-second freestyle dance video. In Season 1, Kelli Finglass, the director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders program, mentions there were around 500 who applied online. In Season 2, Kelli shares that the number could now be in the thousands due to the popularity of the show. The head of the DCC hiring committee is Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell, the head of choreography. Both cheered for the team in the '80s. Charlotte Jones, the EVP and Chief Brand Officer of the team, also oversees the program. From the video auditions, around 75 hopefuls are invited for in-person live solo performances in Frisco, Texas, where a panel of judges votes for contestants to move on to the next round. Becoming a DCC is highly competitive. Veterans — former team members who made it to the squad the previous year — still have to go through the live solo performance auditions and pass. And after that, they still have to make it through training camp. After contestants pass the live performances stage, they audition to showcase their moves on the turf. "The audition process is pretty comprehensive," Kelli says in Season 2. "The solos can show us amazing dancers with brilliant technique and years of training, but they're not doing a lyrical, contemporary, modern piece on our football field. A stadium requires an arena performer as opposed to possibly a soloist or a concert dancer." She adds, "It becomes a skill to learn how to project on a football field." Once they make it through the football field auditions, they're selected for training camp — but the audition process isn't over. Around 45 make it to training camp, with additional cuts to follow as they get closer to the finish line. Rachel Gill, who previously cheered for the DCC, wrote in D Magazine that "showmanship is a big factor in the judging." She said, "The directors can work with someone on improving her dance skills or be lenient with those who do not learn quickly as long as they execute the choreography when needed. But it is difficult to teach performance showmanship. You either have it, or you don't." At training camp, potential members get to finally learn the iconic AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" choreography. "I've been watching that dance since I was little, so to actually start learning it was surreal but much harder than expected," said Kelly Villares, who auditioned in Season 1. "The steps, there's so much to think about." The "Thunderstruck" dance routine has been performed by the DCC since the opening of the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in 2009, and has been part of the pre-game routine for the Dallas Cowboys. It's performed at every home game, and the iconic choreography is renowned for its precision and flair. The iconic dance routine features a "Point 1" and "Point 2" position, which are the two positions at the head of the dance sequence. It's an honor to take on these positions as a DCC. Usually, the ones chosen are veterans who demonstrate dance skills, a positive representation of the DCC, and showmanship. Another part of the making-the-team process includes an ANTM-like makeover session. Recruits are taken to a salon where hairstylists and makeup artists recommend new looks and hairstyles. "We have now seen them dance. We've seen them in an audition, competition environment," said Kelli. "And now, we're trying to make sure they are at their best look." Having that "DCC look" is a rather high ideal and there's a lot of pressure to live up to the standard and look a certain way. "There's this beauty about DCC that's perfect, and everyone thinks you're this perfect person," said Jayln Stough, who cheered with the team for five years. "We are looking for it to be exact with everyone. To get our makeup done right, our hair done, our nails done. Always smiling, never sad." She added, "That trickles into the locker room. That trickles into our everyday lives." In the end, out of the hundreds who apply and check all those boxes, only 36 women make the team, comprising returning veterans who have successfully rejoined and the new recruits. Once they make the team, they get to rock the iconic DCC uniforms. It's rumored that they only receive one pair, which means they have to keep it pristine and stay the same size since it's tailored to their body from when they're first recruited. "You don't get a new uniform," explained Kat Puryear, a retired veteran who cheered for the team for four years. "Once you're fitted for that uniform, that size is the size you get. You don't get to go up. If you go up, they're like, 'Why does this not fit you?'" Everyone also has to return their uniforms, even those who retire. Victoria Kalina, a fourth-year veteran in Season 1, spoke about her struggles with depression and disordered eating, and how being a part of the DCC didn't make it any easier. "As a dancer, that's the hardest thing that you can fight are eating disorders, plus depression," she said. "Game time comes, so then you just gotta get into those baby clothes, get into that baby uniform, and that cycle just keeps going." While there isn't an official height or weight requirement to become a DCC, it's suggested in the series that it helps if the cheerleaders are all around the same height, since they have to support each other physically in the kick line. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have been a huge part of pop culture since the '70s, and their uniforms are so iconic that they're actually hung in the Smithsonian. "To tell people you were a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, they all wanted to be your best friend all of a sudden," said one alumnus who danced for the team in the '70s. The cheerleaders refer to leadership, like Kelli and Judy, as "Ma'am." For Abby Summers, who auditioned in Season 2 and who grew up in Ohio, it was a bit of a culture shock. "I mean, first the 'Yes, ma'm.' Never said that in my life," she said. "But I do understand that's respect for them." Being a DCC is incredibly physical, especially since splits are required to make the team, and the team's signature moves are high kicks and the jumping splits. Kat, who danced for four years, said, "Both my hips are torn. Some girls' backs and necks are pretty messed up. A lot of girls get surgery." "Every single girl is super talented, and I'll be completely honest," said Jada McLean, a five-year vet, when discussing the new recruits and their live solo performances, "I have felt my body break down since I've been here, so watching them can be intimidating because I remember when there was a point in my life that I could do really cool tricks and stuff, and now, I'm just trying to keep my body in one piece."However, many of the cheerleaders share in the series that the moves are just so integral, they can't imagine not doing them. For the rookies, at the end of their inaugural year, they receive matching pinky rings commemorating their first year as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. At public appearances, a "no-touch" policy is implemented. Fans are usually given a football to hold to prevent physical contact. "The football is so people don't touch us because people get freaking handsy," said Kat. "Especially when they start to know your name." In Season 1, Sophy Laufer, a second-year vet at the time, experienced an incident where she was allegedly "touched inappropriately" by a photographer during a game. She reported it to her teammates, who told the security guards and alerted the police. However, a statement was shared on the show: "After conducting an investigation, which included reviewing security footage from AT&T stadium, the Arlington police department determined there was not enough evidence to conclude that a criminal offense occurred." Regarding the situation, Jada said, "Just because we put on this uniform doesn't make us an object. ... I am still a human being who worked hard to put on this uniform. Treat me with respect, even when I have this on, you know?" Safety is a concern for the DCC, especially since their visibility has grown. Kat said of the fame, "I've had letters sent to my personal address." Kelcey Wetterberg, a five-year vet, shared an incident where she discovered someone had placed an AirTag on her car after she'd driven home. It took a mental toll on her, despite alerting the police and filing police reports. "There's never anything they can do until somebody hurts me," she said. Being a part of the DCC is considered a part-time, "hourly employment position," although it's mentioned in the series that during a busy season, they can work up to 40 hours a week due to selected additional appearances. Many juggle two or three other jobs on top of their work with DCC. The requirements are "approximately 10 home games," "3-4 rehearsals a week between 2-3 hours" from late July until the end of the Dallas Cowboys football season, and can include additional appearances. The additional appearances aren't mandatory, but it's considered an honor to be selected, and they're paid. The rehearsals are also told the New York Times in 2024 that she made "$15 per hour" and "$500 per appearance." In Season 2, like many of the other DCC's, she shared that she had another job to supplement her income. In Season 2, DCC vets Jada McLean, Amanda Howard, Megan McElaney, Kleine Powell, and Armani Latimer led the charge in fighting for better wages. In the end, their efforts resulted in a "400%" pay increase. Although, Jada clarified to Variety that the "400%" increase is multi-faceted. Jada said that some veterans will make $75 an hour or more, though the NY Times wrote, the organization, in an email statement, said they will "not confirm the new wages.""For some things, it's actually more than that an hour, but it depends," she told Variety in another interview. For example, for practices, it won't be the $75 hourly rate, however, at the games, "you will be paid more than that an hour." She continued, "Some people are like, '400% of what you're making a year?' I wish! But there have been increases in certain areas of 400%.''We pushed, and we got back good results,' said Armani Latimer, a five-year veteran who, like Jada, retired after Season 2. 'I love the fact that I made a change for the girls that are coming up behind me, even if I'm not getting a chance to benefit.'Kelli said in the docuseries, "You guys have moved some mountains this year that will forever change our organization and, hopefully, dancers organizations across the world," and that this change had been "60-plus-years long overdue." And lastly, if you were wondering whether there are any cheerleader-football player pairings on the show, there aren't and won't be. That's because, according to the series, the cheerleaders sign a "no fraternization" contract regarding the football players that states they cannot "date" or "fraternize" with them. What an exhilarating watch! Did you catch the series? What did you think? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
RTÉ News
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
On This Week: Ryanair launches its first ever route
This Week In Irish News Ryanair launched its first scheduled service with a flight from Waterford to London Gatwick Airport. It was the first route launched by the company and was a daily service. It also marked the first international scheduled air service from Waterford, making it Ireland's fourth international airport. 2010: The case of the kidnapped penguin from Dublin Zoo A penguin was stolen from Dublin Zoo and was later found at Rutland Street. Kelli, a 10-year-old female penguin, was captured at 8:30am before the zoo opened. She was later found and returned by Gardai from Store Street. Kelli was returned to the penguin habitat after a vet inspection found she had no injuries. This Week In Irish Sports The first two stages of the iconic cycling race, the Tour de France, took place in Ireland. The 85th edition saw the first stage held in counties Wicklow and Dublin, where it finished in Phoenix Park. The stage winner was Tom Steels from Belgium. The second stage began in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, and ended in Cork, with Svorada Ján from the Czech Republic crossing the finish line first. 2022: Westmeath win the inaugural Tailteann Cup A late goal from Kieran Martin capped a dramatic comeback that helped Westmeath secure the inaugural Tailteann Cup title. Three points down when approaching the hour mark, Westmeath scored 1-04 to beat the tournament favourites Cavan and secure the title. The final score was Cavan 1-13 Westmeath 2-14. This Week In Irish Entertainment 2005: 'The Wind That Shakes The Barley' begins shooting in Cork Bandon in Co Cork was transformed for Ken Loach's film 'The Wind that Shakes the Barley'. The movie, which starred Cillian Murphy, Pádraic Delaney, Liam Cunningham, and Orla Fitzgerald, was set during the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War. Loach, known for his realistic portrayal of working-class heroes, said the movie tackled the thorny subject of Irish nationalism. 2015: Coláiste Lurgan release as Gaeilge cover of Cheerleader Coláiste Lurgan released another as Gaeilge cover over the summer, OMI's chart-topping hit, Cheerleader, which received over 2.7 million views. The summer school, based in the Connemara Gaeltacht village of Inverin, had released cover versions of hit songs as Gaeilge; its first one was a cover of Avicii's Wake Me Up in 2013. The school has given other famous hits an Irish spin, such as Adele's 'Hello' and Hozier's 'Take Me to Church.' This Week In Irish Culture 1998: Carnival marks Dublin's 1,000th birthday Dublin city marked its 1,000th birthday with a weekend-long street carnival. Lord Mayor of Dublin Ben Briscoe launched the massive Dublin Street Carnival, which began with a parade of over 200 performers in full costume, led by the New Jersey Emerald Pipe Band. Over the weekend, hundreds of events took place, featuring entertainers, musicians, clowns, and jugglers performing around Dublin city centre. What was Number 1 in Ireland This Week? 1970: 'In The Summertime' by Mungo Jerry The British rock band sold 30 million copies of the song, which celebrates the carefree days of summer. 1991: '(Everything I Do) I Do It for You' by Bryan Adams Written for the film 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves', the power ballet reached number one in over 19 countries. 2001: 'Lady Marmalade' by Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mýa & Pink Originally a hit in 1974 from US funk rock group LaBelle, Lady Marmalade hit number one again as a cover for the musical film 'Moulin Rouge'. Irish Celebrities Celebrating Birthdays This Week Eve Hewson (34) Actor best known for Bad Sisters, and The Perfect Couple Robbie Keane (45) Former footballer who is the record scorer for The Republic of Ireland Imelda May (51) Signer, songwriter and TV presenter who has released six albums over her career Other Irish Trivia From This Week 1989: When the Harlem Globetrotters visited Dublin The Harlem Globetrotters, a US exhibition basketball team, came to Ireland to showcase their skills. The team was playing against arch-rivals The Washington Generals at Neptune Stadium in Cork. Before they arrived, members of the team - Quentin Jones, Memphis Douglas and Tyrone 'Hollywood' Brown - took the time to meet and greet children who were part of the Aer Lingus Sports Club at Dublin Airport. They demonstrated their skills for the young Irish players and taught them a few tricks in the process. Looking Ahead Each Monday, On This Week will bring you a mix of stories from the last 75 years, to celebrate Volkswagen's 75 year anniversary, featuring the big news stories, sporting highlights and major pop culture moments. Volkswagen has been part of those unforgettable moments - driving families to milestones, memories, and moments that matter. Join us every week as we look back at the moments of yesteryear.
Scottish Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Emmerdale actress reveals exactly how much soap stars are paid – and it's not as much as you think
The actress quit the UK and now runs a week shop in Thailand soap duds Emmerdale actress reveals exactly how much soap stars are paid – and it's not as much as you think Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A LONG running soap actress has lifted the lid on the reality of what some of the country's biggest TV stars earn. Kelli Hollis, who starred as Ali Spencer on Emmerdale was asked by a fan how salaries worked on TV soaps and if they were based on episode appearances. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Kelli Hollis opened up on what soap stars earn Credit: Getty 3 She played Ali Spencer on the ITV soap Credit: Rex The actress, who quit the UK and now runs a weed shop in Thailand, broke down the typical soap contracts and potential earnings for stars. "[On] Emmerdale I explained that you get an episode fee and you're guaranteed so many episodes a year... so if we're saying roughly £500 and up [per episode], and you were contracted to do 90 [episodes, that's 45k, it's obviously a good wage," Kelli began. "But it's not like the 'rich, rich' you'd think famous actors would be earning." Kelli added: "Now, that's that sort of middle of the road [salary]. I'm not going to lie when I was at Emmerdale to my knowledge, one of the highest paid actors was on a thousand pound episodes." She explained that you "never know for sure," what your co-stars earned because everybody was paid differently. Kelli also spoke about extra earnings actors made from soaps, but also all the hidden fees they pay that viewers might not know about. "So, yeah, it would only be 45, but then you get a buyout, which is pretty much the same as your wage, so I'll top that up to 90. Then, you've got the agent's commission, which is usually 12 and a half percent," she said. "And because you're self-employed, you have to put 40 [per cent] away for tax." Kelli added: "Obviously, there's a lot of tax rebates and things you can claim for as an act of things you probably won't normally be able to claim as a self-employed person, but there is a cap on a lot of those things." She told the fan that "people are under the assumption that actors get paid a s**t ton of money," but that wasn't always the case. I was an Emmerdale star but now I sell weed for a living - I've quit the soap and the UK and I'm never coming home Kelli, who also starred on the TV drama, Shameless, also explained that veteran soap actors such as, Coronation Street star, William Roache were on older ITV contracts that can't be broken and likely on higher salaries. "It's very, very different now, and to be honest, to my knowledge, you're not even guaranteed the 90 episode a year now," she said. "When I was leaving Emmerdale, it was almost like they were putting people on pay-as-you-go contracts or three months contracts which isn't going to work for many actors." The Sun has previously revealed that some soap actors were raking in the big salaries, and along with their six-figure acting earnings, some viewer favourites from Coronation Street and EastEnders to Emmerdale are worth millions thanks to lucrative deals and side hustles. But some of the biggest stars could be facing the axe in a huge cost-cutting drive as audiences dwindle. An insider said: 'There is about to be a bloodbath across Corrie, Emmerdale and EastEnders — and it won't be pretty. "All the big three have all been told they need to cut their wage bills by up to 25 per cent. Now there is panic in the green rooms about who could be facing the chop.'
The Irish Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Emmerdale actress reveals exactly how much soap stars are paid – and it's not as much as you think
A LONG running soap actress has lifted the lid on the reality of what some of the country's biggest TV stars earn. Kelli Hollis, who starred as Ali Spencer on Emmerdale was asked by a fan how salaries worked on TV soaps and if they were based on episode appearances. 3 Kelli Hollis opened up on what soap stars earn Credit: Getty 3 She played Ali Spencer on the ITV soap Credit: Rex The actress, "[On] Emmerdale I explained that you get an episode fee and you're guaranteed so many episodes a year... so if we're saying roughly £500 and up [per episode], and you were contracted to do 90 [episodes, that's 45k, it's obviously a good wage," Kelli began. "But it's not like the 'rich, rich' you'd think famous actors would be earning." Kelli added: "Now, that's that sort of middle of the road [salary]. I'm not going to lie when I was at Emmerdale to my knowledge, one of the highest paid actors was on a thousand pound episodes." emmerdale She explained that you "never know for sure," what your co-stars earned because everybody was paid differently. Kelli also spoke about extra earnings actors made from soaps, but also all the hidden fees they pay that viewers might not know about. "So, yeah, it would only be 45, but then you get a buyout, which is pretty much the same as your wage, so I'll top that up to 90. Then, you've got the agent's commission, which is usually 12 and a half percent," she said. "And because you're self-employed, you have to put 40 [per cent] away for tax." Most read in TV Kelli added: "Obviously, there's a lot of tax rebates and things you can claim for as an act of things you probably won't normally be able to claim as a self-employed person, but there is a cap on a lot of those things." She told the fan that "people are under the assumption that actors get paid a s**t ton of money," but that wasn't always the case. I was an Emmerdale star but now I sell weed for a living - I've quit the soap and the UK and I'm never coming home Kelli, who also "It's very, very different now, and to be honest, to my knowledge, you're not "When I was leaving Emmerdale, it was almost like they were putting people on pay-as-you-go contracts or three months contracts which isn't going to work for many actors." The Sun has previously revealed that along with their six-figure acting earnings, some viewer favourites from Coronation Street and EastEnders to Emmerdale are worth millions thanks to lucrative deals and side hustles. EMMERDALE NEWS Everything you need to know about Emmerdale All the Emmerdale spoilers Our The history of But some of the An insider said: 'There is about to be a bloodbath across Corrie, Emmerdale and EastEnders — and it won't be pretty. "All the big three have all been told they need to cut their wage bills by up to 25 per cent. Now there is panic in the green rooms about who could be facing the chop.' 3 Kelli explained actors were paid on the amount of show appearances they had Credit: Rex
