Latest news with #cheerleading
News.com.au
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Australian Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader defends ponytail look
A Perth-based dancer who scored herself a spot on the illustrious Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading team has responded to backlash about her hair after a key detail set the internet ablaze. Faith Ward, who was born in Wellington and has lived in Perth for much of her life, received the news that she made the world-famous team last week. It made her the very first Kiwi and just the third Aussie to be involved with the Texan-based cheerleading squad. But it was a social media post she shared to celebrate the news, holding her uniform with her blonde hair in a high ponytail, that raised eyebrows. 'Why is Faith Ward the only one with a ponytail in DCC. DCC has strict hair regulations,' one social media user asked. Em Fandango, a UK content creator, said the 22-year-old rookie has made a 'splash' due to her 'polarising' hair style. '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 gruelling 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 Ms 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 explained. 'And my face shape doesn't suit it, from what I've found personally.' Kelli then expressed her enthusiasm for the look, with Ms 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'. Ms 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 Ms 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 Ms 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. Ms 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 added she was honoured to be the first person born in New Zealand, and the third Australian, to be part of the team. Ahead of the announcement, Ms 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. Ms 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.
ABC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Perth dancer Faith Ward makes world-famous Dallas Cowboys cheerleading squad after 'cutthroat and brutal' selection process
Perth dancer Faith Ward says she is "super excited and grateful" after making the world-famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad. Born in New Zealand and raised in Western Australia, the 22-year-old is the first New Zealander and the third Australian to make the prestigious team for the NFL franchise. She competed against thousands of cheerleaders for one of just six rookie spots on the 36-member cheerleading squad this NFL season. "I thought, this is my time to reach for my dreams," she told ABC News Breakfast. The US cheerleaders have attracted huge global fame in recent years through wildly popular Netflix docuseries America's Sweethearts. The two seasons of the TV series tracked the gruelling selection and training processes for the official cheer squad of the world's biggest sports franchise. Ward tried out for the team after a recruiter messaged her on Instagram. "I was like, 'This is a fake account, this is a drill, there's no way this is happening'," she said. "And [the recruiter] was like, 'No, we're looking for international candidates'." The gruelling audition process sees veterans compete each year against rookie candidates to retain their spot. "I think those athletes are hands-down some of the most hard-working people I've ever seen," Ward said. While the Wellington-born dancer acknowledged it was a "cutthroat" and "brutal" process, she said the team's director Kelli Finglass and choreographer Judy Trammell had "warm hearts". "They're really just wanting to see the best potential of you," she said. "It's a hard industry to make it in and everyone wants to do it, so you've just got to push through." Ward said just qualifying for the finals was more than she had ever dreamed of, adding she "couldn't believe it" when she discovered she'd made the team. "I was waiting for someone to wake me up from my dream," she said. Now the final team has been selected, preparations begin for the NFL regular season, which kicks off in September. This includes meticulous practice of DCC's most famous dance to AC/DC's Thunderstruck, which they will perform in front of 90,000 eager fans at AT&T Stadium, the Cowboys' home ground. "It is going to be so iconic and so surreal to be representing Australia and New Zealand," Ward said. "It's going to make it feel like all those late nights of dance practice and training and hours I've put into my profession has paid off."
BBC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Cheerleading squad at Exeter special school champions inclusivity
A special school is running what it believes is the first fully inclusive cheerleading squad for children with additional needs in Devon and Sapphires are based at Southbrook School in Exeter and practise twice a week in their lunch team is being supported by the Exeter Emeralds, a 100-strong cheerleading group from the University of Exeter, which competes nationally. They help the fledgling squad adapt their routines for each child's ability and share their love of the a wheelchair user who is in the squad, said: "This has opened up so much dancing for me." The group has inspired her to want o be a wheelchair dancer on Strictly Come Dancing when older. Zoe Barnes, one of the Southbrook Sapphires coaches, said: "As far as I know, we are the only special needs cheerleading squad in all of Devon and Cornwall."It's phenomenal what they have achieved. We are so proud of them."She added: "They've exceeded all our expectations." 'Meet amazing people' The teachers say that children who previously have not shown an interest in sport are now turning up for cheerleading music and the fun nature of it, they say, is helping keep the children interested and fit, with the routines adapted to the ability and needs of each dancer. Casey, who is also in the squad, says she "loves the group because she gets to meet amazing people and learn things from them".Lucy Gezink, another Southbrook Sapphires coach, said: "The aim is to make everyone welcome. "Absolutely anyone can join," she said, adding that at the school, "we have learning difficulties, physical difficulties but everyone is included no matter what their needs". The club has been running at Southbrook for two years but things really took off for the squad when the cheerleaders from the University of Exeter got Exeter Emeralds visit regularly and have provided inspiration and support, adapting their routines and choreography. The experienced team recently invited the Sapphires to attend their annual showcase to see them in action and also Valenzani, of the university squad, which came second at the national university championships this year, said: " It's one of the highlights of our year. It's been lovely to see them grow as cheerleaders and as performers." She added people did not realise how inclusive cheerleading was. "The England team takes out a Para-cheer team to the World Championships every year. It's very inclusive."The Southbrook Sapphires are now hoping to pick up a few tricks and stunts from the Emeralds ahead of next year's showcase at the University of Exeter.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Aussie makes history, selected to Dallas Cowboys cheerleading squad
Australian-raised Faith Ward has made history, getting selected to the prestigous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading squad. The Cowboys cheerleading squad is one of the most competitive cheerleading squads in the world and has grown to be just as popular as the NFL team they support. Tszyu vs Fundora 2 & Pacquiao vs Barrios | SUN 20 JULY 10AM AEST | Tim Tszyu faces Sebastian Fundora in a blockbuster rematch, plus Manny Pacquiao makes his highly anticipated return to the ring to face Mario Barrios. | Order now with Main Event on Kayo Sports Two seasons of the Netflix documentary America's Sweethearts have given sport fans, and dance enthusiasts an insight into the brutal multistage audition process to get selected to the squad. Ward, a dancer from Perth, has achieved the incredible accomplishment of being selected to the squad of 36 cheerleaders for the 2025-26 NFL season. She was born in New Zealand but moved to Australia as a child — the 22-year-old is one of just six rookies selected to the team of 36, which is traditionally comprised mostly of returning 'veterans'. 'This journey has been incredibly challenging, both physically and mentally, but I wouldn't change a thing,' Ward wrote in an emotional announcement. 'I've been pushed in ways I never imagined, I've learned and grown so much already. 'I'm excited to see where this wild ride takes me. I feel so privileged to stand alongside not only the most talented dancers but also some of the most amazing women I've ever met.' Ward posted a heartwarming video of her sharing the news of her selection with her loved ones, showing off the iconic uniform. 'So beyond grateful and blessed to turn my biggest dream into a reality,' she said. 'I want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, the Cowboys Organisation for believing in me and giving me this life-changing opportunity. It is truly an honour. 'To my family, friends, coaches, and mentors who have been by my side throughout this entire journey, thank you will never be enough. I wouldn't be where I am today without you.' The Daily Telegraph reports Ward has previously performed on cruise ships. The Dallas Cowboys are renowned for their iconic blue and white uniforms and their signature pre-game routine to the AC/DC classic hit Thunderstruck. Ward wrote on Instagram: 'The best day of my life. STILL CRYING. So beyond grateful words can't describe this feeling.' The Cowboys were adopted as America's team in the 20th century, but the historic franchise haven't won a Super Bowl since 1996, so the dance troupe is arguably more successful than the football team these days. Veteran dancers successfully campaigned for a renumeration increase, and the Cowboys finally agreed to a 400 per cent pay rise last year — a welcome relief for dancers, many of whom work several jobs on top of their cheerleading commitments. The selection means Ward is the first Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader (DCC) from New Zealand and the third from Australia after Jinelle Esther and Angela Nicotera.
Globe and Mail
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Nfinity Sets the Standard in Cheerleading with Trusted Cheer Shoes, Uniforms, and Backpacks for Youth Athletes
Nfinity Sets the Standard in Cheerleading with Trusted Cheer Shoes, Uniforms, and Backpacks for Youth Athletes In the modern transforming cheerleading arena, one name stands out for youth athletes and their families: Nfinity. Nfinity is renowned for its exceptional performance and cheer accessories. Nfinity collections set the benchmark with their cheer shoes, custom cheer uniforms, and cheer backpacks. The upcoming generation of skills is the intended audience for these creations. Cheerleading is growing more challenging and fiercely competitive, that why parents and coaches prefer Nfinity for gear that is lightweight, durable, and performance-focused. Nfinity's essential collection for all cheerleaders meets both safety and style requirements. Nfinity delivers bespoke uniforms that exhibit team enthusiasm and practical backpacks that store all items. Numerous teams and players across the globe have faith in Nfinity. 'Top Gun All-Stars have been world champions more times than I can name throughout our 20 years in the all-star cheerleading business. Nfinity is the brand we trust the most. With the new introduction of the Nfinity Fearless, I can honestly say this brand has done it again. Perfect shoe for my athletes! They support the ankle and protect it from previous or new injuries,' says Victor Rosario, Top Gun All-Stars. Nfinity cheer shoes are designed for intense activities like stunting, tumbling, and flyer routines. They deliver superb responsiveness, airflow, and ankle agility. Whether you're a flyer needing aerial control or a base focused on grounded support, Nfinity builds gear that moves with every part of the routine. 'Youth cheerleaders aren't just athletes, they're elite performers with real demands,' says Tate Chalk, founder and CEO of Nfinity. 'We make products that are as powerful and dedicated as the girls and boys who wear them. At Nfinity, we're not just making gear, we're building the future of cheer.' Nfinity customized cheer uniforms are also impressive. Teams can customize every detail, from fabrics to fits, and ensure breathable comfort and durability. Along with cheer shoes and cheer uniforms, Nfinity backpacks are also iconic in the cheer world. They feature built-in organization and laptop sleeves. Plus, athletes can choose between sparkle or matte finishes to show off their personality while on the move. Nfinity reigns supreme among parents, teams, and budding athletes alike. Whether it's school spirit festivities or high-stakes national showdowns, they crave gear that excels. Founded in Atlanta and trusted globally, Nfinity, the top cheerleading brand, designs high-performance gear specifically for cheerleaders. With a focus on lightweight technology, athlete-tested engineering, and youth-first design, Nfinity's shoes, uniforms, and backpacks are built to help the next generation of cheerleaders thrive on and off the mat. Media Contact Company Name: Nfinity Athletic, LLC Contact Person: Tate Chalk Email: Send Email Address: 1440 Dutch Valley Place NE, Suite 2001 City: Atlanta State: GA 30324 Country: United States Website:
