Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader:
Natalie Woods  In this special interview we talk with Natalie Woods about her own wedding, staying in shape, and facing the man himself, Jay Johnson.
How did you meet your husband? I met Mike while we were both attending Stephen F. Austin State University. We dated for a couple of months during college but decided to just be friends. Six years later, we started dating again…and that was it!!! It was so amazing to see how our lives had changed and matured during those 6 years. It was then I realized God’s delays were not God’s denials! Ironically, our first date was on October 31, 1998, and our second “first” date was on October 31, 2004 Was there anything special you did at your wedding? We chose to do a few things differently at our wedding. First, all of my bridesmaids were escorted halfway down the isle by my Maid of Honor’s father. They were each greeted with a single white rose (purity) by a groomsman. That groomsman escorted her the rest of the way down the isle and they stood together through the entire ceremony. This symbolized that a woman should never have to walk alone. Second, Mike and I faced our friends and family for the ceremony. We wanted everyone in attendance to know they were also an important part of our union. Third, we did not have separate sides for the bride and groom’s family and friends. Our families sat together for the ceremony. Unity was a message during this wedding. Fourth, on the altar, we had a candle lit for each of our friends and family that had passed away. We also acknowledged each of them in our wedding program. Any advice you can give brides now that you have been through the process? Oh yeah…. - Assign one person to call ALL vendors the day before for confirmation as well as the morning of the wedding!
- Make sure whomever is in charge of loading gifts into a car after your wedding knows all gifts should be secure during transport. Often, the gift bags will fall over and the cards will fall out and you won’t know who gave you what.
- I knew our bridesmaids and groomsmen wanted to buy wedding gifts for us. Mike and I were on a tight budget, so instead of the bridesmaids and groomsmen buying wedding gifts, I asked them if they would help purchase some of the necessities for the wedding. For example: my Maid of Honor bought our unity candle, two bridesmaids went in together and bought the THOUSANDS of flower petals we used to line outsides of the center isle. One bridesmaid was in charge of the birdseed for our departure. One friend took care of all of the flower girl and ring bearer accessories. Someone created our guest registry which was a picture of us with matting around it that people signed. My sister got us a rockin’ DJ and some groomsmen rented a limo! All of these items add up to a HUGE price tag. Our friends and family really helped us out and it was A LOT less for us to worry about.
- SOMETHING is going to go wrong. Try to laugh it off…it just makes YOUR BIG DAY yours!
What made you decide to tryout for DCC? After we moved back to Dallas, I happened to catch the DCC on TV. It was that moment I thought to myself, “There’s one dream I’ve never been able to pursue….” Next thing I know, I’m in front of the director and choreographer of the DCC as well as a panel of celebrity judges trying to convince them I was the right fit for the most famous cheerleading squad in the world. How intense is the workout schedule? What sorts of exercises do you do? During training camp, the workouts are VERY intense. After work, I head straight to Dallas Cowboys headquarters. At 7 pm, we start with a two-mile run, followed by 45 minutes of toning and sculpting workouts, such as lunges, squat hops, weighted arm curls, full sit ups, etc…. Fifteen minutes of the next hour is spent stretching and elongating the muscles followed by 45 minutes of high-kicks and across-the-floor technique classes. Around 9 pm, we learn a high-energy, high-impact routine. This happens an average of 4 nights a week for 4 months. Jay also gives us a meal plan tailored to each one of our needs. If you want the six pack abs, diet is the key! Is it a big commitment to stay in shape and does Jay help you to obtain your goals? It is a big commitment to stay in shape. I already need 30 hours in a day, so time management is imperative. Good health is a key factor to a good life, so I make sure working out remains a priority. Jay’s boot camps are a great way to keep accountable because you’re not alone. There are so many people from so many different backgrounds. They also have questions and concerns. Some people have knee or shoulder injuries. Some people who are just starting out, haven’t run in 30 years and wonder if they can handle it. Some women attending Jay’s boot camps are either pregnant or just had a baby. Jay’s workouts are for EVERYONE. Great news: it’s only 1 hour a day. I get more out of that 1 hour than I would spending 3 hours at a gym! Jay’s Boot Camp is tried, tested and true!!! What is it like working out with Jay? I worked out with Jay before I was a cheerleader and I will work out with Jay LONG after I’m a cheerleader. It’s the fastest way to get the results I need. Does Jay seem to genuinely care about your results and health? Jay cares about people who genuinely want to make a change in their life. He will not give up on you unless you give up on him. Jay will tell you exactly what you need to do to get your desired results, but he can’t do the workout for you and he can’t make you “just say NO” to the wrong diet. He is my guide to a healthy life, but I’m in the driver’s seat. I am 32 and in better shape today than I was when I was 18. Thanks, Jay!! Source: Hitched Texas |
Texas Tidbits
A stitch in time with the
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
(February 2003)
by Kirstin A. McCudden
 DALLAS COWBOYS CHEERLEADERS, INTRODUCED DURING the 1972-73 football season, have danced on the sidelines at football games for 30 years. In that time, the trademarked uniform, created by Dallas-based designer Paula Van Waggoner, has undergone only six changes. Some of the changes to the uniform—which is handmade and tailored for each cheerleader— are reflections of the times, while others are merely superficial. The Cheerleader's director, Kelli McGonagill Finglass—a Cheerleader herself for five season —oversees each change. texasmonthly.com: I see that the squad was created in 1972 but first performed during the '72-'73 season—can you tell me which would be more correct— is the squad 30 or 31 years old?
Kelli McGonagill Finglass: If you are counting seasons, with the first season in '72, this year—the '02 season was the 30th season for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. If you look at our history on the Web, though, we did have "cheerleaders" of a different style that date back to '61. They were a high school all-star "pep squad" that cheered during our Cotton Bowl days. The anniversary we are celebrating this year is that of the introduction of jazz style dancers who were 18 or older—not high school students—and donning our new star-spangled vest, shorts, and go-go boots. It was the first time beautiful jazz style dancers hit the sidelines of NFL football. texasmonthly.com: How long does it take to make each uniform? Would a cheerleader need a new one at the start of every season? How many women are on the squad this year? KMF: Currently we have 31 cheerleaders. Each DCC gets a custom-made uniform her rookie year. We replace items when we see damage or wear and tear. We begin rookie fittings in May and have uniforms ready in June. It is a demanding schedule for our uniform maker, Greg Danison.
(Continued on the right) | (Continued) texasmonthly.com: You were a cheerleader for five years—is the uniform comfortable to wear (even the boots)? Do you get to keep your uniform?
KMF: I cheered for five seasons: 1984, '85, '86, '87, '88. You grow to love and cherish your uniform. It was a very sad day for me to turn in my uniform in April of '89. The uniform was actually very functional for dancing and designed to withstand the heat at Texas Stadium. It was also very unforgiving if you gained weight, so it was a constant reminder to stay fit. texasmonthly.com: What decisions go into changing a uniform? Who initially suggests the change? Is it trends, practicality?
KMF: I have made minor modifications through my past 12 years as director. Each one was carefully considered to improve the fit and the finishing touches. I changed the waistline to be more figure flattering. I added crystal edging to our 15 blue stars to "sparkle" under stadium and show lighting. I then added crystal edging to the bottom of the vest to finish out the look. We changed the go-go boots to custom-made cowboy boots to compliment our "cowboy" identity. This year we did a throwback design to our original '72 design with hip hugger belt and go-go boots. The girls loved the belt, and because belts are so big right now, I'm in a dilemma for next season. texasmonthly.com: There have been three different styles of boots—do you see any more changes coming to the footwear of the cheerleaders?
KMF: No, we will keep our custom-made cowboy boot for dancing. I may work with designers to see if I can get a go-go that is truly danceable. We have broken the heels off of traditional go-go boots in years past. texasmonthly.com: Can you tell me if there are any plans for any other uniform changes in the near future?
KMF: No, fortunately our uniform has withstood the test of time, and remains to be very identifiable worldwide. It's almost magical. Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Uniform timeline
1989 — Original "go-go" style boot changed in favor of a more western-style boot
1991 — Large buckled belt taken off shorts and v-cut implemented
1992 — Boots change again to a cowboy boot
1993 — Crystals added to outline the 15 stars on the vest and shorts
1994 — Blouse lapels get a more western shape
1999 — Crystals added to the fringe line of the vest Source: Texas Monthly |
| Dallas Spurs Memories for Denise Garvey Published: 11-21-07
By Eric Allen
Senior Managing Editor When Denise Garvey danced on the sidelines at Texas Stadium, she never let New York slip from her mind. “Every game under my boots, I always wore 'I Love New York' socks,” she said. Garvey, the choreographer of the Jets Flight Crew, was a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader in 2000. After a year dancing with the New Jersey Nets, a teammate suggested to Denise that they try out for the most famous cheerleading unit in the world. “And then about three days before the trip, my girlfriend said, ‘I’m not going to go. My boyfriend wouldn’t want me to go if I made the team,’ ” Garvey said. But the Merrick, N.Y., native didn’t have a change of heart. After her application received approval, she flew to Dallas by herself. (Continued on the right) “They have it really down to a science down there. Even before you go to the audition, you have to apply and you either get accepted or not,” she said. “From there, there are semifinal auditions and final auditions, and then you have to go through a series of interviews, you have to take a test on football and you have to write six or eight essays on current events. It’s quite a long three-week process. I guess their goal is to try and get well-rounded girls.” The longer Garvey was involved in the process, the more she wanted to become a member of the team. “When my number was called to enter training camp," she said, "I remember running up to the front of the room and just thinking, ‘Oh, my gosh. As of right now I live in Dallas.’ ” Well, she kind of lived in Dallas. Garvey’s year was fast and it featured plenty of return trips home. “It was a series of months where if I would go back to New York, I would leave Texas with an empty suitcase, fill it up and come back,” she said. “And I did that over the course of a few months. I didn’t have any furniture in my apartment— I didn’t have anything higher than six inches in my apartment.” But she was held in high regard throughout the community. If you’re a cheerleader in Dallas, you’re a celebrity. (continued to the left) | 
Former DCC Denise Garvey
(Continued) “If you went to drop off your drycleaning, people really knew who you were,” Garvey said. “If you went to school, to work, there would be people who would walk by your classroom and know who you were. Football is king there.” The Cowboys weren’t royalty in Garvey’s only season, finishing with five wins under Dave Campo. Still, she managed to collect a boatful of memories on the sideline and traveling throughout the world as a member of the team’s Show Group. “I always wanted to travel, and to do it and dance in a production was exciting,” she said. “I wouldn’t be in Texas for more than a week before they would send me to Japan or Korea or Bosnia or Croatia. I would come home and cheer at the games. If I was home for more than a few days, we were usually off to another country.” The schedule was both demanding and exhilarating. “We went overseas to spend time with the servicemen and servicewomen,” Garvey said. “We did the USO Tours and we also did a lot of corporate events and sporting events. In the country, it was more promotions and corporate events. But worldwide, it was more the USO.” After a year in Dallas, Garvey returned home to be closer with family and friends. She was a Knicks City Dancer from 2001-05 and then hung up her pro dancing shoes. Some of the relationships she built in Dallas exist to this day. “There were a good handful of girls that come to visit me every other year and I’ll go to visit them,” she said. “I still keep in touch with my director [Kelli McGonagill Finglass] and she’s been a role model to me in a lot of ways, especially with the position I hold now with the Jets. She has been a good person I can look to for advice if I need it.” During Thursday’s Thanksgiving Day game between the Jets and the Cowboys, Garvey’s Flight Crew will find a way to be part of the action. “We are going to have a national spot where we’ll get to wish all of the viewers a happy Thanksgiving on behalf of the Jets and the Jets family,” she said. “It is great exposure for the girls and the Jets and the whole idea of the Flight Crew.” Source: NYJets.com |
Three Cheers for
Dallas Cowboys
Cheerleaders|
Barbie Doll 
Who's the most recognized doll in the world? Barbie®, of course! What about the most legendary cheerleaders in the world? Without a doubt, it's the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. These two exceptionally relevant brands have at long last joined forces to celebrate their timeless appeal with Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Barbie® doll. And because both entities embrace and celebrate multiculturalism, Barbie® Collector has created not one, not two, but three fabulous dolls— a stunning blonde Caucasian, a gorgeous brunette Latina, and a breathtaking African American. Now that's something to cheer about! Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Barbie® doll represents a passionate pairing between Mattel and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders organization that's been in the works for some time now. In fact, everyone involved in the project brought their own bit of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders history to the table. Growing up in Texas, Barbie® Collector’s own Liz Grampp once dreamed of donning the iconic uniform and cheering the Dallas Cowboys to victory. In more recent years, designer Robert Best fell in love with the Texas cheerleaders through their reality TV show Making the Team. Robert became so smitten with the show that late one night inspiration struck and he began sketching his vision. He then shared his ideas with Liz and voilà! - a doll was born. From the famed blouse, star-spangled vest and belt to the white shorts, cowboy boots, and blue and silver poms, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Barbie® doll captures the spirit and enthusiasm of the world's most famous cheerleaders. (Continued on the right) | (Continued) According to Robert, “These girls really are America's sweetheart. Their sheer athleticism and energy is incredible. This is just one of those projects that was a dream to work on.” It seems that everyone at Mattel and beyond agrees. According to Liz, “The dolls get a fantastic reaction from anyone who sees them.” The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are no exception. Robert and Liz recently traveled to Dallas to unveil the dolls to the entire Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders organization. “The response was amazing. Everyone was so excited,” Liz recalled. “There were cheers when the dolls were unveiled,” Robert added. “That's the reason to make a doll. When collector response is good, you know you've done your job. But when you represent a brand and they feel the same way, it's extra special.” The dolls weren't the only ones who got cheers in Texas. Just as Robert had been a big fan of the cheerleaders' reality show, they too were fans of his from Project Runway. And when reality stars collide, you never know what'll happen. Case in point: you can catch Robert unveiling the dolls in an upcoming episode of Making the Team 2. (Robert confesses it was a dream come true to be on the show!) The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Barbie® dolls are available now at Walmart.com and Dallas Cowboys Pro Shops. When you add one or more of the dolls to your collection (or even if you give them as a gift), they're sure to bring some added cheer to your holiday season. All names, marks and logos of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are owned by the Dallas Cowboys Football Club, Ltd. and cannot be used without the express written permission of the Dallas Cowboys Football Club. Source: barbiecollector.com |
Q&A with
Misty Duncan Talking To Cheerleaders: Misty Duncan, Dallas Cowboys Our new feature kicks off with the Cowboys' Pro Bowl cheerleader, who explains how she made her way to Hawaii. by IGN Sports February 21, 2008 - For someone who never even imagined she could be a Cowboys cheerleader, Misty Duncan sure has managed to excel at it. As if performing inside Texas Stadium wasn't enough, Misty's managed to make it onto USO Tours of Cuba and Korea, and in 2008, was selected to the Pro Bowl . She accomplished it all while retaining a full-time job in sales, which makes us feel incredibly lazy. We spoke to Misty about her worldwide travels and embarassing moments in the first installment of our new feature, "Talking To Cheerleaders".
IGN : How did you end up becoming a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader? Was it always a dream of yours when you were young?
Misty Duncan: I actually never dreamed I could make a squad. I danced in college, but I wasn't able to give up performing; one of my girlfriends on the team auditioned and made it, so I thought I could make it. I started practicing a lot more, going to step classes, but I didn't make it the first year I auditioned, like several of the people on the team. After that, I worked really hard, and next year, I got in. It was so far out of my realm that I never really thought it was possible. Being here now is such a blessing. IGN : What's the most rewarding part of being a member of the Cowboys cheerleading squad?
Misty Duncan: The best, most rewarding part is being able to give back to our community and be role models to little girls who want to emulate us, by being members of the squad and being successful in their career choices. Along with that, meeting people throughout the community for charity and hospital events, and meeting our fans and giving back to our community is really awesome.
IGN : What's it like to go on the USO tours?
Misty Duncan: USO tours are thrilling experiences, getting to meet our troops and being a part of that organization is such an honor. It's really tiring; we're up early in the morning and don't go to sleep till late at night, but to bring a little bit of America to wherever they're stationed is such an honor. My brother was in the Air Force for seven years and my sister-in-law was also in the Navy, so it hits home that way, too.
IGN : You went to the Pro Bowl this year. What's that like, and what's the process like for becoming a Pro Bowl cheerleader?
Misty Duncan: It's an amazing experience. So fun to be there. There were so many Cowboys fans that it felt like a home game at times. Phenomenal group of women to be around, very successful. It's different for some teams. The majority are voted on by their teams, so the girls on our squad voted me in, which was a real honor.
(Continued on the right)
| 
Misty Duncan
(Continued from left) IGN : A lot of players tend to opt out of the Pro Bowl game if they can find an excuse. Was there ever any thought that you might want to turn down the invitation to go to Hawaii ?
Misty Duncan: No way! It's such a huge honor. Cheerleaders only get one opportunity to go to the Pro Bowl , so it's a huge honor for us and never dream of turning it down. IGN : Do you ever get any strange gifts from fans?
Misty Duncan: No! Never any strange gifts. We do receive fan mail, but it's screened before we get it, so if we got something weird, I probably wouldn't ever get it. We have wonderful fans that are very thoughtful and nice, though.
IGN : What was the most embarrassing moment you've had on the field?
Misty Duncan: Oh, goodness. I've been fortunate enough to not have too many embarrassing things happen to me. When you're dancing in front of 65,000 people every Sunday , it's hard to be embarrassed about things. Um…I did walk out of the locker room with my zipper down once, but I discovered it before anyone noticed, fortunately. One girl fell during a pre-game routine, but it wasn't me! I can tell her embarrassing story for her. IGN : How do you manage a career alongside being a member of the squad?
Misty Duncan: It's definitely the ultimate lesson in time management and organization. It was difficult my rookie year, but I figured it out and came up with a schedule that works.
IGN : Is there a point where you know, in the future, you're going to want to finish up your career as a member of the cheerleading squad? Are you going to just keep going until it's no longer fun?
Misty Duncan: This is my fifth year, and it's been an amazing experience, but I did decide recently to hang up the pom-poms. With our organization, it's a pretty big time commitment, and we're grateful of course, but at some point, it's a personal decision where I felt like it was time. It was definitely difficult, and I kept going back and forth, but last week I decided it was time to go.
IGN : OK, final questions. Favorite Cowboy?
Misty Duncan: Dat Nguyen! He's my favorite, he played for Texas A&M , such a hard-worker. I enjoyed his career. There are so many good players, my rookie year was the rookie year of so many good players with JasonWitten, Tony Romo, and Bradie James, so I feel like our careers have grown together.
IGN : And, finally, least favorite opposition player?
Misty Duncan: They've been really good. I'd have to say Eli Manning , because of the playoff game! I'm sure he's a great person. Only because I'm a sore loser!
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Meet the DCC from
Friendswood, Texas 
Dara, a talented dancer, was recruited by the
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to try out for the squad
By TED DUNNAM
Friendswood Journal
tdunnam@hcnonline.com 02/11/2008 A year ago today, Dara McFarlane couldn’t envision what her future held.The Friendswood High School graduate was preparing for college, going about her normal every-day life, just doing the things teenagers like to do.In other words, there were no bombshells waiting.Ironically, in a manner of speaking, those would be much nearer to her overseas when she went to visit U.S. troops. McFarlane, a dancer for more than half her life, was recruited by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders , the most famous of all professional cheerleading teams, to become one of its newest members last April.There were the strenuous tryouts, the stress of finding out whether she made the team, and then the responsibilities that come with being a DCC once.Long story short, McFarlane made the team with flying colors. And, as if it couldn’t get any better, she was selected as a member of the DCC Show Group, which embarked on the 65th USO tour this past December.And although it can’t be verified, it’s almost a certainty that McFarlane is the youngest Cowboy cheerleader ever. Prospective cheerleaders must be 18 to try out for the DCC, and McFarlane turned 18 just five days before tryouts. Nine months later, McFarlane remains on cloud nine. In other words, being a DCC is more than just showing up on Sundays during football season and shouting a few cheers.  “It’s definitely been a whirlwind first year,” McFarlane said. “I’ve been overseas twice. The first time was a little more overwhelming. Going to Iraq , Kuwait , Afghanistan – it’s not the typical thing to do when you’re 18. “I got to see some things I’m glad I saw. It made me have a better understanding of why we’re over there.” McFarlane was only supposed to go overseas once, but because of a twist of misfortune, she was able to go twice. “One of our girls (Brooke) got hurt, unfortunately, and I got lucky because I was the one who took Brooke’s place,” McFarlane said. “She has recovered, thankfully, but because of that, I got to go to Iraq again.” While McFarlane felt blessed to go overseas, she found it even more rewarding when she saw the reaction of the troops. (Continued on the right)  | (Continued) “They love it,” she said. “It’s such a morale-booster for them. To see the smiles on their face…how we just show up in a room and they go crazy.” Earth to Dara: Cheerleaders can have that effect on a room full of guys.McFarlane said her start to becoming a DCC started innocently enough. “I went to Friendswood High School, and I never even thought about professional cheerleading,” she said. “I got recruited at a dance competition by Shelly McCaslin (of the Dallas Cowboys organization).“From there, she was telling me about the Cowboy cheerleaders, and even had the older cheerleaders call me. What sold me was the show group – how they go out of the country and do all these fantastic things. For me, that was really the selling point.” At the time, McFarlane was only 17. Being one of the freshest faces around, though, was not an intimidating factor when the time came for tryouts. “I didn’t turn 18 until the Tuesday before the tryouts, which was April 15 ,” she said. “I was going to college in the Dallas area at the time, so it was convenient for me.“I felt I could make the team. You want to feel that way when you are recruited, but I still had a more nervous feeling than anything.” But McFarlane felt she was up to the task.“I think I have talent, and I felt pretty confident,” she said.Her grueling work paid off.“After that long training session…I was so glad it was over,” she said. “We went through a lot, and got closer as a team. We worked hard.“There was a lot of sweat and tears, but it was worth in the end.”Now we fast-forward to game day where the stage gets much bigger.“That atmosphere is an adrenaline-pumper,” she said. “To stand in the tunnel and see all those people…I can’t really describe. You have to be there.“The first time you think ‘Is this really happening? Maybe I’m dreaming.’” McFarlane knows that being a DCC is not a lifelong career so she is making the most of her opportunity.“I’m not sure how long I’ll keep dong it, but I am trying out again next year,” she said. “I value the friendships and the girls are amazing.“We all respect each other, and it’s opened a lot of doors for me.”And McFarlane does her best to remain modest.“People look at us as America’s sweethearts, and people who don’t know you consider you celebrities,” she said. “We don’t consider ourselves celebrities. All we do is dance and do what is fun to us.“We’re just having fun, and I thank God for the experience. I couldn’t ask for anything more.” McFarlane said she’s appreciative of encouragement from well-wishers in Friendswood.“Whether it’s school teachers, family or people I went to school with, they all know about me (thanks to my mom!),” McFarlane said. “They all knew one day that I would be dancing.“My sister (Raguel) owned a competitive dance and drill team (Excellent Exposures Dancing Angels) which kind of vaulted me. I’ve been dancing since I was nine, and I’ve worked hard to get to where I am.“My parents (David and Pamela McFarlane) have always supported me in whatever I do, but I would say my sister has been the most influential person for me.” While the off-season isn’t as hectic as football season, McFarlane knows she can’t totally relax. “I’m doing a lot of appearances and shows – and I rest a little bit, too,” she said. “We’ve had a long year. We’ve been going since April. It’s been a non-stop adventure.“I’ll just keep working hard. There are plenty of girls who want to be Cowboy cheerleaders. You have to remember that it can be taken away just as fast as it was given to you.”
©Houston Community Newspapers Online 2008
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Blondes vs Brunettes:
DCC Promotes TIGI Bed Head
DallasCowboys.com
February 11, 2008 The world famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders traveled to New York City to promote TIGI® Bed Head® hair products for the campaign "Dumb Blondes vs. Brunette Goddesses - Who Does It Better?" Four year veteran blonde Christina Parker and three year veteran brunette Trisha Trevino promoted Dumb Blonde Smoothing Stuff® and Brunette Goddess Shine Spray® to MTV and over a dozen national beauty and fitness magazines such as CosmoGIRL!, Elle, Lucky, Marie Claire, Seventeen and Shape. "TIGI Bed Head is the official make-up and hair products sponsor for the world famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and these ladies were perfect for this campaign. They fit the image of our products with style and glamour," said Lynne Gueniot, Director of Product Development and Public Relations for TIGI Linea, LP. In the battle of Dumb Blondes vs. Brunette Goddesses - Who does it better? "I am an advocate for Brunette Goddess Shine Spray because it enhances my natural and chemical treated highlights and adds shine," said Trisha. "The Dumb Blonde Smoothing Stuff tames my ends, enhances shine and adds the perfect finishing touch to complete my look," added Christina. The TIGI Bed Head campaign pits Blondes vs. Brunettes. Online users are encouraged to visit www.tigihaircare.com to cast their votes for their favorite Dumb Blonde or Brunette Goddess products April 1st - May 31, 2008. One Grand Prize Winner will be chosen from the hair color with the most votes and receive $1,000 worth of TIGI Bed Head products. There will be five runners-up for each hair color who will receive $100 worth of TIGI Bed Head products. All winners are selected at random. (Continued on the right) | 
Christina Parker and Trisha Trevino with Jill Percia
(Continued from left) TIGI is a leader in the beauty and hair care industry, representing three generations of artistic talent, creative vision and innovative products. What began in 1963 as a suburban London salon run by four Italian brothers has become a global empire. Shaped by the vision of the Mascolo family, the Texas based organization is committed to developing and distributing TIGI products. Under the TIGI umbrella, six product lines exist: Bed Head®, Catwalk®, S-factorTM, B for Men® by Bed Head®, Bed Head® Make-Up and BodyTM by Bed Head® fitting every lifestyle. TIGI also has two tool lines Hardcore® and Hardcore® ProfessionalTM that include tools for stylists and consumers. TIGI continues to be on the cutting edge of product development and their unique assortments of products are specifically designed to allow consumers flexibility and opportunity to personalize their own style. The revolutionary packaging, formulations, tools and accessories have elevated the brand to a level of recognition that is revered throughout the beauty industry. TIGI products are available worldwide in TONI&GUY® salons and professional salons. For more information on TIGI, visit www.tigihaircare.com. *TIGI, Bed Head, Dumb Blonde and Brunette Goddess are registered trademarks of TIGI Linea, LP. Source: DCC Official Site |
Dallas Cheerleaders
Encounter Local Chill 
Mackenzie and Trisha
| Nick Lees | | The Edmonton Journal |
Monday, February 04, 2008Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders Makenzi Swicegood and Trisha Trevino called home from Edmonton Sunday to report a record. "This is the coldest place a Dallas cheerleader has ever been in uniform," said Swicegood. The pair were invited to greet fans at the Super Bowl game being shown on giant screens at the River Cree Resort and Casino on Enoch Reserve.
(Continued on the right) | (Continued) "I brought Texas winter clothes, but they are for sho' not practical," said Trevino. "Fortunately we are spending all our time indoors. But just to be prudent, I brought a neck warmer." Trevino said the Edmonton temperature of -24 C was a far cry from a Dallas cheerleader visit to Iraq in September. "We had to wear a helmet and bullet-proof vests there," she said. "And the temperature was more than a 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 C)." The pair, both 23, said they looked up Edmonton's exact location when they were on the plane here from Dallas . "We knew it was going to be cold here," said Trevino. "But not this cold. We are enjoying the great outdoors while going by car to and from the airport." The cheerleaders said Dallas sometimes gets a few snowflakes. "But we've never seen mountains of snow the way you have in Edmonton ," said Swicegood. The cheerleaders talked to fans and posed for photographs for two hours before the game began. Swicegood said they were supporting the Giants because they are in the same football conference as Dallas . " Dallas had a great season. Had they made it to the Super Bowl we would have been there today." |
Bring It On A former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader tackles the New York art world. Taylor–worthy rings—one diamond, one emerald—on her French-manicured fingers. As she makes her way to her table, she’s stopped at every turn, here by a man inviting her to a collectors’ dinner, there by an elderly admirer who looks her over and says, teasing, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it.” Given her bombshell appearance, the attention is not unexpected, but what is somewhat surprising is the fact that this woman, who looks more Legally Blonde than West Chelsea power player, is Amy Phelan, a newly appointed trustee of the Guggenheim board. And as dinner starts, there is only one thing on her mind: “I want to meet Owen Wilson !” she gushes in her Texas drawl. “Where is he? Tell him to come over here and have a drink with us!” The 36-year-old Phelan has managed to crack the notoriously insular art world remarkably quickly, especially considering she started collecting seriously just six years ago, shortly after she moved to New York from her native Dallas to marry her husband, investment fund manager John Phelan. In April she became only the seventh woman on the 29-member Guggenheim board. (Another recent addition, Linda Macklowe, a longtime collector from a renowned New York real-estate family, fits the typical profile a bit better.) Regardless, Phelan is being considered to cochair the Guggenheim’s 50th-anniversary celebrations in 2009, a job for which she is well prepared, given the fact that venerable collector and 11-year veteran of the Whitney board Melva Bucksbaum tapped her to head up the 2007 gala at the Whitney, where John sits on the board. “She was unbelievable. She left me in the dust,” says Bucksbaum. “I learned a lot from Amy on that job. I followed her around like a puppy dog.” Not only has Phelan impressed the collector crowd; she’s popular with artists too: Photographer Marilyn Minter counts her as a muse, and Phelan can often be found palling around with painter Delia Brown, with whom she has regular sleepovers. “We stay up and eat M&M’s and drink white wine in bed,” Brown says. Sculptor Jim Hodges is another Phelan favorite, and he’s introduced her to downtown denizens like Fischerspooner’s Casey Spooner, who is now a close friend as well. 
Amy in her Sweetheart days
 What’s most appealing about Phelan, say her many friends, is her infectious enthusiasm and dedication—personality traits she had plenty of time to develop in the Nineties, when she spent three seasons as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. “It was a dream. I was just superlucky,” she remembers, as she sits in the library of her Park Avenue apartment, opposite a Thomas Ruff nude that she describes as her “double dildo” photograph. “I had always wanted to be a cheerleader. When I was a little girl I had the cheerleader jacket, all the posters in my bedroom.” It wasn’t an easy dream to fulfill: Cheerleaders had to reaudition every year, were expected to practice five to six hours a night on top of school or a job, and were only paid $25 per home game—“$12.63 after taxes,” she remembers—which was then donated to charity. Phelan is also quick to point out that, contrary to popular belief, cheerleaders “were not allowed to fraternize with the players. We lost a couple girls that way.” Though extremely proud of the time she spent on the Astroturf, Phelan avoids advertising her pom-pom prowess in New York for fear of facing a Northeast cold front. “I don’t want to be judged,” she says. It’s just one of the adjustments she’s had to make since her move. “Everything in my closet was a color,” she says of her pre–Park Avenue days. “Now I have different shades of black.” All kidding aside, the transition hasn’t always been easy. “ New York is the best of the best and the worst of the worst. People are judgmental,” she says, adding that her Southern accent, in particular, often leads New Yorkers to make certain assumptions. “I use it to my advantage. I’d rather them think I am a little dull and slowly peel it back.” “People are taken aback,” says Maria Bell, a Los Angeles collector and friend of Phelan’s. “She is the quintessential blond cheerleader. But we always say, ‘Wait until you get to know her.’ She is a smart girl in the guise of a bombshell.” It’s a crisp fall evening at Manhattan ’s Pier 40, and the cavernous space, by day an industrial parking garage, has been transformed into a palace of eco chic for the third annual Guggenheim International Gala. Under a ceiling festooned with recycled cardboard swirls, dealers Larry Gagosian, Barbara Gladstone and Tony Shafrazi mingle with such collectors as Peter Brandt and Stephanie Seymour , artist Richard Prince and—oddly enough— Owen Wilson . But even against such a star-studded background, one buxom, tan creature stands out. Her long blond hair spills down over her formfitting, feather-trimmed black dress and preternaturally perfect cleavage. Her face is precisely made up with highly arched brows and frosted pink lips. The look is completed by elbow-length black gloves, fingerless to better accommodate the Elizabeth (Continued on the right) | 
Former DCC Amy (Lemon) Phelan
(Continued) Phelan was born in Dallas , where her stay-at-home mom cared for Amy and her brother while her father (a former champion bull rider) embarked on a variety of businesses, ranging from construction to oil. She attended Southern Methodist University and graduated “on the five- or six-year track, if I’m honest,” with a degree in marketing and finance. (Cheerleading, she admits, was a bit of a distraction from her studies: “It was during the glory years, when we were winning back-to-back Super Bowls.”) After graduating, she worked in marketing at a medical mattress company for three years. When the company was sold, she went into management consulting at the Dallas-based firm Blythe-Nelson. In the meantime, she was briefly married to L.B. Moon, a former football player for the Miami Dolphins . The two had a daughter, Makenzie, but divorced in 1997. In 2000 she was set up on a blind date with John, also an SMU graduate, whose fraternity brother had married a cheerleading teammate of Amy’s. They hit it off: In late 2000 Amy and her daughter moved to New York to be with John, who runs MSD Capital, the highly successful investment fund that manages Michael Dell’s fortune. They married in 2002. That same year, the newlyweds moved into a sprawling floor-through on a prime stretch of Park Avenue. “This was Goldie Hawn ’s apartment in The First Wives Club,” says Phelan, offering a tour. Under her direction, the place has become a filmlike fantasy of an Upper East Side home: The dining room is a riot of greens, the living room is yellow, and the circular entrance hall is a vision in pale marble. Mounds of silk Versace pillows accent the couches in the library, and for dinner parties—like the raucous affair she threw for Hodges’s 50th birthday last fall—she breaks out the Versace china. She says her decorator, the late Kevin McNamara, almost quit in protest over the tented ceiling she wanted in the library, but in the end she won and he stayed on. The decor has caused some whispering from her more conservative neighbors, but Phelan enjoys stirring the pot: On a bookshelf in the library hangs a sign printed in large red script that reads please pay f---ing attention. thank you. In the kitchen is a case of wine called La Poussaie, which Phelan points out with a giggle. “A friend of mine bought a bottle for me last weekend and it was, like, a totally delicious wine. I’m going to serve it at my next Junior League lunch. You think I’m kidding, but I’m not,” she says. “I’m a little naughty. A little naughty, but not too much.” The same might be said of the Phelans’ contemporary art collection, which is displayed alongside the Picassos, Dubuffets and Chagalls that represent their initial direction. In the entrance hall is an R. Luke DuBois video piece displaying 50 years of Playboy centerfolds. Above the living room mantel, looming over the silver-framed snapshots of Makenzie and the family’s miniature schnauzer, Lollipop, hangs a still from Matthew Barney’s Cremaster of showgirls in little more than pasties. Just outside the door to Makenzie’s room are two Helmut Newton nudes, and two porn stills by Jeff Burton hang in the master bedroom next to large, posed photographs of Amy and John. Over the bed is an Ed Ruscha text piece reading toy. “I think of them as having brave taste,” says Amy Cappellazzo, international cohead of postwar and contemporary art at Christie’s. “Their collection is a celebration of the sexual side of life with a sense of humor.” “John and I feel so strongly about what we like, and it has worked for us,” says Phelan, who does not work with an art adviser. Many of the blonds that feature in their largely figurative collection bear more than a passing resemblance to Phelan, and some actually are her. In the foyer is a Minter photograph of Phelan’s mouth, with diamond necklaces spilling from between her glistening red lips. “I had literally been stopping people in the street looking for lips like that,” recalls Minter, who says she has produced about 20 pieces from her one day of shooting with Phelan, including one that graces the cover of her monograph. “She brought real jewelry too. For the first time I had real diamonds! I just went crazy, I was so happy.” Minter met Phelan—and her lush lips—at the suggestion of the late Aspen gallerist Harley Baldwin. It was just one of many New York introductions made in Aspen , where the Phelans recently built a home. “We go every chance we can get, to amortize the cost of the house,” says Phelan. The spare, contemporary mountain lodge houses the bulk of their collection, which features a roll call of big names including Andreas Gursky, Lisa Yuskavage, Cindy Sherman and Richard Prince. “They nailed it,” says Bucksbaum, who has visited the Aspen abode. “A museum would love to have a show like the art that they have there.” John is on the board of the Art Museum, and it was Amy’s efforts cochairing that institution’s Art Crush in 2006 that caught the eye of Guggenheim board president Jennifer Blei Stockman and then Guggenheim head Lisa Dennison. “We saw the amount of work that goes into the event,” says Stockman, who nominated Phelan for the Guggenheim board. “Amy was definitely a mover behind that.” And now the Guggenheim is looking forward to having her tireless energies directed its way. “She’s serious and a hard worker,” says Dennison, who has since decamped to Sotheby’s. “It’s wonderful that her profile is growing. Hopefully the institution can help with that, and she can help raise the profile of the institution.” But despite her rising profile, Phelan—who spends about three nights a week on the charity circuit—isn’t about to make herself over to fit the Park Avenue mold. She still considers her cheerleading buddies her best friends, peppers her speech with “y’all” and spends half of the aforementioned Guggenheim gala dinner debating the merits of Journey before and after the departure of lead singer Steve Perry . “A year or two ago plenty of the art-world people were going, ‘Who is this character?’” admits PaceWildenstein’s Marc Glimcher. “But she very rapidly went from being whatever that judgment was to just being her. She has not reinvented herself.” “Amy is totally unaffected,” says Cappellazzo. “She loves art and she loves artists, and it comes from the right place.” And if there’s anything funny about a busty former cheerleader scaling the heights of the notoriously too-cool art world, Phelan is certainly in on the joke. Spooner shares an anecdote from a recent party chez Phelan. “We were rocking out in the living room, and Amy said, ‘Let’s go to the kitchen and cut all our hair off!’” remembers Spooner, who was appearing in a play with the Wooster Group theater company at the time. “I said, ‘I can’t. I have to keep it for my role.’” Phelan’s retort? “Me too!” By Elisa Lipsky-Karasz
Photographed by Ben Hoffmann February 2008 |
Former DCC
Dr. Jill Waggoner
Opens New Clinic  Clinic guarantees one-hour service By MARIA M. PEROTIN
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
January 30, 2008 Tired of waiting endlessly in your doctor's waiting room? A pair of North Texas entrepreneurs is banking on that impatience. Dr. Jill Waggoner and her business partner, Lee DeGrande, plan to open a clinic Saturday in Arlington that hinges on this pitch: Get treatment in one hour or your next visit is free. "We wanted to make sure that the patients' time is very important to us," Waggoner said. "We want to be that place where you can have continuity of care, you can have it fast, you can have it efficient, and you can have it affordable." (Continued on the right) | (Continued) About the clinic: HourCare, a 2,700-square-foot clinic at 1212 S. Bowen Road, will be open seven days a week. Waggoner, who now practices medicine at South Texas Medical Center in Dallas , will split her time between her current job and the Arlington clinic. For the most part, patients will be treated by nurse practitioners and physician assistants. What's different: The clinic staff plans to offer all the services that typically are available at a family practice, such as routine exams for adults and children, flu shots and treatment of common ailments. They'll give the one-hour guarantee to all patients with scheduled appointments, although they'll also see walk-in patients. But they won't accept payment from any health-insurance companies. "It's a cash, check or credit-card clinic," Waggoner said. "We have a flat rate for your office visits and a flat rate for all procedures." The no-insurance policy allows the clinic to reduce administrative expenses and keep its prices low, Waggoner said. But it means that insured patients would have to fill out paperwork to get reimbursed for their medical bills. About Waggoner: Waggoner, who is often called Dr. Jill, has been a family physician for about 15 years. She was a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader in the 1970s. She wrote a book titled My Sister's Keeper: Is your Temple in Order? It includes health tips for women and "deals with some spiritual aspects, things like forgiveness, meditation, massage," she said. Source: Star-Telegram |
Meet the Champions of Cheer DAVE HOLLANDER, AOL January 18, 2007 The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) are the winners of the AOL Hottest Cheerleaders Tournament. To accept the title, the DCC sent us Megan Fox, a four-year veteran and last year's Pro Bowl selection. She questions what Giants fans have against cheerleaders, points out the suspicious timing of the release of the new DCC Barbie and lends emotional support to Terrell Owens. The Darlings From Dallas Megan Fox, a four-year veteran of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, calls her team's championship in AOL's Hottest Cheerleaders Tournament an honor. In the competition's final round, voters chose her squad over the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders 64 to 36 percent. Dave Hollander: A Texas-sized congratulation on winning AOL's first-ever Hottest Cheerleaders competition.
Megan Fox: Well thank you so much! That's quite an honor. I'm going to be honest. For a little while I had no idea it was even going on. Then we actually got word from a couple of my friends who cheer for other squads that we were leading it, so that was really exciting.
DH: Once you realized you were in the tournament which cheerleading squad did you fear most?
MF: You know what? It's kinda funny that it got narrowed down to us and Miami because I've always thought so highly - not that I don't think highly of every professional cheerleading squad - but I've always thought those women were beautiful. But I also feared San Diego a little bit. Because you know those Californians are classic blonde beauties. I thought they may give us a little run for our money also. DH: So you weren't surprised to see the Miami Dolphins in the finals?
MF: Not at all. I think the whole beachy-coast type of girl could be a little bit challenging. Now, they say everything is bigger and better in Texas so I thought we maybe have an edge there.
DH: You'd think with 1-15 record the Miami girls would be ashamed to show their faces.
MF: You would think. But then again, you gotta have something to hold onto. When you're 1-15 you kinda have to rely on something so I think the fans definitely looked to their cheerleaders for a little bit of entertainment.
DH: After earning a first round playoff bye winning the NFC east title, you knocked off the Redskins in a divisional playoff game (58 to 42 percent). How satisfying was it send your old foes packing?
MF: We have little bit of bitterness toward anyone in the NFC East and we're one left out of the three cheerleading squads - Eagles, Redskins and us. Yup, we always have a little bit of animosity towards anybody in the NFC East so it's always exciting to knock off your competitors. DH: The Giants don't even have cheerleaders. What's up with that?
MF: I know! You know I kinda wondered that, because everybody says "Oh it's so cold!" and I think Buffalo has cheerleaders and those girls get out and do that every week. And it can be kinda brutal there. What's interesting is I wonder why Giants fans haven't gotten a little offended by [not having cheerleaders]. And it's funny because they don't even really like us. Like we just played them in the divisional playoff game and those fans don't even like us. Either those fans are just solely focused on their football team that they don't even think about the fact [they don't have cheerleaders] or they're just really jealous that they don't have cheerleaders like everybody else.
DH: Your toughest battle was in the NFC title game, beating the Carolina Panthers (54 to 46 percent). Given that two of their squad were arrested in a Tampa bar fight a couple years ago, did you expect they might be a scrappier bunch?
MF: Not necessarily. You can't peg a whole squad for the mistakes of a couple girls. I actually have a very good friend who cheered for Carolina. She is wonderful and I think she's absolutely beautiful. Like I said you can let a few bad eggs spoil the whole bunch. I think they're a great group of girls and obviously beautiful and talented enough to be on the squad. It's interesting to get America's perspective on what they see as "hot." You know what I mean? Like the hottest girls. That every squad has backing is not a shock to me at all.
DH: It's no surprise you guys were tournament favorites, known worldwide for your trademarked outfits. How big of an advantage are your outfits in a tournament like this?
MF: You know what? I think it helped out a lot in that the uniform hasn't changed over the years. Whether we're traveling worldwide or nationwide or in the state of Texas the uniforms are recognized by everyone. We had a have lot for tradition and it's a very prideful uniform to wear. So I think it does help in a tournament like this because no matter where you're form or who you root for, you kinda go "Okay, I definitely know that uniform and it belongs to the Dallas Cowboys and to America's Sweethearts." Everyone recognizes the blue and white.
DH: You're also the only squad with your own Barbie doll. How big of an advantage is that?
MF: We are so excited! It's every little girl's dream to have a Barbie resemble you, period, but also to have it represent something you hold so dearly like the way we do for our organization. Funny, the release the this Barbie to the public coincided with the AOL competition. It definitely put our name and trademark out there. There was a little buzz about that so it could have influenced the voting. Really, in a completion you kind of take any edge you can get. And with Mattel and Barbie being as big as they are, that covers a huge span of people across the nation. It must've helped.
DH: It also can't hurt to be the only cheerleading team with a national cable TV show, "Making the Team" on CMT. How can other cheerleading team hope to overcome the kind media power you guys bring to tournament?
MF: You know Dave, you're pointing out a lot things to me that I'm like "Yeah, that is funny how that works out." CMT has been very good to us and good to our organization. We started out with that one two-hour special which briefly, and I emphasize briefly, touched on our audition process. And the last two seasons it's been an eight-week series. I think people have gotten to feel like they know our squad, our organization the actual cheerleaders which puts us out there in front of everybody, especially on Friday nights when families sit down together and watch the show. At the same time probably hypes something like an AOL Hottest Cheerleader Tournament because you think about how people must now have new found appreciation for what all the squads are doing and how hard you work to do this job. (Continued on the right) | 
Megan Fox
(Continued) DH: There must be jealousy from other squads. We've seen mascot go at each other on the field. In your four years with the DCC, how often have you guys tussled with opposing cheerleaders on the field?
MF: In the NFL we don't travel to away games. We let cheerleaders have their home field. It's their fans, their team and their home so they kinda run the stadium. I was very fortunate to attend the Pro Bowl last season as a representative from my squad and I made some of the very -- (emotional pause) -- some of my very best friends are cheerleaders from other teams. I helped me really do appreciate what the other girls put into their squads and how hard they work. You realize they're giving it a lot. So I don't think the jealously factor is there as much as what other people think. Really, we're just fascinated to learn about each other's organizations. I got asked a lot of questions about the TV show, my training camp process; how extensive and how long it is. I think there's more fascination then jealously. You really want to get the know the tricks of the trade.
DH: You were named AOL Hottest Cheerleader champs days after the Cowboys were knocked out of the playoffs. Has this made hard for you guys to celebrate out loud?
MF: No. Obviously what happened last weekend was really disappointing. There was a lot of hype around our football season, our ball club and our organization which was well deserved. I mean we went form barely squeaking into the playoffs least year to a first round bye and home field advantage which hasn't happened in Texas Stadium in ten years. So the hype around the organization put a lot of hype around us a well. I think that helped us in the AOL competition. Everyone is really good about letting us celebrate a "victory" despite what's going on the with the football team. We're proud of them and I think that our organization and our fans are proud of us as well, especially considering it went from a big group of squads to just us and Miami. That's a great contest to win. We can still celebrate pretty loudly.
DH: You guys are the emotional megaphone for the team. How much did Terrell Owens steal your thunder by crying in his press conference?
MF: Not so much our thunder. You can't fault a guy for being emotional about something like that. There was just a lot built around this team and how good they really were. Obviously the Giants showed up and played a great game and you gotta give them credit for being a better team that day. I think T.O. is well-deserved to have his spotlight and his moment. Our job is to be supportive of the team and the players. That's what we do. We're the emotional outlet I guess. But, if you were there on Sunday you would see we were quite emotional about it all. I think he's just kind of the face that showed how disappointed everyone was about the loss.
DH: The media focuses on silly things sometimes. Like I think it was unfair for the media to say Jessica Simpson had an effect on Tony Romo.
MF: Exactly! You can't fault a person's personal life. That's really none of our business. They're human beings just like we are. In their case they live it in the newspapers, televisions, magazines and tabloids. You can't blame anybody for that. It was the Giants day. They had a better day. It's one and done in football. That's what's so hard about it. But you can't blame their personal life for that kind of loss. It's a team sport and team effort. You can't blame one guy.
DH: But do the DCC blame Jessica for taking camera time away from you guys during games?
MF: It's definitely expected. Anytime a big name like that is in attendance, especially when she the staring quarterback's girlfriend or they're dating or heaven forbid I have no idea what the situation is. We're big fans of Jessica Simpson. The media is obviously going to make a big deal out of it. We don't take offense to it. I personally don't think the world gets to see the cheerleaders enough on the sideline as it is so I don't think it's her fault we don't get TV time.
DH: Anyway, Jessica may not have what it takes to be a good Cowboys cheerleader. The DCC rules clearly state, "no DCC may date any of the players, coaches, or other employees of the Dallas Cowboys Football Club." What happens if that rule is broken?
MF: It calls for immediate dismissal. That's a big deal in our organization, to keep a very professional relationship. It's a business -- our side and the players side -- so we do not mix the two. Our organization takes that very, very seriously.
DH: Many celebrities could take a page from your rules of conduct that make you such a respected brand. For example, DCC's are "not permitted to smoke, drink alcohol, or conduct themselves in any manner not becoming to the tradition of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders." Tell what the DCC tradition is to you?
MF: I take a lot of pride in what our organization has done over the last 34 years. To me, a lot of what this organization embodies is tradition and what the women 35 years ago started and the legacy we've carried on in my last four years and I hope the future cheerleaders carry on. I always want to look at this organization and be very proud to say that wore the uniform. You think about what Kelli [Finglass ](DCC Director) and Judy [Trammell] (DCC Choreographer) and the women behind our organization have done to make it as big as it is - a reality show, a Barbie. We travel more than any other entertainer all over the world with the USO. There's just so much this organization has brought to the table. It gave a me a newfound respect for what this profession is. You are supposed to embody everything a positive role model and real modern woman is.
DH: Squad Director Kelli McGonagill Finglass says of the girls who inherit the DCC Tradition: "They must be givers who understand that they themselves have been given a gift, and now have the opportunity to share that gift with others." It almost sounds like religious or missionary work.
MF: Sometimes people make that joke that this uniform is like (pauses) well, you know I would hate to put it anywhere near a religion or a religious practice by any means but it's a big deal to those who have worn the uniform that it be held to a very high standard. She's right about it setting a standard and for it to be a staple for Dallas and Texas. And that's why were labeled America's Team and America's Sweethearts. Those are such big shoes to fill. The bar is set very high and so we're expected to reach and surpass it.
Source: AOL |
Shelton's path to the future paved with blue and silver FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
BY SUZANNE LOUDAMY 
January 2008 The Cowboys' loss on Sunday could be blamed on many people but not on Sarah Shelton. She was in her place cheering her heart out for the boys in the silver and blue. She was just where she saw herself being someday, way back in the seventh grade, on the sidelines of Texas Stadium, all decked out in the famous white shorts and vest blazon with blue stars. Miss Sarah Shelton is a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader. Shelton is proof-positive that setting a goal and doing whatever it takes to get there, is a good plan. This 19-year-old young lady had a dream and let nothing get in her way of seeing that plan into a reality. For 11 years, this Whitehouse girl danced every inch of floor in Candy Crocker's dance studio. She took tap, jazz, hip hop and just about everything else that was offered. "I watched my dance teacher's daughter when she was a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader and dreamed of being like her someday," Shelton said. Even at that tender age, Shelton knew that dreaming was not going to get her where she wanted to be. She knew that it required her to be the best dancer, the most energetic, the most genuine person she could possibly be and she knew she could not get there alone. With the help of her parents, Rebecca and Terry Shelton, and 20-year-old brother Jeremy, Sarah began the journey that would lead her to big D and all that that entails. Tryouts were in April of 2007. This was right in the middle of Shelton's senior year of high school. Without missing a beat, she made it through the tr yout experience and moved on, with 42 other talented girls, to the DCC training camp. This camp took her to Dallas every day after school throughout the month of May. "On days that I needed to study a lot or had lots of homework, one of my parents or my brother would drive me so I could get it done along the way," Shelton said. "There were even times that my dance teacher, Candy Jordan, would get me there." After an entire day of high school, two hours to Dallas, three and a half hours of practice and two hours back home, she would rest and start all over again. This went on five days a week for an entire month. Again, that drive and dedication took her through it all with great success all the way around. High school graduation came for Shelton on June 2 and the next day she was moving in with a family member in Dallas. The practice continued. (Continued on the right)
| (Continued) "Every day you are being judged," Shelton said. "Cuts were made during training camp too." The final squad of 38 was chosen on July 28 and that's a day Shelton says she'll never forget. The years of preparation and commitment to a dream had paid off. "Other than the day of the announcement of the final squad, my most exciting day has been that first pre-season game when I danced out on the turf of Texas Stadium," Shelton said as her voice cracked a little. "I was a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader!" The work has not stopped. Practice continues five nights a week from 7 to 10:30 p.m., sometimes more depending on the events of the week. Shelton says the most rewarding part of her position with the DCC is that they get the opportunity to visit children in the hospital. "I am so grateful to the Lord for His blessings," Shelton said. "I'm so blessed to have this opportunity." "I have made life-long friends here and will continue to mature and grow while I'm with the organization." She may be young, but she already gained such wisdom through this process. Shelton asked to share these words: "No matter your goal, no matter your age, don't make any excuses," she said. "Do what you can to achieve your goal. If it doesn't work out, it wasn't in God plan for you. You'll regret not trying." With the Cowboys' season over, the cheerleaders will continue their work and appearances and Shelton is looking forward to it all. "A year ago I was a senior in high school," she said. "Here I am now, in college, working part-time, living in Dallas and I'm a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader. WOW!" Source: Tri County Leader |
<><>Jill Marie Jones:
Brand New Jones 
Saturday Dec 1, 2007 — By Ms. E Q: How are things going for you these days? JMJ: “Things are really good! I can’t complain.” Q: So let’s just jump right in at the beginning. You started your career as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. They’re one of the most famous dance teams in the world—not to mention a pretty tough squad to make. How would you describe that experience? JMJ: “It was amazing. It enabled me to travel the world at a young age, at 18. We did a lot of work with the USO and USDD, and went all over the world—Israel, Korea, Egypt and Japan. I think I tried out with 1400 girls, so it was a huge thing! I have girlfriends to this day that I cheered with. It was a great experience.” Read the res of Jill's Q&A at the link below. Source: Q&A at Clutch Magazine |
She has the last Laf
Model-turned-NBA scout breaks into man's world Posted: Monday March 19, 2007 3:32PM Updated: Monday March 19, 2007 5:39PM -Bonnie-Jill Laflin always stands out when she's in a crowd. As a former cheerleader, model and actress it's hard not to. On this day, however, she's standing out more than usual. There's no crowd at the Los Angeles D-Fenders-Arkansas Rimrockers NBA developmental League game at Staples Center , where Laflin is the only person sitting in the seats behind the D-Fenders bench. While the game changes leads at breakneck speeds, Laflin, wearing a plaid blazer, Capri pants and folding her Dolce & Gabbana-boot-covered legs, is jotting down notes in a folder. It's an interesting sight for a woman who has been named one of Maxim's "Hot 100" Women and "Most Eligible" by FHM, but it begins to make more sense when Laflin heads to the D-Fenders locker room following the team's 136-132 double overtime win. "We're getting there, boss," says D-Fenders assistant coach Chucky Brown to Laflin. "We're getting there." Brown, who played 12 years in the NBA, isn't simply humoring Laflin, who instantly grabs the attention of everyone in the room as soon as she walks in. Laflin is the team's assistant general manager as well as the first female scout of the Los Angeles Lakers . While Laflin chats about the game with Brown, Jackie Manual, who won a national championship with North Carolina two years ago and now plays for the D-Fenders, waves at her and makes sure he also talks with his boss before he leaves. "The world is changing," says Manuel. "We got women starting to move in higher places and make their mark in sports. When I first saw her I saw a beautiful young lady sitting in the stands and one of the coaches told me that was our GM and I said, 'OK, that's cool with me.'" Laflin's beauty is the first thing that comes to mind when anyone initially meets her. It's something she certainly doesn't hide from, whether it's her form fitting designer clothes or the scantily clad photos of her modeling on her Web site or even the pristine black-and-white head shot on her game credential. "You see someone as pretty as she is and you wouldn't think she would know anything about sports," said Brown. "Like most pretty girls they just follow the good team but she knows about the game and we all listen to her opinion. I mean she's my boss so I have to listen to what she says." In case the coaches or players ever doubt Laflin's knowledge of the game, all they have to do is glance at her meticulously manicured hands and look at two of the three NBA championship rings she owns as a Lakers scout. On this night she is wearing the first two rings she won with the Lakers , one on each hand, with her name etched onto the side. Sitting at home is her ring from the Lakers ' last championship, which sits next to her most prized passion, a Super Bowl XXIX ring she won as a member of the San Francisco 49ers ' Gold Rush Cheerleading squad in 1995. "Cheering at the Super Bowl was the most amazing experience," she says. "Being in front of all those fans and being so young (20 years old) and actually winning was incredible." The fact that Laflin even owns a Super Bowl ring came as a surprise to Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak, who has helped Laflin make the unusual transition from cheerleader to scout. "I was unaware that she had a Super Bowl ring," he said. "That's one thing a lot of people in the Laker organization do not have so maybe she could teach us something about football." | 
Bonnie-Jill Laflin
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A quick glance at Laflin's resume would cause just about anyone to shake their heads. She cheered for both the 49ers and Dallas Cowboys , owns a Super Bowl ring and multiple NBA championship rings, was hired as a female scout by an NBA team and become the assistant general manger of that team's developmental team. In between all that, Laflin founded Double Play Sportswear, a women's clothing line, worked for ESPN , had reoccurring roles on Ally McBeal and Baywatch and did photo shoots for Playboy, Stuff and FHM. "Sometimes I think maybe I need to slow down because it hasn't made my personal life easy," says Laflin, who ended up meeting her current boyfriend Ross Yastrzemski, an Apache pilot and the cousin of baseball Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski , last year in Iraq during a USO Tour. "There's a lot of people that are one dimensional but I've been able to get a taste of everything." Laflin's rise from a Golden State Warriors cheerleader just before her 18th birthday to a member of the Lakers scouting department less than 10 years later happened because of Lakers owner Jerry Buss, who has been a family friend of the Laflins for years after getting to know her father, Ross, who did bodyguard work for Buss and many athletes while Bonnie-Jill was growing up. When Laflin moved to Los Angeles in 1999, Buss essentially served as her father figure and took on the role quite literally, opening the same doors to her that he would to anyone of his children. "I called him when I moved here and he has really been like a father figure," said Laflin. "He treats me like I'm one of the family. I've become close with everyone and have seen the younger kids grow up. I'm the only person outside of the family that has been given this type of position." "Up until I met Bonnie-Jill I was a male chauvinist," said Buss. "Then I sat down and talked football and basketball and more basketball with her for two hours when she came here and realized maybe she knew more about the sports than I did and I changed my mind and I thought that she deserved a chance to be a professional scout." While Laflin's name isn't mentioned in the Lakers media guide, there isn't an employee who Buss would rather promote than Laflin. Following the D-Fenders game, Laflin heads up to Buss' plush suite to watch the Lakers game. The room is almost like an exclusive club with a security guard exchanging a red wristband for a game ticket as soon as you walk through the doors. While Buss entertains Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson and Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt , his attention turns to Laflin as soon as she walks into the room. "I thought you guys would want to meet the NBA's first girl scout," says Buss, almost chuckling at his word play. "We're so happy to have her and we liked her so much that we hired her as a scout; our first girl scout." The meeting brings a smile to the owners' faces as they shake her hand. "Isn't that amazing," says Richardson. "That is a great thing." McCourt nods his head in agreement saying "Jerry's been telling me about that and I think that's amazing. I'm all for that. We like breaking down barriers. We used to think we had the monopoly on breaking down those barriers but not anymore." Buss, however, doesn't see his hiring of Laflin as breaking down any walls so much as giving someone he believes in a chance. "I'm not out to prove anything," said Buss. "If you find intelligent females I think they should be given an equal chance with the males. She's done well so far but we'll see how she fares. We judge all of our scouts very seriously and we have her scouting reports and three or four years after the drafts we see how all of our scouts did so we'll found out." The day after the game Laflin is up bright and early sitting on the bleachers inside of the Lakers ' practice facility in nearby El Segundo . She's watching the D-Fenders go through drills and chatting with coach Dan Panaggio. Despite her title, Laflin, like most outsiders, wondered how much of a role she would actually play with the team once the season began. "I thought I'd sit here and say a couple of things but they weren't really going to listen to what I had to say but it hasn't been that way at all," she said. "I know some people might think that have this title but don't actually do anything but that's not the case at all. I have input in all the decisions we make." As she leaves the practice facility in a sequined D-Fenders purple tank top and black pants, she knows that as long as she stands out in a crowd it will be difficult to gain everyone's respect in the somewhat discrete world of scouting but that's just fine with her. "Its hard coming from my background in cheerleading and modeling," she says. "It's always working against me. People are going to automatically think I'm just a pretty face but I can't do anything about that. Being a female in this industry is very intimidating but everyone in the organization has really made me feel comfortable and feel like one of the guys." Source: Sports Illustrated |
Cow About That!
City girl on famed cheer team By BROOKES MERRITT, SUN MEDIA November 30, 2007 Last night's NFL tilt between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers was one for the record books - and not just because it's been 17 years since two teams with 10-1 records faced off against one another. Considering the millions of viewers who took in the game, it was probably the first time in history so many men ogled a little brown-haired bombshell from Edmonton. Fellas, meet Candice Carr: a real life Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. Can you believe her childhood nickname was Dork? The 26-year-old is originally from Edmonton but moved to Dallas a few years ago to marry her sweetheart, a Dallas-based travel agency owner she met working as a dancer on a cruise ship. She was first introduced to international audiences last year as a fan favourite in CMT's reality TV series Making the Team, which documented the Cowboys cheerleading tryouts. She was the last one cut - the day before they were set to take a squad photo. "It was the hardest thing I'd ever done and getting cut was a big ego bash. I wasn't going to try out again this year but I'm glad I did," she said. Over 1,000 women applied to make the famous cheerleading squad this year. Carr is one of 38 who made the cut. "There's always going to be some cattiness and drama, but for the most part we all get along pretty good. I think we all realize how lucky we are to be cheerleaders for the Dallas Cowboys. It doesn't get much better than this." Cowboys cheerleading is a part-time gig and squad members are required to maintain a full-time job or be a full-time student. Carr, who got her interior design diploma in Montreal, works full-time with a Dallas-based design firm. She is expected to look just as good going to work as she does on the sidelines. "Even if I'm walking down the street to the video store, I have to make sure my hair is done and my (makeup) is on. It's a change for me, especially being a Canadian - we're so laid back and outdoorsy." Cowboys cheerleaders only earn $50 a game but Carr said the attraction of the job isn't the money - it's the attention. "We do get sponsorhip deals on things like makeup and tanning and so on, and we also get paid for public appearances and autograph sessions. But it's about more than that, it's about the entertainment we bring the fans. It's kind of like being a mini-celebrity." She's thankful her husband isn't the jealous type. "He knows (the male attention) is part of the job. He supports me. It's not going to last forever and I want to enjoy it while I can." As for Edmonton, which is small compared to the six million people in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Carr said she still misses River City. "Especially my family and friends. I can't picture myself being in Dallas forever and I'd like to move back home eventually, but for now the cheerleading gig is awesome."
Source: The Edmonton Sun | 
Candice Carr
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