In the Netflix series “Cheer,” Kelly is presented as a standout rookie candidate with a strong determination to make the Cowboys cheerleading squad. Originally from Weehawken, New Jersey, Kelly expresses her dream of joining the team since childhood. However, she gets released from training camp in the third episode in an emotional cut.
[This story contains spoilers from America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.]
As a dedicated gamer and avid follower of pop culture trends, I can’t help but be captivated by the recent buzz surrounding “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.” This online sensation has me and countless others trying to master their iconic “Thunderstruck” dance routine. And just when you thought the conversation around NFL cheerleading had cooled down, low pay for these dedicated performers resurfaced once more as a hot topic of debate.
The seven-episode Netflix documentary series offers an exclusive look at the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders’ squad selection process, training camp, and season during the 2023-2024 period. Directed by Greg Whiteley, this program has drawn attention to the cheerleaders, similar to how he highlighted individuals in his other Netflix documentaries “Cheer” and “Last Chance U.”
The movie “America’s Sweethearts” focuses on a group of former cheerleaders, often called veterans or veterans, as well as new contenders aiming for the team, including popular hopefuls Reece, Charly, and Kelly.
As a football fan, I’ve noticed how the showrunners cleverly keep us updated on the team’s camp dynamics by displaying a counter with the number of rookies and veterans present throughout the series. At the start of training camp, there are 44 women – 28 seasoned veterans and 16 promising newcomers. However, as the competition gets tougher, the final roster is whittled down to just 36 ladies.
The Hollywood Reporter had interviews with Reece, Charly, and Kelly to find out about their current activities and updates on their personal progress since the end of the show.
Reece
In the debut episode of the series, Reece, who attended the University of Alabama and graduated around the time when the show was produced, is presented to viewers at the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders’ tryouts. This native of Florida quickly impresses the judges, ultimately securing a spot on the 2023-2024 team.
Reece finds it astonishing to see such a defining moment in her life depicted in a docuseries. She shares this sentiment with the rest of the group, expressing that we’re all acutely aware of the magnitude of our presence.
The Cowboys cheerleader shares with THR how thankful and blessed she feels for the opportunity, acknowledging that her life has been significantly altered since the debut of “America’s Sweethearts.” “This season has been truly remarkable and unique,” she expresses.
As a gamer, I’ve suddenly found myself in an unexpected limelight after the release of the docuseries. But I’m not taken aback by this turn of events. I trust that the universe has its plan for me, and I’ll just sit back and let it unfold while staying true to my values. Grateful and thrilled as I am, I can’t wait to see where this new journey takes me.
In the show, the cheerleader’s private life is intertwined with the storyline, highlighting her profound connection to her faith and her upcoming marriage to Will. The actor portraying her love interest, Reece, is consistently present throughout the series. In one scene from the second episode, she shares a confessionally about how the first boy she ever met will soon be her husband, while smiling and laughing.
The response to her appearance on the program has predominantly been favorable. Reece quips, “I’m known by more people than I truly know about myself at this moment,” but acknowledges the burden of being the focus of a production like “America’s Sweethearts.”
“Reece admits that things aren’t entirely flawless and acknowledges the heavy burden of responsibility that comes with his new role. With more people watching him than ever before, he takes this trust seriously and handles it with great care.”
I find it incredibly challenging yet wonderfully rewarding all at once.
Regarding Reece’s present intentions, having secured a spot on the squad for the 2023-2024 season, she is back in training camp with the goal of continuing her tenure for a second year. In her own words, “I’m aiming to regain those boots for another term if I can make the team again. Of course, I’d be thrilled if that were the case, but if not, then I’ll accept it.”
When asked about her feelings in auditions this year compared to the previous one, Reece commented that she now has a greater awareness of the significance of the process. “You’ve been through it before,” she explained, “and you’ve experienced what it takes to become a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.”
She remarks, “The pressure to perform at my best feels even greater now, having been a senior team member for the first time.” Additionally, she acknowledges, “This role brings with it significant responsibilities.”
Reece emphasizes the importance of staying focused and dedicated in his current endeavors, while also expressing a desire to repeat the successes he experienced in the past without becoming complacent.
For individuals motivated by the team’s performance on the show to give it a try, Reece offers straightforward advice, albeit acknowledging that it may seem “cliche.”
She expresses that every person holds equal importance, and in reference to the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, they embodied the essence of being beloved symbols of America, reflecting diversity among various backgrounds.
“She strongly believes in staying authentic to who you are, as you’ll encounter an array of magnificent women around you. This self-authenticity is crucial for success. In her opinion, the best advice is simply being true to yourself.”
Charly
Charly, a native Californian and a standout contestant in the series for both viewers and Cowboys cheerleaders’ audition judges, is recognized for her exceptional technical dance skills. This talented rookie, who began ballet at the tender age of two, captivates all with her grace and finesse. “I just couldn’t wait to see her in a tutu,” Charly’s mother quips playfully on the show.
Charly advances past auditions and deep into training camp before ultimately getting cut from the team in the fourth episode of the show. Kelli Finglass, a former Cowboys cheerleader now coaching the squad, is impressed by Charly’s dancing skills but feels she doesn’t quite fit the team’s style. After being let go, Charly vows to come back stronger for the next selection process.
“Charly shared with THR how refreshing it was to reexperience all the feelings as she watched the playback of her journey. There were plenty of tears and bouts of laughter throughout,” is one way to paraphrase this passage.
I’m thrilled to be back at the Dallas Cowboys cheerleading training camp once again! The team’s announcement of my return as a candidate on Instagram brought an outpouring of happiness and support from fans in the comments section, which I truly appreciate and don’t take lightly.
“I don’t underestimate that. It leaves me feeling deeply touched. I never imagined such a response from the audience while watching the show, and I’m filled with immense gratitude.” (as a fan, I can appreciate her humility and gratitude for the positive impact of her work on people)
“During my journey, whenever I’m feeling low or encountering challenges, I take comfort in reading heartfelt comments from people who encourage me with messages like ‘We are so proud of you. You can make it this year.’ Their kind words fill me with gratitude and blessings, even though they aren’t obligated to do so.”
Ever since getting cut from the team, I’ve been dedicatedly preparing for the 2024 Cowboys cheerleader auditions. I assured the coaches of my readiness to return as soon as I was let go.
She expresses her strong desire to be in this particular place once more, feeling drawn to the distinct experience of training camp. Over the past year, she’s eagerly attended as many classes as possible to immerse herself further in this enriching environment.
Charly, who appears to have been buoyed by the favorable response to the show, is instead channeling her energy towards securing a place on this year’s squad. She maintains a single-minded determination and refuses to be distracted by past events, expressing that the show’s release has only added joy to her experience as she strives to achieve her goal.
I’m grateful for every single person who has shown me support since my game was launched. This unexpected surge in popularity took me by surprise and came on very quickly.
Charly later adds: “If I could hug everybody I would in a heartbeat.”
Kelly
Kelly, a graduate of Rutgers University and frequently called “Kelly V.” in the show “America’s Sweethearts,” is an impressive newcomer. Hailing from Weehawken, New Jersey, she expresses her long-held dream of joining the team multiple times throughout the series.
In episode 3 of the show, Kelly is let go from training camp in a heartfelt scene. During a candid discussion with Finglass and Judy Trammell, the previous Cowboys cheerleader, Kelly shares her camp experiences and discusses her future possibilities within the team. Determined to make the squad and give it another try, she expresses her intentions.
“Reflecting on last year’s show brings back a flood of feelings for me,” Kelly shares with THR. “It’s not just a reminder of what happened, but I’m experiencing it all over again in the present during training camp.”
Similar to Charly, Kelly went through auditions once more this year and is now part of the training camp, aiming to join the 2024-2025 team. She shared her feelings, expressing that it was both deeply emotional and exhilarating to witness her progression recorded, which further fueled her motivation as she found herself back in this setting.
Kelly, describing the feeling as “so strange,” says she knew she would be coming back to try out again the instant she was released. “I’ve never felt like that in my life, where you faced rejection and immediately you’re motivated. It was the craziest thing, but that’s how I knew this is what I want to do,” she adds.
For the past year, the Cowboys cheerleader candidate has devoted herself to daily dance practice in a studio. “I traveled to Dallas from New Jersey as frequently as possible,” she shares, “and spent as much time as I could training there.”
“Kelly reveals that she spent a significant amount of time with Charly. Due to their shared experience, Charly has been instrumental in providing support to Kelly during this period.”
Kelly later notes that many Cowboys cheerleaders kept in touch with and checked in on her.
“Many girls on the team have experienced setbacks and weren’t successful the first time around,” she explains, “and they generously offered insights into how they bounced back and shifted their mindset.”
Kelly, who began the show as a blonde, has a somewhat drastic onscreen hair transformation that took place during last year’s training camp when team leadership suggests she should try going brunette. The dancer is still a brunette, saying of her look, “I love it and I cannot believe I didn’t do it sooner because now I can’t even imagine being a blonde, which is crazy.” The dancer notes that she sees the blonde version of herself on screen as “a different Kelly.”
“Ever since being let go from last year’s Cowboys cheerleaders training camp, I’ve grown so much as an individual. Watching back my progress and witnessing my unwavering commitment to pursuing my dream is a truly surreal experience for me. The encouragement and backing I’ve received from everyone means the world to me.”
The dancer also has advice for those looking to follow her path: “never giving up on your dream, and you’ll never know how far you’ll make it if you don’t try.”
“Kelly shares her experience, emphasizing that pursuing one’s dreams is a challenging journey, yet achievable. Her goal of making the team has been a long-standing aspiration.”
Last year, I took a chance and attended an audition without any inkling if I’d even make it past the initial screening. In truth, I didn’t. My hopes were set incredibly low, and I merely aimed to give my best performance and see what transpired. To my astonishment, I progressed remarkably far in the process. I had never anticipated reaching such a stage. I’m now filled with immense pride for having taken that daring step and achieved more than I ever imagined.
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2024-07-13 20:26