Kelli Finglass, DCC’s fearless leader, has high standards when it comes to picking talent, but she’s had to earn her stripes, too: Finglass cheered for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders from 1984 to 1989, before Jerry Jones brought her into leadership as assistant director. She took over as director in 1991, and, though the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have backed “America’s Team” since the 1960s, their transformation into a global, high-profit powerhouse is in no small part thanks to her. On her squad, precision, discipline, and excellence are all nonnegotiables — as is the obligatory “Yes, ma’am” when responding to her feedback.  

Love the world-famous DCC choreography to AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck”? Then you have the quiet but committed Judy Trammell to thank — as the brains behind all of the squad’s routines, Trammell choreographs every high kick that hits the field. A DCC alum herself, Trammell cheered for the squad from 1980 to 1984. After retiring, she moved behind the scenes as an assistant choreographer before rising to head choreographer in 1991. “The talent has gotten better and better and better each year, which has challenged me to make sure that we are trending on the dances and everything is the best it can be,” she previously told Tudum. “They’re just so good now.”

“Growing up as a dancer, DCC was always one of those iconic organizations you admired from afar,” says Anna Kate. Before she hit the field, Anna Kate trained extensively in ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary; competed nationally through conventions; and performed on her high school dance team before continuing her career at Texas Christian University. Her greatest motivation and guiding force is her family, including her siblings Wilson and Caroline — herself a former DCC, which helped shape Anna Kate’s path. “My family, friends, teammates, and mentors see who I am every day, and their opinions carry far more weight than comments from people who only see a few moments on a screen,” she says. Anna Kate values discipline and leadership, qualities that also help in her full-time job as a financial planner. “When I'm not at rehearsals, I'm helping families work toward their goals.” 

Ariel instantly fell in love with dance at the age of 7, and then went on to train with the dance department in both middle and high schools. A Louisiana native, she went on to LSU and was selected to join the LSU Tiger Girls, with whom she brought home a national title. True to her home state, she loves Mardi Gras, and her dream dinner party guests include Beyonce and Michelle Obama. Most days, however, she’s sharing meals with her teammates. “It’s actually really comforting to go through this process with a group of other women. It makes all of your feelings — the excitement, anxiety, stress, and uncertainty — feel validated because you realize everyone is experiencing many of the same emotions,” she says. “No matter where you are in your journey, we’re all in the same boat, chasing the same dream and navigating the same challenges.”

Ava has an extensive background in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, and modern dance through years of competitive training. Originally from a small town, Ava danced with the Springfield Ballet Company, performed in such productions as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, and continued her career on both her high school dance team and the University of Kentucky Dance Team. Nothing, however, could have prepared her for the thrill of performing on a global stage. “I think the Netflix series has brought so much exposure to the organization, not just across the country but around the world. It’s amazing to see people from different backgrounds and even different countries pursuing the same dream,” she says. “You can absolutely feel the competition, and the talent seems to get better year after year. It’s inspiring and pushes all of us to be our very best.”

Charly’s lifelong dream of becoming a dancer began as soon as she could talk. Originally from California, she trained for 16 years before joining the Arizona State University dance team, where she discovered her love for performing as part of a close-knit group. After making it to the final cut of DCC training camp in 2023, she relocated to Dallas to continue to pursue her dream, ultimately earning her place on the team. Charly has also overcome personal challenges, including wearing a back brace for seven years due to scoliosis — an experience that strengthened her perseverance and broadened her perspective. “I’ve always understood that being a part of the Netflix series means more visibility and with that comes different opinions and conversations,” she says. “I have always preached that if you put worth into the good, you’ll subconsciously put worth into the bad, which can lead you down the wrong path. For me, the most important thing will always be staying grounded in who I am.”

Kelee’s dance journey began in childhood and continued through leadership roles on her high school drill team before she spent two years as a Kilgore College Rangerette, serving as a Right Middle Officer and performing with her college’s Industry Dance Company. She auditioned for DCC as a way to challenge herself as both a performer and a person, drawn to the organization’s culture of excellence, service, and sisterhood. For Kelee, the most rewarding part of the experience has been building lasting friendships with a group of hardworking, inspiring women and creating memories she hopes to cherish for years to come.

Kelly majored in dance arts in high school before continuing her career on the Rutgers University Dance Team, where she competed nationally throughout her four years on the team. Kelly credits her parents as her greatest inspirations for courageously immigrating to the United States in pursuit of opportunity and for instilling in her the values of hard work, perseverance, and fearlessly chasing her dreams. Spanish was Kelly’s first language, and she embraces her roots and strives to make a positive impact on others. “Not making the squad my first year auditioning may have been the best thing that could have happened to me. It shifted my perspective on life and taught me valuable lessons in resilience, growth, and trusting the process,” she says. “Since then, it has been incredibly meaningful to hear from young dancers who tell me I inspire them to go after their goals and dreams.”

Originally from Richmond, Kentucky, and a graduate of the University of Kentucky (where she also danced on the university dance team), Kleine is driven by a fearless, adventurous spirit and a belief that regrets are simply lessons learned. “Being authentically myself is my super power,” she says. Kleine credits her biggest motivation to her family and her husband, Luc, who have supported her through every leap of faith, and she is especially close to her siblings, Kelsey and Nicholas, as well as her two kittens, Poosh and Momo. Plus, she counts her fellow squad members as de facto family. “[DCC] is like being surrounded by your closest sisters. Everyone wants everyone to succeed. You’re truly only in competition with yourself.” Known for being funny, fearless, and adventurous, she also has a musical side, playing piano, clarinet, and ukulele. 

Kylie is a graduate of the University of Mississippi, where she spent four years as a Rebelette. Before discovering her love of dance in high school, she was a competitive gymnast who reached the national level as a Level 9 athlete. Inspired by her mother’s selflessness and work ethic, Kylie is known for her loyalty, compassion, and drive to achieve excellence. She credits the friendships she has formed on the team as one of the most rewarding parts of the experience and hopes to spend the years ahead traveling the world with family and friends.

Lea’s lifelong passion for dance began at age 3 and grew into a dedicated pursuit. Known for being funny, adaptable, bold, and passionate, Lea has worked to overcome self-doubt and a tendency toward self-criticism. “I hope people can remember that there is always a real person behind the uniform, someone doing their best while navigating life both on and off the field,” she says. With more eyes on DCC than in years past, Lea says the squad was acutely aware of the just how many fans were tuning in. “More attention naturally comes with more opinions and more comments. Because of that, we had to lean on each other more than ever,” she says. In her free time, Lea appreciates simple joys like being surrounded by loved ones and sharing meals together. She even has a playful side, with a hidden talent for impersonating Boo from Monsters, Inc. 

Madeline’s love of dance began at age 6and led her to perform with the Oklahoma City University  Pep Dancers. She credits her mother as her greatest role model and motivation, and is inspired by the opportunity to make a positive impact on others. Known for her joyful, caring, and quirky personality, Madeline has dreamed of becoming a DCC since childhood and made that dream a reality through years of dedication and hard work. “It’s a unique experience because while you’re competing for the same opportunity, you’re also building genuine friendships,” she says. “No one else truly understands the emotions, challenges, and excitement of the process quite like the women going through it alongside you.” Outside of dance, she enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Bogey and Murphy, and hopes to one day travel the world and experience new cultures.

A graduate of San Diego State University, Megan began dancing at age 3, eventually serving as captain of the SDSU Dance Team and helping lead the program to a historic national championship. Driven and kind, she deeply values family above all else. Outside of dance, she enjoys beach days and game nights with friends, and has a remarkable ability to recite How the Grinch Stole Christmas word for word. With her two cats, Joey and Chloe, back home in California and a lifelong love of performance, Megan tries to embody warmth, dedication, and joy in everything she does. “The biggest thing I’ve learned from Kelli and Judy is that talent is only one piece of the puzzle,” she says. “They look for women who are coachable, resilient, and able to handle pressure with grace. Through the audition process, they’ve taught me the importance of continuously growing while staying true to who you are and what makes you unique.”

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Reece is deeply grounded in faith, which she says is something she cannot live without. A Florida girl at heart, she loves beach days and simple, joyful moments like walking with her husband and her dog, Ruby, picking up flowers from the grocery store, and ending the day with Mexican food and chocolate chip cookies. Reece’s lifelong dance background began at age three and includes extensive training across multiple styles. She describes herself as someone who can sing along to any Disney song. To learn more about the fan favorite and why she decided to hang up the iconic uniform in the finale, check out Tudum’s interview Reece. 

A lifelong dreamer, Tori grew up admiring the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and even participated as a junior DCC, making her journey to the team especially meaningful. She values the unmatched sisterhood within the organization and considers becoming a DCC her proudest accomplishment. Looking ahead, she hopes to travel, build a family, and eventually create a dance program or studio with her sister to inspire the next generation. After getting cut in training camp in 2020, Tori came back stronger than ever — and with a new perspective. “Kelli and Judy celebrate girls from all different backgrounds and walks of life,” she says. “They don’t want a hundred copies of the same individual. They want individuals who are authentic, genuine and 100% themselves. It’s important to come as you are.”

Brenley was born and raised in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, and grew up with the Cowboys organization as a constant presence in her life. “Going into the process, I knew it would be one of the most challenging experiences of my life,” she says. Brenley has a creative and fun-loving personality — she can recite much of the Hamilton soundtrack by heart, enjoys nostalgic family trips to Six Flags, and shares her home with her three cats, Mumford, Gravy, and Appa. She is also proudly connected to her roots, including a surprising family tie to Johnny Cash, and dreams of one day traveling to Dubai. For now, however, she’s laser-focused on another dream: becoming a DCC. “Being considered for a place on this team represents years of hard work, sacrifice, and belief in a dream that sometimes felt bigger than myself,” she says. “It’s something I will never take for granted.” 

Dayton is a returning candidate, having previously auditioned for the team twice before this season. Raised in McKinney, Texas, she has been connected to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders since before she was born — her mother, Shelly, an associate choreographer for the organization and a member of the 1989 DCC class, was pregnant with Dayton during her final season with the team. “I’ve been attending final auditions since I was 12 or 13 as a spectator and the competition has always been fierce,” she says. Dayton began dancing when she was 3 years old and has continued building on that lifelong foundation of training and performance ever since. “To be considered among the final few that have the opportunity to make the roster,” she says, “is quite an accomplishment in and of itself and I’m proud of the work that I’ve done.”

Emily A. was working on a cruise ship for nearly a year before auditioning for DCC. Originally from Medford, Oregon, Emily is known for her jet black hair. She keeps her baby blanket around to help comfort her when she’s feeling anxious. Emily has known DCC dancer Taylor since she was a kid. “My life has changed so much since auditioning. I can especially feel it in my work ethic and how I overcome obstacles,” Emily A. says. “In the past, my drive primarily came from parents, dance teachers, and other people who told me what to do and how to do it.” Now after going through the audition process, her motivation comes from within. “I’ve found a new drive and discipline within myself. I’m now working harder than ever and pushing myself because I want to, not because someone is telling me to.”

Faith hails all the way from New Zealand, where she earned regional and national dance titles in styles before transitioning into a professional dance career. After performing aboard a major cruise line, she’s hoping to become the squad’s first cheerleader from New Zealand. “Coming from halfway across the world, I worried I’d have to change who I was to fit in, but actually, staying true to myself made me stand out,” she says. While Kelli and Judy’s guidance was intimating at first, Faith quickly learned how to receive their feedback. “Corrections aren’t criticism, they see your potential and want you to grow,” she says. “That mindset made the whole process feel less scary and more like something I could rise to.” Faith is one of five sisters in a close-knit family, has a serious sweet tooth, and dreams of travel — especially to the Maldives. 

Jenna’s passion for dance and performance began when she was 2 and carried her through competitive studio training as an adult. She eventually joined the University of Oklahoma Pom Squad, where she performed with pride as part of the “Boomer!” tradition. Jenna is uniquely open about her story: She was born with a cleft lip, an experience she relates with honesty and confidence. Outside of dance, she has fun hidden talents like being able to recite the alphabet backward and being double-jointed. She dreams of one day having meaningful conversations with people she admires, like Drew Barrymore or even Barack Obama. “Since auditioning for DCC, my life has changed in incredible ways,” Jenna says. “It’s pushed me outside my comfort zone, taught me resilience and how to handle pressure. I've grown not only as a dancer but as a person.”

Parker was born in North Carolina, raised in Texas, and began perfroming recreationally at Expressions Dance and Music in College Station, Texas, before dancing in competitions across the country. Originally planning for a career in consulting, Parker realized dance was a calling she could not walk away from, believing there would always be time for a desk job. Prior to auditioning this season, Parker was a performer in DCC’s Rhythm and Blue, the NFL's first and only high-energy co-ed dance team and drum corps. Outside of dance, Parker loves solving Rubik’s cubes, spending time with her dogs Dasher and Isabella, and dreaming about future travels to Italy.

Named after the title character in the film Savannah Smiles, which was filmed in her hometown of Orem, Utah, Savanna always had her eyes set on DCC. At 15 years old, she took her first DCC prep class before attending Texas Christian University. “I’ve dreamed of becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader since I was young, long before the Netflix series,” she says. “It’s been amazing to see how much the program has grown — you can definitely feel how competitive the process has become.” No matter the outcome of her journey, Savanna is taking away key lessons from her experience. “The biggest thing I’ve learned from Kelli and Judy is the importance of professionalism, preparation, and consistency,” she says. “They value authenticity and want to see who you truly are, both on and off the field.