DCC’s Victoria Kalina: Life After Leaving the Team
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Victoria Kalina, a former member of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, captured the hearts of viewers during her time on the Netflix docuseries, “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.” The show, which recently premiered its second season on June 18, delves into the world of the iconic cheerleading squad, showcasing the rigorous audition process and the ups and downs of the NFL season. Kalina, a fourth-year veteran of the team, became a standout star in season 1, where she bravely shared her struggles with depression, an eating disorder, and her complex relationships within the DCC squad. Her openness and vulnerability resonated with fans and even impressed executive producer Greg Whiteley with her courage and authenticity.
After leaving the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, Victoria Kalina, born on Oct. 27, 1999, and raised in Texas, followed in her mother’s footsteps, who was also a DCC cheerleader in the 1980s. Kalina’s journey to becoming a cheerleader started at a young age, with her mother enrolling her in dance classes meant for older children when she was just 2 years old. Kalina continued to train and compete in dance for over a decade, participating in Junior DCC and DCC Dance Academy Camps. Despite facing setbacks during her time with the team and taking a hiatus in the 2021-22 season to focus on her mental health, Kalina’s determination and authenticity shone through, earning her a special place in fans’ hearts.
At the end of America’s Sweethearts season 1, Kalina faced a pivotal moment in her career when she approached DCC director Kelli Finglass and choreographer Judy Trammell about her future with the team. Despite her hopes of being named a group leader for her potential fifth and final season, Kalina was informed that this was unlikely. This led her to make the decision not to audition for a fifth year with the DCC, choosing to end her journey with the team on her own terms. While initially intending to return for a fifth year, Kalina felt blindsided by the coaches’ feedback but ultimately found peace in her choice to retire from the squad.
Following her departure from the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, Victoria Kalina set her sights on a new dream – becoming a Radio City Rockette. In a YouTube video released in June 2024, Kalina announced her plans to move to New York City and train for the Rockettes auditions. Despite not making the cut during her first audition in April 2025, Kalina remains undeterred, expressing her determination to continue pursuing her passion and one day grace the stage at Radio City Music Hall. In the meantime, she continues to train in NYC, teach dance classes, and immerse herself in the vibrant dance community, staying true to her love for the art form.
As Victoria Kalina navigates this new chapter in her life post-DCC, she remains focused on her goals and unwavering in her determination to carve out her path in the dance world. Despite the challenges and setbacks she may face, Kalina’s resilience and positive outlook shine through, inspiring others to embrace authenticity and pursue their dreams with courage and grace. As fans eagerly await her next steps, Kalina’s journey serves as a reminder of the power of resilience and unwavering commitment to one’s passion in the face of adversity.