**Emily Awbrey’s Journey: From Cruise Ship Performer to Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Hopeful**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Americas-Sweethearts-Star-Emily-Awbrey-061626-4260b3133c23451cbd6ece0636d5bdf2.jpg)
Emily Awbrey, a talented dancer from Oregon, has garnered attention as one of the hopefuls on Season 3 of *America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders*. Prior to her highly anticipated audition for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) in 2025, Awbrey showcased her skills aboard cruise ships as a professional dancer.
The Netflix docuseries, which resumed on June 16, highlights the journeys of both experienced dancers and newcomers aiming to secure a spot on the celebrated cheerleading squad. After an extensive application process, which included online video submissions and live auditions, Awbrey landed a spot among the final 81 dancers competing for a beloved position. From this group, 44 individuals—30 returning members and 14 new candidates—were summoned to the DCC training camp. Unfortunately, Awbrey, despite delivering an excellent solo performance that impressed the judges, ultimately did not make the final roster.
Hailing from Medford, Oregon, Awbrey was immersed in dance from a young age, her early training having taken place at her mother’s Fusion Dance Academy in Grants Pass. Over the years, she explored various dance styles, including ballet and contemporary, while also engaging in choreography and teaching. In a Facebook post from September 2025, she described the studio as her “second home,” illustrating her deep connection to dance.
Awbrey’s dedication to the art led her to the University of Arizona, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in May 2024. Following her graduation, she signed a contract with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and spent nearly a year performing on cruise ships, describing the experience as unforgettable. “The cruise ship life is like no other,” she remarked during her appearance on the docuseries.
Although Awbrey arrived at DCC training camp as a frontrunner, the transition to the squad’s distinct dance style presented difficulties for her. Kelli Finglass, the DCC director, expressed admiration for Awbrey’s talent, calling her “one of the strongest dance technicians in the entire audition,” yet acknowledged that confidence issues hindered her progress. In a candid conversation, Finglass noted that while they recognised her potential, she needed to exhibit the same self-assurance displayed in the auditions.
Despite surviving the initial rounds of cuts during the demanding training camp, Awbrey was eventually eliminated in the third round. During their final discussion, Finglass told her that she was a personal favourite and stressed the importance of continued practice with the “pom style” of dance. Both Finglass and head choreographer Judy Trammell encouraged Awbrey to return for the following year’s auditions, reinforcing that they saw significant promise in her abilities.
Awbrey welcomed their encouragement, acknowledging her struggle to keep pace with other dancers. Her determination shone through as she responded to their suggestions, expressing her eagerness to re-audition. Following her emotional experience, she shared on social media, reflecting on the journey with gratitude and positivity.
After the DCC training camp concluded, Awbrey took time to reconnect with family and friends, sharing experiences from trips to Nashville and attending a Dallas Cowboys game. She returned to her roots by teaching at Fusion Dance Academy, where she took on the role of instructor and choreographer. Her return to teaching allowed her to share her love of dance across multiple genres, including hip hop and contemporary.
Not one to dwell on past disappointments, Awbrey wasted no time preparing for the 2026 auditions. She participated in DCC preparation classes early in the year and submitted her online audition in March. With relentless practice focused primarily on the pom style, she made it through to finals once again in June 2026.
Awbrey received the exciting news that she was selected as one of the 14 rookie candidates invited to the training camp for the 2026-27 season, bringing her closer than ever to fulfilling her aspiration of joining the prestigious Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Her journey exemplifies resilience and determination, as she continues to pursue her passion for dance and the opportunity to be part of a team with a rich history.