Victoria Kalina, known for her stint as a member of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, has continued to evolve since leaving the iconic squad. First gaining widespread attention through the Netflix docuseries *America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders*, Kalina’s journey resonates with viewers, especially following her departure during the show’s inaugural season. The third season of the series debuted June 16, 2026, but Kalina was notably absent.
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Kalina, who was a prominent figure in the first season, displayed remarkable vulnerability by opening up about her struggles with depression and an eating disorder. Throughout the series, she also examined her complex connections with her teammates. Her candidness garnered admiration not only from fans but also from the show’s executive producer, Greg Whiteley, who praised her courage in addressing such difficult topics.
Born on October 27, 1999, in Texas, Kalina grew up in a family with a connection to the cheerleading world; her mother, Tina, was a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader in the 1980s. From a young age, Kalina aspired to follow in her mother’s footsteps. At just two years old, she began attending dance classes, often outgrowing her peers and quickly developing a passion for the art form. With a decade of competitive dance experience under her belt, she pursued further training with Junior DCC and DCC Dance Academy Camps.
After initially being cut from training camp in 2018, Kalina officially joined the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders in 2019, where she remained until her departure in 2023. During her time with the team, she took a break in the 2021-22 season to prioritise her mental health—a decision she later discussed openly in *America’s Sweethearts*.
Her eventual exit from the DCC came after a pivotal meeting with directors Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell. Kalina sought clarification about her position and the possibility of becoming a group leader for what would have been her fifth and final year. The response from her coaches did not align with her expectations, leading her to decide against auditioning for another season. She expressed her feelings of being blindsided by the situation, having meticulously prepared for her anticipated return.
“The journey is what matters,” Kalina said in a post-retirement reflection, indicating that while her exit was unexpected, she was at peace with the way her DCC chapter concluded. “Just because it wasn’t what I expected doesn’t mean it wasn’t fantastic,” she added.
In the wake of her time with the Cowboys, Kalina embarked on a new dream: to become a Radio City Rockette. Announcing her plans through a YouTube video in June 2024, she relocated to New York City to train for Rockette auditions. Her enthusiasm for this new challenge was palpable as she highlighted her admiration for the iconic dance group and her commitment to rigorous training.
Unfortunately, Kalina’s journey encountered a setback when she did not make the cut during her first audition in April 2025. Undeterred by the disappointment, she took to Instagram to reflect positively on the experience, expressing her excitement for the future and her determination to try again. By April 2026, Kalina announced her choice to postpone her audition for the upcoming season in order to further prepare and refine her skills.
Currently, Kalina remains in New York City, continuing her training and teaching dance classes at Ripley-Grier Studios. She also engages in workshops to sharpen her performance skills, indicating her commitment to professional growth. While she has not yet realised her dream of joining the Rockettes, she has remained active in auditioning for various productions, including Broadway shows.
Kalina’s journey is not solely centred around dance; in June 2026, she took on the role of judge for the Miss Nebraska and Miss Nebraska Teen pageants, highlighting her multifaceted talents and engaging with the community. She shared her experiences on social media, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to meet inspiring young women during the event.
As Kalina continues her creative pursuits, she remains hopeful and committed to her craft. “I feel as though I am right where I am supposed to be,” she stated, reflecting on her time in New York and the serendipity of her journey. Thus, despite the challenges, Kalina appears determined to carve out her place in the world of dance and performance, embodying resilience and a passion for her art.