The transformation process for aspiring Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders is more than just about dance; it also includes significant makeovers that can define their paths in the sport. Featured in Netflix’s series “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders”, this ritualised step involves candidates visiting salons where they undergo hair transformations guided by the cheerleading team’s director, Kelli Finglass.
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Finglass has explained that makeover day is crucial for each rookie candidate as it helps to establish a coherent look that aligns with the iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader aesthetic. This initiative on “CMT’s Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team” underscores how important personal styling can be in the competitive world of cheerleading.
The latest series showcased this transformation on June 16, introducing a fresh group of rookie candidates who headed straight to the hair salon for their significant makeovers. One notable candidate, Savanna Dastrup, caught the attention of stylist Kevin Ozowski, who aimed to turn her into a striking strawberry blonde.
Throughout the various seasons of the show, several candidates have undergone particularly striking transformations. For instance, Paige Cavalieri, featured in Season 8, made a remarkable return to her natural curls after having them straightened for some time. Finglass enthusiastically encouraged Cavalieri to embrace her wavy locks, asserting that they contributed a lively ‘spunk’ to her overall appearance. The result was a bouncy, mid-length curly hairstyle that not only showcased Cavalieri’s natural beauty, but also simplified her styling process.
Another prominent transformation occurred with Kelly Villares in the inaugural season of “America’s Sweethearts”. Initially apprehensive about changing her hair from brunette to blonde, Villares eventually resolved to trust the team’s vision for her new look. Although she was cut during training camp, she persevered and earned a place back on the squad for the subsequent season, continuing to feature in the show afterwards.
KayDianna MacKenzie’s makeover also turned heads. In Season 16 of “Making the Team”, Finglass noted MacKenzie’s “massive head of hair” before suggesting that they remove her sewn-in hair extensions to allow her natural curls to shine through. MacKenzie expressed relief at shedding the weight of her extensions, and upon seeing the final result, she proclaimed it to be her “dream makeover,” capturing her vibrant personality perfectly.
Courtni Shea, another candidate who underwent a transformative change, had never coloured her hair prior to her makeover. Initially an ashy brown, she was encouraged to opt for a bold red that complemented her green eyes. Shea herself noted the drastic nature of the change, but quickly embraced her new look, remarking that perhaps she was destined to be a redhead all along.
Taylor Lowery’s experience with a makeover was slightly more tumultuous. In Season 6, Finglass opted for a bold, edgy look inspired by Hollywood stars such as Reese Witherspoon and Jessica Simpson. However, Lowery was less than pleased with her new long bob and dramatic layers, joking that she felt the new style called for a motorcycle to match. Despite her initial disappointment, she eventually accepted the look was true to her character, even though she did not proceed past training camp.
These dramatic transformations highlight not only the aesthetic demands of being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader but also the personal journeys and emotional attachments that come with such changes. The confidence gained—or lost—through these makeovers can significantly impact a rookie’s success on the team, illustrating just how central appearance is within the realm of competitive cheerleading.
As the latest season showcases new candidates and their makeovers, fans and viewers alike are compelled to witness how transformative experiences can influence one’s journey in pursuit of the illustrious title of a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. Whether through exuberant curls or striking colour changes, each makeover serves as a public declaration of commitment to embodying the spirit of the Dallas Cowboys brand.