The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are under pressure to look like supermodels while still performing like athletes, as depicted in a new docuseries.

The National Football League's most renowned squad is the focus of the docuseries "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders," which offers a glimpse into their daily lives.

The Netflix series, produced by Greg Whiteley, chronicles the journey of the class of 2023 as they navigate the challenging audition process, intense training camp, and the NFL season.

The Dallas Cowboys' executive vice president and chief brand officer Charlotte Jones, the team's director director Kelli Finglass, and choreographer Judy Trammel oversee auditions, evaluating candidates' physical appearances, dance technique, skills, showmanship, and personal attributes.

During the show's opening scene, one cheerleader stated, "You must appear like a supermodel while performing like an athlete."

Annually, hundreds of females submit applications to join the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC), a prestigious group of 36 members.

Though the years don't have to be consecutive, members can only be part of the team for a total of five years. Every year, potential members must audition, with veterans competing against rookies for their spots.

The Netflix show "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders" has gained popularity since its June premiere, but it has also faced criticism from critics regarding the low pay of the cheerleaders and the intense pressures they face as members of the squad.

The NFL's most valuable franchise, the Dallas Cowboys, is worth an estimated $9 billion. The lowest-paid football player earns an annual salary of $832,500, but many players have contracts worth millions. Quarterback Dak Prescott is nearing the end of his four-year, $160 million contract and is expected to earn significantly more when he signs a lucrative extension.

According to a 2022 report by NBC Boston, the members of the DCC earn a total salary of $75,000 per year, with an average of $500 per game and $15-20 per hour for practices.

The team's demanding schedule is balanced by most of the cheerleaders, who also have full-time jobs. In the first episode, the low salaries of the show's members were addressed.

"I would say I'm making like a Chick-fil-A worker that works full-time." — Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Kat Puryear

When Jerry Jones bought the Cowboys, the team was in financial disarray and losing money every year with the cheerleaders. To turn the DCC into a profit center, Jones tapped Finglass, who achieved this through swimsuit calendars, the CMT reality show "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team," public appearances, and merchandise, including a special edition DCC Barbie.

During the premiere episode, DCC veteran member Kat Puryear revealed her pay when asked about it.

She stated that she was acting as a substitute teacher.

Puryear stated, "I am working full-time like a Chick-Fil-A employee."

In the same episode, Jones admitted that the cheerleaders do not receive a substantial amount of payment.

"But the truth is, they don't come here for the money. Instead, they come for something bigger to them. They have a passion for dance and there are limited opportunities to perform at an elite level."

Jones stated, "Being a part of something greater than themselves is what it's all about. It's about forming a sisterhood and building lifelong relationships. They get to feel valued, special, and like they're making a difference. When women come here, they discover their passions and find their purpose."

Sarah Hepola, a Dallas Morning News writer, stated during the episode that the cheerleaders played a crucial role in the Cowboys becoming the largest brand in professional sports when asked about it.

In a recent interview with the BBC, Ariana McClure, a medical sales rep who was featured on the show, discussed the cheerleaders' salaries.

She stated that she does not believe they need to earn as much as football players, but she thinks the organizations have sufficient funds.

"McClure stated that while it is considered a part-time job, the schedule is full-time due to the two hours of preparation, hair and makeup, and the need to exercise daily to maintain physical fitness and endure the routines."

"Although we all love and are passionate about what we do, it is ultimately a job, and we should be rewarded for our work."

The reality show "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders" scrutinized the focus on physical appearance during auditions, with Jones, Finglass, and Trammel frequently providing harsh evaluations of the candidates.

McClure, who has attempted the DCC audition twice, has personally experienced the impact of the audition process. During the final round of the series, McClure broke down in tears after being eliminated by Finglass, who simply stated that there were only 36 spots available.

The series featured discussions among Jones, Finglass, and Trammel about McClure's height, which is 5'2.

""Sometimes, I like the little bitty ones, but she is little bitty," Trammel said."

During a scene in which Jones, Finglass, and Trammel were seen leaving practice, McClure's height was once again brought up for discussion.

"Jones said, "I think the challenge is a little bit like, comparatively, [he] kind of looks like a junior," and "It looks like a little boy running from behind.""

If that's the case, then do we need to establish a minimum height requirement? Finglass inquired.

""I definitely think it is something to consider," Jones replied."

The DCC website advises that dancewear should make you appear well-proportioned, and there are no specific height or weight requirements.

The trio decided to cut McClure from the group because of her height, although the official explanation would be that there were only 36 spots.

McClure discovered the reason for her removal from the team during her BBC interview, which she learned simultaneously with everyone else while watching the show.

McClure discovered information that he previously lacked knowledge about.

She continued, "And I believe it enabled me to be less critical of myself, knowing that it's something I can't alter or repair."

If I had known height was a concern before trying out for Cowboys again, I probably wouldn't have done it," McClure stated. "I believe they should have a height requirement.

"The team changes throughout the years, and their demographic may result in taller or shorter rookies."

McClure will serve as a Miami Dolphins cheerleader during the upcoming NFL season.

"The new director of the Dolphins squad was at the Cowboys, so I knew her in Dallas for a little bit," she said.

"She's taking over the Dolphins, but it's the most mentally positive and happy environment I've been in."

The cheerleaders' uniforms are custom-tailored to their bodies, and they must fit into them throughout the season, despite the DCC not having specific weight requirements.

Victoria Kalina, a four-year veteran, stated that the cheerleaders must maintain their weight to fit into their uniforms when they re-audition for the team.

The toll of being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, including the physical demands, grueling schedule, and pressures, was also examined in regards to its impact on the mental health of the cheerleaders.

In the show's episode, Kalina shared her personal struggles with mental health problems and eating disorders.

"Kalina stated, "My depression spirals into a vicious cycle, leading me to resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms that result in poor eating habits. As a dancer, battling both depression and eating disorders is the most challenging.""

"When depression hits, I go through a binge-purge cycle. I binge to fill the empty feeling, but then it's time to put on the baby clothes and uniform, and the cycle continues."

After the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, Kalina decided to take a "gap year" instead of auditioning for the team again.

""Due to the COVID year and lockdown, I felt that my dancing and body were not up to par, and I felt out of it. As a result, I decided to take a gap year to improve and be my best to represent DCC," Kalina stated."

"After deciding to take a year off, I began therapy. I discovered that I am a words-of-affirmation individual and that I don't enjoy feeling my emotions. As a result, I tend to suppress any emotional expression."

"When you're not feeling good, it's important to let people know, rather than putting up a front," Kalina stated.

During her interview with BBC News, McClure commended Victoria for her bravery in discussing a vulnerable topic, which is difficult to speak about, and acknowledged that everyone shares similar thoughts.

McClure revealed to the outlet that she started journaling and attending therapy sessions to manage her emotions while training.

She believes the organization should hire sports therapists to address the specific needs of the cheerleaders.

"McClure stated that her therapist was excellent, but she was not a dancer or an athlete. She believed that providing the girls with some tools to communicate would be highly beneficial."

The DCC representative informed BBC News that the cheerleaders, in addition to the football players, have access to immediate, independent, and confidential support resources.

Like our Cowboys players, they have access to our dedicated team Mental Health and Wellness Consultant on staff, as needed, the spokesperson stated.

After speaking with Finglass and Trammel, Kalina ultimately decided to leave the DCC, as they made it clear that she wouldn't be considered for a leadership role if she were to make the team for her final year.

A recent Instagram post revealed that Kalina has relocated to New York City and intends to try out for the Radio City Rockettes.

A representative from the DCC was contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital for comment.

This week, DCC unveiled their 2024 squad, consisting of 24 veterans, 10 rookies, and two dancers who were previously cut during auditions, in an Instagram post.

The squad's photo was shared on DCC's official account with the caption "WE MADE THE TEAM!"