Season three of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) docuseries has dropped on Netflix, and this time the stakes – and kicks – are higher than ever. The programme has turned the squad into celebrities thanks to its mix of viral moments and drama. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing BBC News.
BBC Newsbeat caught up with breakout stars Kleine Powell and Megan McElaney to find out what the increased attention has meant for them. "It has been actually really insane," says Powell. "I think it's had a really positive impact on not only the dance and athlete world, but just on the world in general with how we kind of integrate our lives into this dance and cheerleading show."
Earlier seasons focused on the tough selection process to become a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. Viewers often see squad director Kelli Finglass give frank, sometimes harsh feedback. But according to the coach, it hasn't deterred hopefuls, and this year was the first year the team considered tryouts from people who have seen America's Sweethearts.
Exposure on the show can benefit individuals, opening up potential for influencer contracts and brand deals. But Powell says new cheerleaders need to be coming in for the right reasons. "That means people who want to be a friend and team-mate first versus going in and doing all these selfish things," she says.
The increased exposure also comes with downsides – such as increased scrutiny. "Already being on the team, there is a little bit of an anxiety factor," says McElaney. "We're all perfectionists and we want to put our best foot forward in every single performance." The show's director has said fans now record the cheerleaders' pre-match routines on their phones. McElaney says "it can be difficult to not get in your head" when every performance is posted online.
Most cheerleaders are holding down full-time jobs alongside their Cowboys commitment – with training wrapping up sometimes as late as midnight. "We're really good about lifting each other up and checking in on our friends," says McElaney.
The previous season chronicled the cheerleaders' successful fight for better pay. Many fans questioned why salaries were so low despite The Dallas Cowboys retaining their status as the world's most valuable sports team. Powell and McElaney say it was "exciting" to be part of that change and they will continue to fight "for the future of new DCCs".