5 Shocking Truths About DCC Training Camp 2025: Dates, Auditions, And The Brutal Kick Line Test

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) Training Camp is arguably the most intense audition process in professional sports, and the path to becoming one of America's Sweethearts for the 2025 season is already underway. As of December 13, 2025, the key dates for the 2025 audition cycle and subsequent training camp have been announced, confirming a grueling, multi-week gauntlet that tests not just a candidate's dance ability, but their mental fortitude, professional poise, and knowledge of the Dallas Cowboys brand. Only a select few candidates—a mix of hopeful rookies and returning veterans—will earn a coveted spot in the summer camp, and even fewer will make the final squad.

The 2025 DCC Training Camp is not a guarantee of a spot on the team; it is an extension of the audition process where candidates are pushed to their absolute limits. Overseen by Senior Director Kelli Finglass and Head Choreographer Judy Trammell, this summer camp is where the dream of wearing the iconic star-spangled uniform either solidifies or shatters.

The 2025 DCC Audition & Training Camp Timeline: Key Dates and Locations

The journey to the 2025 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad is a multi-phase process that begins in the spring and culminates in the final team announcement in the summer. Candidates must successfully navigate a series of cuts before earning the right to attend the rigorous training camp.

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• Application & Preliminary Auditions: The initial phase involves an online application and video submission, which is a critical first hurdle for hopefuls from around the world.
• In-Person Auditions Begin: The first major in-person event, often tied to the "DCC on Tour" prep classes, is scheduled to begin around May 24, 2025, in Dallas.
• Final Auditions: The high-stakes, final round of auditions where the Training Camp Candidates are chosen is set for June 14, 2025, at The Star in Frisco, the Dallas Cowboys' world headquarters.
• 2025 Squad Announcement & Training Camp Start: The selected Training Camp Candidates are typically announced just two days after the Final Auditions. The 2025 Training Camp is expected to officially kick off around June 16, 2025, marking the beginning of the most challenging phase.

The entire process is a dramatic shift from the initial dance-focused auditions to a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate’s total performance package, professionalism, and ability to handle the overwhelming schedule.

The Grueling Reality: 5 Shocking Truths of the Training Camp Schedule

The DCC Training Camp is a full-time commitment, often practiced at night to accommodate the candidates who hold full-time jobs or are college students. This intense schedule is designed to test who can truly handle the demands of the NFL season.

1. The 30+ Hour Weekly Practice Commitment

During the summer training camp, candidates are expected to practice over 30 hours a week. These mandatory rehearsals can occur 2-5 times per week before the season officially begins. Rookie candidates are often expected to arrive at the practice facility at The Star as early as 6:00 AM to review choreography, with the official practice starting at 7:00 AM.

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This relentless schedule is a key part of the selection process. Director Kelli Finglass and Head Choreographer Judy Trammell use this time to evaluate a candidate’s dedication, stamina, and ability to manage the stress of a professional schedule alongside personal commitments.

2. The Infamous Written Test on Current Events

The DCC audition process includes a written test, a surprising element for a cheerleading squad. This test evaluates a candidate's knowledge, professionalism, and ability to represent the organization in various public settings, including media interviews and appearances. The test covers a range of topics, including:

• Dallas Cowboys history and facts.
• NFL rules and current events.
• General current affairs and pop culture.

A candidate's performance on the written test is weighed alongside their dance and interview scores, proving that America's Sweethearts must be as sharp-witted as they are talented dancers.

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3. The 'Jump Split' and Kick Line Requirements

Two physical requirements are non-negotiable and are often the source of tension and cuts during the camp: the kick line and the jump split. Candidates must be able to perform the iconic DCC kick line perfectly in unison with the veteran cheerleaders. Furthermore, a non-negotiable physical requirement is the ability to perform the splits by the start of the season.

The kick line, with its demanding height and synchronization, is the ultimate DCC test. Candidates who struggle with flexibility or precision are quickly identified and often face a difficult conversation with Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell, as seen on the popular reality show *Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team*.

4. The Presence of Guest Choreographers and High-Profile Alumni

To ensure the final squad is versatile and world-class, the training camp brings in renowned guest choreographers and high-profile DCC alumni. These experts are brought in to challenge the candidates with different styles, including hip-hop, jazz, and contemporary dance.

• Marty Kudelka: A notable guest choreographer known for his work with major music artists.
• Melissa Rycroft: DCC Alumni and reality TV star who often serves as a guest judge or mentor.

The pressure to impress these guest choreographers is immense, as their feedback directly influences the decisions made by Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell regarding the final cuts.

5. The Final Roster Cuts are Never Guaranteed

The most shocking truth about the DCC Training Camp is that making it to the camp is not a guarantee of a spot on the final Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders roster. The camp is essentially a final, extended audition that lasts several weeks throughout the summer.

Candidates are constantly under evaluation, not just on their dance performance, but on their professional conduct, ability to learn choreography quickly, physical fitness, and overall representation of the DCC brand. The final, official squad—which typically consists of around 36 members—is not announced until the very end of the training camp, leading to an extremely stressful summer for every single hopeful.

The Powerhouse Duo: Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell

The success and global brand recognition of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are largely attributed to the leadership of two key figures: Senior Director Kelli Finglass and Head Choreographer Judy Trammell.

Both are DCC alumni themselves, bringing a deep understanding of the organization's legacy and the commitment required. Kelli Finglass, who cheered from 1984–1989, and Judy Trammell, who cheered from 1980–1984, have been the driving force behind the squad since 1991. Their discerning eye and high standards are what maintain the DCC's reputation as the premier cheerleading organization in the world. They are supported by Charlotte Jones, the Dallas Cowboys' Co-Owner and Chief Brand Officer, who entrusts them with the integrity of the DCC brand.

Their roles in the 2025 Training Camp will be to personally oversee every rehearsal, conduct one-on-one interviews, and make the difficult decisions regarding the final roster cuts. Their focus is on finding candidates who possess the perfect blend of dance talent, intelligence, and the "DCC look"—a combination that embodies the spirit of America's Sweethearts.