The 7 Secrets Behind The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' Viral 'Thunderstruck' Dance Routine

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) dance is more than just sideline entertainment; it is a global phenomenon of athleticism, precision, and iconic choreography. As of December 2025, the buzz around the DCC’s elite dance program has reached an all-time high, largely driven by the new Netflix docuseries, *America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders*, which gives an unprecedented look at the intense training and the demanding routines the squad masters.

The latest 2025-2026 squad, featuring new rookies and seasoned veterans, continues to uphold the legacy of "America's Sweethearts" with a dynamic blend of dance genres—from contemporary jazz and hip-hop to military-precision kicks. The dance program's rigor, led by legendary figures and current choreographers, ensures every performance on the field at AT&T Stadium is executed with the unparalleled technique that has defined the DCC for decades.

The Profile of DCC Dance Excellence: KaShara Garrett

When discussing the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' dance legacy, it is impossible to overlook the influence of the women who have not only performed but also shaped the choreography and training. KaShara Garrett is one such figure, a former DCC veteran who now serves as a lead instructor and choreographer, playing a vital role in maintaining the squad’s world-class dance standards. Her journey is a testament to the dedication required to achieve the "DCC look" and technique.

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• Full Name: KaShara Garrett
• Role: Former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader (DCC), Lead Instructor, and Choreographer for DCC Prep Classes.
• DCC Tenure: She was a member of the elite squad for multiple years, demonstrating exceptional dance technique and leadership.
• Key Achievements:
  • Awarded Rookie of the Year during her first season.
  • Selected as the coveted Point position, often leading the team on the field.
  • Served as the Pro Bowl Representative in 2019 (Lacey Munoz was also a representative).
  • Featured prominently in the docuseries *Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team*.
• Educational/Dance Background: An alumna of the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Dance Team.
• Post-DCC Career: Went on to become the Head Coach of the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders, showcasing her expertise in professional cheerleading management and dance coaching.
• Current Impact: She is instrumental in teaching the choreography and techniques to aspiring candidates through the official DCC Prep Classes, ensuring the next generation of dancers, including the 2025 rookies like Jenna Waller, are ready for the demanding routines.

The Anatomy of the Iconic DCC Dance Style and Training

The DCC’s dance style is a highly technical fusion that demands a diverse skill set from every dancer. The choreography is a signature blend of powerful movement and polished precision, setting the gold standard in professional cheerleading. The training camp process, now heavily featured in the *America's Sweethearts* series, reveals the physical and mental intensity required to make the team.

Mastering Multiple Dance Genres

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders must be versatile masters of several dance genres to perform the varied routines seen at AT&T Stadium and on USO tours worldwide. The core styles include:

• Jazz: The foundation of the DCC style, emphasizing sharp movements, high energy, and clean lines.
• Hip-Hop: Incorporated for a modern, high-impact feel, adding a powerful rhythm to their gameday dances.
• Contemporary/Modern: Used in some routines to showcase fluidity, emotion, and advanced technical skills.
• Ballet: Essential for maintaining the impeccable form, turnout, and extension required for their signature kicks and turns.

Dancers like veteran candidate Chandi Dayle and the new 2025 squad members spend hours perfecting their technique, which is renowned for its unparalleled combination of beauty and athleticism.

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The Grueling Training Camp and Fitness Regimen

The training process for the DCC is famously rigorous, often spanning months of intense rehearsal and physical conditioning. The docuseries highlights the demanding schedule, which goes far beyond learning choreography.

Candidates are expected to be in peak physical condition. The regimen often includes running two miles before entering the studio, followed by extensive cardio workouts and hours of rehearsing choreography. This level of fitness is necessary to perform multiple high-energy routines, like the pre-game and quarter dances, while maintaining a captivating stage presence throughout an entire NFL game.

The 'Thunderstruck' Phenomenon: How Netflix Fueled a Viral Dance Craze

The most current and significant news surrounding the DCC dance world is the massive global resurgence of their most iconic pre-game routine: the "Thunderstruck" dance. This choreography, a longtime staple of the squad, has exploded in popularity, specifically on platforms like TikTok, following the June 2024 release of the Netflix series *America's Sweethearts*.

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Choreography and Cultural Impact

The "Thunderstruck" routine, set to the classic AC/DC rock anthem, is a powerful, high-octane performance that epitomizes the DCC’s energy. It was choreographed by the legendary Judy Trammell, the team’s head choreographer, and remains a fan favorite. The dance is characterized by its dramatic formations, signature high kicks, and sharp, synchronized movements that electrify the crowd at AT&T Stadium before kickoff.

The Netflix show captured the moment rookie candidate Reece Allman and others struggled to master the routine’s intricate steps, demonstrating just how difficult the choreography truly is. This behind-the-scenes look resonated with viewers and spurred a new wave of social media trends, with users attempting to replicate the famous steps. Team members, including Jada Mclean, have even posted videos correcting common mistakes, further engaging the online community and solidifying the routine's viral status.

The 2025 Squad and New Routines

The 2025-2026 squad is tasked with not only maintaining the perfection of classics like "Thunderstruck" but also debuting new, fresh choreography. Recent performances have included high-energy gameday routines and sideline dances like the "Boom, Shake, Drop" performance seen during the 2025 Oxnard training camp. The constant cycle of new choreography, taught by instructors like KaShara Garrett, ensures that the DCC’s dance program remains dynamic and relevant in the ever-evolving world of professional entertainment.

The journey to becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, as seen by hopefuls like Cambrie Gonzales and Karley Swindel, is a relentless pursuit of dance perfection. The combination of classic, powerful routines and the constant introduction of new, challenging choreography is what keeps the DCC dance program at the pinnacle of the industry, captivating audiences from the field to the global streaming stage. Their dance is truly the spirit of "America's Sweethearts."