Hundreds of Hopefuls Tryout for Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Dancers from all over the country audition to be a part of next season’s Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Squad.
Amber Fisher
The 33 News
May 15, 2011

For some, trying out to be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader was a spontaneous decision.

“It started out as just a random, you’re turning 25, do something exciting, to now coming out here and completely wanting this more than anything,” said dancer Megan Gabardi.

For others, like Brittany Schram, it’s been a lifelong dream.

“Since birth,” Schram said. “I think when you’re born in Dallas, you come out of the womb as a Cowboys fan.”

Sunday’s auditions were Schram’s second time tryout out. Last year, she made it all the way through training camp.

“I feel a lot better this time,” she said. “I’m more prepared. I know what’s in store.”

Schram went up against about 300 other hopefuls, some traveled great distances to audition.

“I’m from Illinios, but I just moved to Lewisville to tryout for the cheerleaders,” said dancer Natalie Watson. “They’re role models to me, and I grew up watching them and everything the cheerleaders stood for.”

Each dancer had about a minute to perform a freestyle dance for a panel of judges.

They were scored on their dance ability, personality and appearance.

“It’s nerve-racking,” Schram said. “You’re out there, and you think you’re doing your thing, and you look over and you see Kelly and Judy sort of lean over and whisper and see them look up and down and you think, maybe I’m not doing so well. But you only hope that they’re saying good things.”

“I’m just excited to be here,” Watson said. “If I make it or not. The experience is something you’ll have for a lifetime.”

After auditioning, Schram said she was confident in her performance.

“I feel like I did really well,” she said. “Of course, I wish I could go out there and do it again and again, but I think that I did really well. So, hopefully, second time’s a charm for me.”