Becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader is a dream for many talented dancers across the country. The iconic squad is known for its glamorous uniforms, incredible dance skills, and unparalleled prestige. However, making the team requires a serious commitment of time, energy, and money. From auditions to uniforms and travel, being an Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader comes with many expenses. This article will break down the various costs associated with securing a coveted spot on the famous dance team.
Audition Costs
The first hurdle to becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader is making it through the highly competitive auditions. The audition process consists of several components, many of which require fees and travel expenses. Here is an overview of the costs associated with trying out for the team:
Audition Fee
It costs $50 just to register for preliminary Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader auditions. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether or not a candidate makes it through the initial cuts. Considering thousands of hopefuls audition each year and only around 40 make the team, most candidates will lose their $50.
Audition Attire
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader auditions have very strict requirements for audition attire. Candidates need to wear a designated top and shorts outfit that shows off their dance physique. Purchasing this customized audition outfit costs around $100. Shoes and dance accessories can cost another $50-100.
Dance Photo & Video
All auditioning candidates need to submit a dance photo and video showcasing their technical abilities. Professional photo and video shoots typically cost $200-300 per candidate.
Dance Classes
To polish dance skills before auditions, most candidates take private lessons and classes for several months. Expect to spend $400 or more on dance classes to get competition ready.
Travel
Candidates from outside the Dallas-Fort Worth area need to budget for travel and accommodations during the audition phase. Airfare, hotel, transportation, and meals can easily add up to $1000 or more per candidate.
Summary of Audition Costs
Audition fee | $50 |
Outfit | $100-$150 |
Photo/video | $200-$300 |
Dance classes | $400+ |
Travel | $1,000+ |
Total | $1,750-$1,800 |
All said, candidates spend an average of $1,750-$1,800 just to audition for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. And that’s before making the team and additional costs come into play.
Uniform Costs
If a candidate succeeds in the audition process and secures a spot on the squad, they will need to invest in multiple official uniforms and accessories. Prices vary from year to year, but Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders can expect to pay roughly:
Uniforms
– Game day uniform: $1,000
– Rehearsal uniform: $500
– Photo shoot uniform: $1,000
– Various ensemble uniforms for special events: $2,000
Accessories
– Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader boots: $500
– Poms poms: $150
– Warm up suit: $200
– Backpack: $200
– Dance shoes: $100
– Makeup kit: $400
Hair and beauty
– Hair stylings per game/event: $105
– Manicures: $50/month
– Spray tans: $50/month
Miscellaneous gear
– Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader calendars: $500
– Swimsuit calendar shoot: $500
– Team jacket: $300
– Luggage: $300
Summary of Uniform and Accessory Costs
Uniforms | $4,500 |
Accessories | $1,950 |
Hair & Beauty | $4,860/year |
Miscellaneous Gear | $1,600 |
Total | $12,910 |
The custom uniforms and required accessories for Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders add up quickly to around $13,000 per team member. And these costs are annual, as new uniforms and accessories must be purchased each season.
Classes & Practice Costs
In addition to games and appearances, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders must attend regular practices, conditioning, and dance classes year-round. While these team activities are technically free, there are still costs associated with them, mainly:
Transportation
Gas, parking fees, and vehicle wear and tear to drive to multiple practices per week
Tanning
Year-round spray tans to maintain the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders signature bronze glow
Childcare
Many cheerleaders have kids and require childcare during practices, dance classes, and workouts
Between transportation, tanning, childcare, and other expenses, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders spend around $5,000 per year attending required team functions.
Travel Costs
In addition to local events, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders do a huge amount of traveling for games, tours, and appearances. All this travel comes with substantial costs:
Games
The squad travels to all Dallas Cowboys away games. With airfare, hotels, per diems, and more, each away game weekend costs upwards of $2,000 per cheerleader. With 5-7 away games, that’s $14,000-$16,000 per season.
Tours
Every other year, the team goes on an international tour. In addition to regular game day pay, the cheerleaders must pay for airfare, hotels, food, and ground transportation. Total tour costs can range from $5,000-$10,000.
Special Appearances
Appearances for grand openings, corporate events, and television specials also require significant travel a few times per month. Costs per event range from $500-$2,000.
Summary of Yearly Travel Costs
Away Games | $14,000-$16,000 |
International Tour (every other year) | $5,000-$10,000 |
Special Appearances | $6,000-$24,000 |
Total Yearly Travel | $25,000-$50,000 |
From transportation and accommodations to food and entertainment, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders spend upwards of $25,000-$50,000 traveling for work every year. And cheerleaders don’t receive compensation for the majority of these travel expenses.
Yearly Costs Summary
When adding up the high costs associated with auditions, uniforms, practices, and travel, here is an overview of the yearly investment to be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader:
Audition Costs | $1,750-$1,800 (one time) |
Uniforms & Accessories | $12,910 |
Classes & Practices | $5,000 |
Travel | $25,000-$50,000 |
Total Yearly Costs | $44,660-$69,710 |
The total costs for a year on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, including auditions, uniforms, practices, travel, and other expenses ranges from $44,660-$69,710 per cheerleader. And these costs are annual requirements for staying on the team.
Revenue Opportunities
While Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders pay a significant amount of money out of pocket, there are some opportunities to offset costs through revenue streams such as:
– Per game pay
– Paid special appearances
– Calendar sales
– Merchandise profits
– Sponsorships and partnerships
By maximizing their monetization opportunities, savvy Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders may defray around $5,000-$15,000 per year in costs. However, the substantial expenses almost always outweigh potential earnings. Most cheer team members end up paying tens of thousands per year to live out their dream.
Conclusion
In summary, being a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader comes with exorbitant out of pocket expenses in the range of $40,000-$70,000 per year. The glitz and glamour of the job masks just how much cheerleaders pay to perform for one of the most visible squads in sports. While the opportunity to represent the Dallas Cowboys on the global stage is priceless for most, this dream job definitely comes at a steep cost.