The image of the Dallas Cowboys certainly wouldn’t be the same without the dazzling smiles, crop tops and signature white boots of the cheerleaders who grace the sidelines at every game.
The cheerleaders are a vital part of the Dallas Cowboys' brand, and their history is unmatched.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders - 1965
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders - 1967
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders - 1970s
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders uniform sketch 1972
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders - 1972
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Tami Barber circa 1970s
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Tami Barber circa 1970s
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Teri Richardson circa 1970s
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Suzanne Mitchell, left, gives instructions to Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders while on a tour in Japan in 1978. Mitchell, the former director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders in the 1970s and 80s, died Sept. 27, 2016.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
VonCiel Baker circa 1970s
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Debbie Aycock circa 1980s
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Judy Trammell circa 1980s
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Judy Trammell circa 1980s
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Kelli Finglass circa 1980s
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Suzette Russell circa 1980s
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
circa 1990s
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Regina Tucker circa 1990s
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Regina Tucker circa 1990s
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02 October 2011: Cheerleaders of the Dallas Cowboys during the Cowboys 34-30 loss to the Detroit Lions at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith
©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
11 December 2011: Cheerleaders of the Dallas Cowboys during the Cowboys 37-34 loss to the New York Giants at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith
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29 August 2012: Cheerleaders of the Dallas Cowboys during the Cowboys 30-13 preseason win over the Miami Dolphins at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith
©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
24 August 2013: Cheerleaders of the Dallas Cowboys during the Cowboys 24-18 win over the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
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The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders warm up the crowd at Texas Stadium Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, before the team takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders warm up the crowd at Texas Stadium Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, before the team takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Frank Heinz
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders warm up the crowd at Texas Stadium Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, before the team takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Frank Heinz
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders warm up the crowd at Texas Stadium Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, before the team takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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IRVING, TX - OCTOBER 26: Abigail Klein of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders performs during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Texas Stadium on October 26, 2008 in Irving, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders warm up the crowd at Texas Stadium Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, before the team takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Frank Heinz
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders warm up the crowd at Texas Stadium Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, before the team takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Frank Heinz
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders warm up the crowd at Texas Stadium Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, before the team takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Frank Heinz
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders entertain the crowd at half-time. Photo taken Dec. 20, 2008.
Frank Heinz
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders entertain the fans at Texas Stadium prior to the start of the last game at the iconic stadium. Photo taken Dec. 20, 2008.
Frank Heinz
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders entertain fans prior to the start of the final game at Texas Stadium. Photo taken Dec. 20, 2008.
Frank Heinz
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders entertain fans prior to the start of the final game at Texas Stadium. Photo taken Dec. 20, 2008.
Frank Heinz
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders entertain the fans at Texas Stadium prior to the start of the last game at the iconic stadium. Photo taken Dec. 20, 2008.
Frank Heinz
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders entertain the fans at Texas Stadium prior to the start of the last game at the iconic stadium. Photo taken Dec. 20, 2008.
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DALLAS - SEPTEMBER 28: Erica Jenkins of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders performs during a game against the Washington Redskins at Texas Stadium on September 28, 2008 in Irving, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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DALLAS - SEPTEMBER 15: Makenzi Swicegood of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders performs during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Texas Stadium on September 15, 2008 in Irving, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform for fans before the Cowboys take the field against the Tennessee Titans during a preseason game at the new Cowboys Stadium.
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The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders kick it into high gear during a practice session at the new Cowboys stadium.
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The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders take the field at the new Cowboys Stadium.
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 29: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs at Cowboys Stadium on August 29, 2009 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs at Cowboys Stadium on August 29, 2009 in Arlington, Texas.
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The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform at Cowboys Stadium.
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Tobie Percival of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders performs at Cowboys Stadium.
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A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 24, 2005 at Texas Stadium.
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A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 24, 2005 at Texas Stadium.
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A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Cowboys Stadium.
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Members of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform before the start of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
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A member of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders performs during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 28: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs at Cowboys Stadium on September 28, 2009 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 28: Abigail Klein of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders performs at Cowboys Stadium on September 28, 2009 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 24, 2005 at Texas Stadium.
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A member of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009, in Arlington, Texas.
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Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders prepare to perform during an NFL football game in Arlington.
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Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins.
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A member of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders performs during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins.
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Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009 in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
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Members of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009 in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
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Members of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009 in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
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Sunni Cranfill of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders performs at Cowboys Stadium.
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A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers in Arlington, Texas.
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A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers in Arlington, Texas.
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Amy Reese of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
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Abigail Klein of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders performs at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
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The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Stadium.
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Meagan McVay of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
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Abigail Klein of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders performs during the game against the Oakland Raiders at Cowboys Stadium.
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Amy Reese of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders performs at Cowboys Stadium on November 22, 2009 in Arlington, Texas.
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Trisha Trevino of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders performs at Cowboys Stadium on November 22, 2009 in Arlington, Texas.
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The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the preseason game between the Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium on August 12, 2010 in Arlington, Texas.
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The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the preseason game between the Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium on August 12, 2010 in Arlington, Texas.
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A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs at Cowboys Stadium on November 22, 2009 in Arlington, Texas.
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The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the preseason game between the Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium on August 12, 2010 in Arlington, Texas.
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A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, in Arlington, Texas.
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Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders
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A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. The Bears won 27-20. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 19: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs during a game against the Chicago Bears at Cowboys Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 10: A member of the the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders performs during the game with the Tennessee Titans at Cowboys Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. The Titans won 34-27. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, November 13, 2011 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won the game, 44-7. (AP Photo/James D Smith)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders performs during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Cowboys Stadium on November 24, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Dolphins 20 to 19. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 16: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium on August 16, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 16: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during an NFL preseason game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on August 16, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 16: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during an NFL preseason game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on August 16, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 27: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Atlanta Falcons at AT&T Stadium on September 27, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Kelli Finglass, who has directed the squad for 27 years, said the cheerleaders are “timeless.” She, herself, was a cheerleader in the 1980s for five years.
“They embrace tradition, yet they also keep us young and relevant in our choreography and our music and performance,” Finglass said.
One thing that has remained a tradition since the 1970s is the signature uniform.
Paula Van Wagoner was never a cheerleader, but she was the first person to ever officially don the uniform.
Van Wagoner was the original designer of the classic booty shorts, crop top and beloved white boots.
She was a fashion designer in 1972, and was asked to create a uniform to represent the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. With her design in hand, she presented her creation to the head of the Dallas Cowboys, Tex Schramm, on a hanger.
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“I can remember Tex Schram saying, 'We need to see it on a body,' so I went and put on the uniform and came back and modeled it for him,” she said. “So I was the first person to wear the uniform the way it is today.”
She said she thought the uniforms would last throughout a season, maybe.
“I actually thought the uniforms might last through that first season, not for 44 years,” Van Wagoner said.
A look a the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders uniforms through the years.
Although the uniforms are practically unchanged, the importance of diversity on the team is something that has developed through the years. The squad is a diverse group representing 18 states and three countries.
One of those women, Yuko Kawata, is from Osaka, Japan. The 23-year-old said she’s always dreamed of being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and made the team despite language and culture barriers.
“It is so hard,” she said. “But every moment I think, 'Oh, I’m living my dream!' I need time for understanding, but everything for my dream.”
Jinelle Davidson is a 29-year-old cheerleader from Australia. She’s been on the squad for four years and said she loves every minute of her time in Dallas.
“I think it’s so special to have a team of 37 ladies and everyone comes from somewhere different and has a different story and has gone through their own different experience to make this team,” Davidson said.
She said the feeling of cheering inside AT&T Stadium is an indescribable experience.
“There’s no feeling like it,” she said. “I have goosebumps right now talking about it.”
But through all the years and all the changes, much has stayed the same.
“There's energy, a sisterhood, a common denominator of overachieving women that become very close,” Finglass said.
