The highly anticipated second season of America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders has just been released on Netflix, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic NFL dance troupe. However, as viewers delve into the world of professional cheerleading, a darker side of the industry is revealed.
The show follows the annual process of selecting new members for the squad, with returning veterans and rookie cheerleaders vying for a coveted spot on the team. While dance skills and performance abilities are important criteria for selection, the show also highlights outdated standards of beauty and body image that are enforced within the squad.
One of the most striking moments in the series is during the uniform fittings, where dancers are fitted into their costumes with no room for alterations throughout the year. This rigid standard does not account for natural fluctuations in weight, muscle mass, or bloating, leading to added pressure on the performers to maintain a certain physique.
Despite claims from Director Kelli Finglass that the show has moved away from discussing body types, episodes in the second season still feature commentary on dancers’ appearances. Instances where comments about shoulder width and body proportions are made raise concerns about the emphasis placed on physical attributes rather than talent and skill.
The show also delves into the personal struggles of some cheerleaders, with discussions on body image issues and eating disorders. Stories of dancers facing pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards shed light on the toxic environment that some performers are subjected to.
In addition to the scrutiny on body image, the selection process for the squad raises questions about the qualifications of the judges. With individuals from varying backgrounds, including a country music singer and a meteorologist, critiquing the dancers, the credibility of their assessments comes into question.
The negative impact of the show’s focus on appearance is evident in the stress and pressure experienced by the cheerleaders. While some progress has been made, such as a significant pay increase for the dancers, the underlying issues of body image and beauty standards remain prevalent within the squad.
As viewers navigate through the complexities of the cheerleading world depicted in America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, it serves as a reminder of the harmful effects of societal pressures on body image. With the rise of trends promoting extreme thinness, the show’s portrayal of beauty standards only adds to the existing challenges faced by performers.
While the second season of America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders offers a glimpse into the world of professional cheerleading, it also raises important questions about the impact of unrealistic beauty standards. Viewers are encouraged to watch with caution and consider the broader implications of the messages portrayed in the show.
America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders is now available for streaming on Netflix, inviting audiences to explore the highs and lows of the competitive world of professional cheerleading.
