America’s Sweethearts, which lifts the lid on life in the most famous cheerleading team in the US, has been climbing up the Netflix charts since its release last month.
The series follows the gruelling recruitment and coaching process for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders – DCC for short – and how much pressure the members face to be perfect
Among the hopefuls is 24-year-old Ariana McClure – a medical sales rep who moved to Dallas to pursue her dream.It is her second attempt at making the team, having been cut in training camp the previous year.Dancers have to go through a tough audition process and training camp before they’re high-kicking in formation on the football pitch, all without a piece of hair or false eyelash being out of place. It’s ruthlessly competitive.
As well as learning the demanding acrobatic routines, they are required to stay the same size, so they can continue to fit in to the trademark uniform of tiny shorts, crop top and cowboy boots.It’s not the first show about the cheerleaders, who are nicknamed America’s Sweethearts – there had already been 16 seasons of a reality show about the team on US network CMT.
But Netflix has brought DCC to a new audience. And many viewers have expressed shock at the demands on the cheerleaders, and the comparatively low wages they are paid.
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