Perth’s Faith Ward reveals how she made Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Aussie dancer Faith Ward has pulled off the ultimate leap, landing a spot on the world-famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad. Here’s why it’s a history-making moment.

Aussie dancer Faith Ward pulled off what thousands only dream of — landing a coveted spot on the iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) squad, becoming one of the first Australians to do so.

The 22-year-old from Perth beat out hundreds of hopefuls to join the elite NFL squad, known globally for its high standards, fierce competition, and iconic status in American pop culture.

Here is everything you need to know about Ms Ward and her historic selection.

Perth dancer Faith Ward, has become one of America’s Sweethearts after making it onto the ultra-competitive Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading squad. Picture: Instagram

WHO IS FAITH WARD?

Ms Ward, who was born in New Zealand but moved to Australia as a child, was one of only six rookies selected for the team of 36, which is traditionally comprised mostly of returning ‘veterans’.

The 22-year-old has amassed a huge online following on Instagram and TikTok under the moniker Flexi Faith where she shares snapshots of her life as a dancer.

She previously performed on board cruise ships.

WHAT MAKES THE SQUAD ICONIC?

The selection makes Ms Ward the first ever DCC from New Zealand and the third from Australia.

In a heartwarming video captioned “the best day of my life”, Ms Ward shared the reactions of her loved ones as she held up her new cheerleader uniform on FaceTime calls to break the news.

“This journey has been incredibly challenging, both physically and mentally, but I wouldn’t change a thing,” Ms Ward wrote in an emotional announcement.

“I’ve been pushed in ways I never imagined, I’ve learned and grown so much already.

“I’m excited to see where this wild ride takes me. I feel so privileged to stand alongside not only the most talented dancers but also some of the most amazing women I’ve ever met.”

Ms Ward follows in the footsteps of previous Australian DCC alum Jinelle Esther and Angela Nicotera who have since hung up their pompoms.

The selection makes Ms Ward the first ever DCC from New Zealand and the third from Australia.

WHAT SHOW IS SHE FEATURED IN?

The glamorous squad is just as famous as the Dallas Cowboys NFL team it cheers for and has become the focus of hit Netflix series America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which follows the group’s rigorous selection and training regimen.

The squad is known for its star spangled white and blue uniforms and its signature dance routine to AC/DC’s Thunderstruck.

However, this year’s season of the show followed last year’s auditions — so if it’s renewed for a third season, Ms Ward’s journey is likely to air around mid-next year. And given the popularity of the latest season, a return to screens seems likely.

The glamorous squad is just as famous as the Dallas Cowboys NFL team it cheers for and has become the focus of hit Netflix series America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR HER?

The real work is only just beginning for Ms Ward, with Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders committing to hours equivalent to a full-time job. But she’s joining the squad at a golden moment — fresh off a major pay bump.

After years of public pressure and scrutiny, the Cowboys — the NFL’s most valuable franchise at over US15 billion ($A23b) — have increased cheerleader pay by a massive 400 per cent. Ward is now set to earn around US77,000 ($A118,000) a year, though many argue it’s still not enough given the intense physical demands and time commitment the role requires.

With the football team heading into training camp, the cheerleaders will do the same — preparing for their first pre-season home game on August 17, before the Cowboys kick off their regular season in Arlington, Texas on September 15.

Originally published as Perth’s Faith Ward reveals how she made Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders