Madeline Salter’s journey to becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader is deeply rooted in her family’s legacy and her lifelong passion for dance. Texas Lifestyle Magazine recently spoke with Salter who reflected on her path to becoming a DCC, the challenges she faced and the special moments that have defined her cheerleading career.

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Madeline Salter has been dancing for 20 years. A Texas native hailing from Round Rock, the 26 year old was introduced to the DCC at a very young age. Salter’s mom, Shannon Salter, was a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader in the 1980s and her father was a longtime cinematographer for the Cowboys football team. Salter has been a part of the DCC for four seasons, and credits her parents’ involvement with the organization for giving her the inspiration and exposure early on. 

“I wouldn’t be here,” she said. “My mom is an alumni and is part of the ‘Spirit of DCC,’ which is our alumni organization, and they get invited to special events throughout the year including ‘Meet the Team’ which is the very first time the team performs in uniform at the stadium in front of their families and friends.”

When Dreams become Goals

During the summer of 2018, Salter was on vacation from school and attended an event with her mom which became the catalyst for her auditioning. “Honestly, I didn’t verbalize about wanting to try out for the DCC until after that day,” she said. “Thunderstruck is an iconic routine and is the opener to every Cowboys home game. As I was watching their routine for the first time, tears started to run down my cheek and my heart rate began to speed up. I know I’m an emotional girl, but I do believe that was a physical reaction to seeing my dream in front of me and wanting to pursue it. I turned to my mom sitting with her alumni sisters and said, ‘I think I want to try out for DCC.’ And the rest is history!”

Dancing since the age of 6, Salter began competing at 12 years old and became a part of her high school dance team. “During summertime in college, I would travel back and forth from Dallas to NYC taking prep classes for the DCC and studying under the Radio City Rockettes. I believed that getting as much experience as I could in other cities would help my education and growth in this world,” she said. 

For college, Salter attended Oklahoma City University where she studied Dance Performance at the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment. “OCU is known as the Juilliard of the South, so I was trained in theater dance and performing. I also learned how to act, sing and study contracts. My college doesn’t have a football team, but we have an amazing female and male basketball team. The pep dancers would perform at games, pep rallies and Greek life events, and perform jazz and hip hop routines which is rare at OCU because the dance school didn’t provide hip hop classes.”

From Setbacks to Success

When Salter first auditioned for the DCC, she didn’t make the squad and struggled with confidence. But she continued to prep and train, and her hard work paid off in the end. “Not everybody makes it their first time out, and that was the case for me,” she said. “But when you’re focused on a dream, the journey is different for everyone. Another challenge that most don’t understand is that it takes a lot more strength than just doing a routine a couple of times. Strength training is a huge part of making the team, in addition to having incredible dance abilities and skills. The year that I made the squad, I really focused on strength training and working with a trainer. I focused on a healthier lifestyle and got myself mentally prepared for the audition process and training camp.”

One of the most memorable experiences Salter experienced as a DCC was the first time she was handed her uniform. “A collection of emotions all wrapped up into one moment when I realized that I was now part of an organization that was beyond my dreams and expectations,” she said. “On that same level of memorable moments would have to be when I was handed my DCC pinky ring. The uniform you have to turn back in, but the pinky ring is yours forever and connects you to over 800 DCC alumni.” Salter also loves the bond she has with other members of the squad calling it the “best part about being a DCC.”

Texas Roots

As a fifth generation Texas native, who also happens to share a birthday with Texas Independence Day, Salter’s history with the state goes way back. Reflecting on her roots she said, “I was born in Irving and lived in Carrollton for a few years. Every year my family would visit ‘Big Tex’ at the State Fair. We would watch the pig races, gorge on corn on the cob, and watch in awe the magnificent birds of the famous bird show hosted by Steve Martin,” she said. “I’m very biased when it comes to my love of Texas. I love the history of Texas, the delicious food – from Texas BBQ to Tex-Mex – and the kind people of this state that care so much for it.”

DCC Netflix Series

In June 2024, Netflix released a docuseries about the DCC, “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,” which follows the lives of the cheerleaders from the audition process through the football season, showcasing personal and professional experiences and challenges. Salter appeared on the series and offered her thoughts about being on the show. 

“My experience with the new Netflix series has been a challenging one,” she said. “Having to talk about my personal life, cheerleading life, and my friends and loved ones has helped me realize that the DCC has a lot more of an impact on society than I realized. Also, I applaud all of the viewers who reached out to me on social media and were brave enough to share their stories with me. 

“My family’s story is a touchy subject, so when viewers were saying they had family members and friends who they’ve also lost, I was shocked that they trusted me to share such an important part of their lives.” Salter’s father died following a battle with mental health. “Suicide and domestic violence is so often avoided on social media, and I commend those who felt comfortable to reach out and speak what’s on their heart through their pain. Viewers hopefully will find the series entertaining, but realize that we are individuals with everyday problems, and the documentary definitely shows that.”

Life Outside DCC

Outside the DCC organization, Salter works three different jobs including at an orthodontics office, as a dance instructor, and as a brand ambassador for a talent agency based in Los Angeles. During her free time, she loves to engage in strength training, bake gingerbread cookies, and explore the outdoors, especially in Virginia where she often visited while growing up. Salter has plans to continue dancing at the highest level and being proactive with her health and physical therapy. “When my DCC years have come to a close, I would like to continue dancing as long as I can, hopefully on Broadway, a cruise ship, or even a movie musical,” she said.

Favorite Former DCCs

When asked if she has a favorite former DCC, Salter said, “I know having a former DCC as a mom, people would assume she would be my favorite. But I never saw her dance as a DCC. Of course I’ve seen videos and she has told me stories about her time on the team, but I have known her only as my mom since my earliest memory. 

“My favorite former DCC would be the lovely Ms. Tami Barber. With her iconic pigtails and sweet smile, she has made such an impact on me since my career started with the DCC. She is a shining light for so many and she sets a beautiful example of beating the odds in life and keeping that signature smile of hers. 

“The DCC who inspire me the most are all of the Comeback Girls. A Comeback Girl is someone that has tried out, been cut from training camp, and then comes back to try out and makes it. I have been a Comeback Girl before, and it takes a lot of confidence and determination. Don’t get me wrong, everyone comes into the audition with all of that, but Comeback Girls know what it feels like to lose that opportunity. Kelli (Finglass) and Judy (Trammell) know them already, and they want to see what the Comeback Girls have done to improve themselves.” 

A Glimpse at Her Playlist

Currently, Salter’s Top 3 songs on her Spotify playlist include “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley, “Solitude” by Billie Holiday, and “Hot to Go!”  by Chappell Roan. Salter calls her first song choice the “national anthem of her life.” 

“I have absolutely loved this song ever since I could remember. I was raised by a show called ‘We are the 80s’ on MTV.” Salter also loves to listen to Ella Fitzgerald and Bing Crosby while cleaning her apartment and is a fan of music from the 1940s. “I’m so thankful I have access to that music.” 

Upcoming Season

With football season coming up, expect to see Salter along with other veterans and new squad members. “Fans can also expect the high standards we’ve always had. The incoming rookies are fantastic and the veterans are a strong leadership group,” she said. 

Follow Madeline Salter on Instagram here. 

Visit the Official Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Webpage here.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cover Photo Courtesy DCC.

Originally from San Antonio, Jenny Castro has a passion for writing, travel, and discovering new topics. She loves Tex-Mex food, Tejano music and George Strait. Check her out on Instagram to keep up with her work and latest adventures.