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‘I Put It Up For Her’: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Faith Ward Explains Hair Controversy
Kelli Finglass, director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and Judy Trammell, head choreographer, introduce El Paso girls.© Gaby Velasquez/ El Paso Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have made a controversial decision in their style for the upcoming season. Newcomer Faith Ward was given flak online after a video of her wearing a ponytail went viral on TikTok.

The Australian-born cheerleader is breaking a long tradition of the DCC by wearing their hair down. Posters wanted to know why she was breaking with tradition.

Faith Ward is a break from tradition

“Just wondering why do you wear your hair up in a ponytail as a DCC I thought it was a requirement to have it up at practice?” asked a fan.

“Real question, I don’t normally see other dancers with their hair up, are you the only one?” posted another.

@flexi_faith

my heart is so full

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader’s Kelli Finglass wanted the change


Kelli Finglass, director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and Judy Trammell, head choreographer, introduce El Paso girls.© Gaby Velasquez/ El Paso Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

During an appearance on ABC Perth, Ward claimed that it was not her idea to wear a ponytail. DCC Director Kelli Finglass wanted to break with tradition.

“It’s crazy because obviously the DCC hairstyle is hair out, fluffy, voluminous, luscious, long locks, but I’ve broken that stereotype,” Ward said.  “So, I’m in rehearsal one of the days with my hair out and I am, you know, sweating after doing ‘Thunderstruck.’ (Finglass is) looking at me and she’s like, ‘You know what? I really want to see what your hair would look like tied up.’

“I put it up for her, and she really liked the way it danced, which was really cool because I was super excited about that. Your girl doesn’t want to have her hair out, sweaty in her face.”

Finglass is hoping the DCC can produce an Ariana Grande look-alike this year.

“I go into uniform fittings and keep my hair up in hopes that (Finglass) would like it still, and I walk in and she goes, ’You’re giving Ariana Grande! Like, we need an Ariana Grande moment on the team.'”

The Cowboys need a magical moment like that on the field this fall.


Kelli Finglass, director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and Judy Trammell, head choreographer, introduce El Paso girls who auditioned for a chance to make it to the final round to join the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders during the squad’s last tour stop at the Abraham Chavez Theatre in El Paso, Texas, on Saturday, May 31, 2025. © Gaby Velasquez/ El Paso Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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