Former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Victoria Kalina, who was one of the breakout stars of Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts, revealed how difficult it was for her to watch the hit show.
The 24-year-old even admitted she walked out during a screening of the documentary series, which highlighted the meager wages and harsh working conditions of cheerleaders.
“It was a very hard effect on me,” he said. He told the Times in an interview published on Friday.
Kalina, whose mother was on the team in the 1980s, said she walked out on an early showing of the show after watching a scene in which the team’s notoriously ruthless coaches mocked her for her stamina.
Her mother, Tina, has completely refused to watch the series.
Former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Victoria Kalina said she found it difficult to watch the Netflix show
She was among the rising stars of America’s Sweethearts, which premiered last month.
“It’s obviously hard for her as a mother to see that – her baby suffering and being treated that way. So I think she’s going to have to process all of that before she can watch the show,” Kalina said.
She also compared her time with the team to an abusive relationship, adding: “I think I’ve lost some of my love for dance… if you give, give, give so much and get nothing in return, what’s the point?”
This comes just weeks after Mail Sport spoke exclusively to a former DCC member, who revealed the “dark side” of the “toxic” environment, in which dancers are treated poorly and seen as “expendable”.
“You get addicted to the sisterhood that comes with it all,” the former cheerleader told us.
“You really fall in love with the girls, they’re your best friends. But we all joke that we’re bonded by the trauma of the things we’ve been through.”
Despite being the richest sports franchise in the world, valued at around $5 billion, the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders earn a salary comparable to that of a fast-food worker.
Netflix Series ‘America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ Highlights Group
A former DCC member revealed there was a “dark side” to the team’s “toxic” environment.
Most DCC members earn about the same amount as a full-time Chick-Fil-A employee.
Charlotte Jones, brand director and daughter of billionaire owner Jerry Jones, said dancers are not motivated by money when they join the DCC.
“They don’t really come here for the money. They come here for something that’s more important than that.” Them‘ she said in the first episode of Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts.
The Cowboys’ lowest-paid player makes $795,000, while quarterback Dak Prescott has a contract worth $160 million.
In contrast, the entertainer we spoke to earned between $15,000 and $22,000 per year while part of the DCC.
“It’s very insulting to see someone in such a high position speak out about the fact that we’re here for something bigger than ourselves,” the former cheerleader said in response to Charlotte’s comments.
‘We love the job of being Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. However, I think if you want elite dancers, you have to give them elite compensation.
“We are all athletes, we are all incredible artists… the problem is that every year there will be women lining up willing to do it for less.”