Shelly Bramhall’s daughter, Dayton Bramhall, faced high expectations and heartbreak during her journey to become a DCC.
Shelly Bramhall has carved out an impressive career within the Dallas Cowboys organization, establishing herself as a cornerstone of the cheerleading program for over three decades.
She joined the Dallas Cowboys as an Associate Choreographer and Event Coordinator in 1989 and continues to serve in this capacity today, marking an extraordinary 36-year tenure with the organization.
Throughout her career, Shelly has taken on multiple responsibilities that showcase her versatility and dedication to the program.
She choreographs sideline routines and Show Group performances while also leading DCC Prep Classes that prepare aspiring cheerleaders for the rigorous audition process.
Her role extends beyond choreography to include marketing and sales of DCC appearances and shows, demonstrating her business acumen alongside her artistic talents.
Shelly serves as an onsite show coordinator and Show Group travel liaison, ensuring that performances run smoothly both at home and on the road.
Her commitment to excellence has made her an integral part of the DCC organization’s success over the years.
In addition to her work with the Cowboys, she founded DRB Designs in January 2003, where she serves as President and Designer.
She also dedicates time to teaching and choreographing at the Academy of Dance Arts, a position she has held since August 1999.
Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the DCC program have made her a respected figure within the organization.
Shelly retired from active cheerleading in 1989 when she discovered she was pregnant with her daughter Dayton, transitioning seamlessly into her behind-the-scenes role that would span decades.
Dayton Bramhall’s Challenging Journey To Make The DCC Squad
Dayton Bramhall carries the weight of a significant legacy as she pursues her dream of joining the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Born into a family where DCC runs deep, she faces unique pressures that most candidates never experience.
Her mother Shelly’s prominent role within the organization creates both opportunities and challenges that have shaped Dayton’s journey in profound ways.
The talented dancer first attempted to join the DCC squad in 2019, but the selection committee did not choose her for the final team.
This initial setback occurred during a time when Dayton was still developing her skills and finding her place within the competitive world of professional cheerleading.
The rejection stung particularly because of her deep personal connection to the organization through her mother’s work.
After taking six years to grow both personally and professionally, Dayton made the courageous decision to return for the 2024-2025 season auditions.
Her dedication during this period paid off when she earned a spot among the top 45 candidates, marking significant progress from her previous attempt.
The achievement demonstrated her commitment to improving her craft and her determination to fulfill her dream.
However, the journey through training camp proved more challenging than Dayton anticipated.
Netflix’s “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” captured her struggles during the second season, revealing the intense pressure she faced.
Her mentors and coaches began noticing signs of internal stress that stemmed from her deeply personal connection to the organization.
The expectations placed upon her, both self-imposed and external, created a burden that affected her performance.
Despite the care and empathy shown by the coaching staff, who understood the delicate nature of her situation given their close relationship with Shelly, they ultimately determined that Dayton was not performing to her full potential.
The decision came down to issues with stamina and consistency, two crucial elements for success at the professional level.
The coaching staff made the difficult choice to cut her from the final lineup, ending her second attempt at making the team.
Dayton’s response to this setback demonstrated remarkable maturity and grace.
She accepted the decision without allowing her personal connections to influence her reaction, earning the respect of everyone who witnessed her journey.
Her dignified handling of the disappointment showed the character that her mother had instilled in her throughout her upbringing.
The disappointment continued when Dayton attempted to make the 2025 DCC squad, as evidenced by her recent social media posts showing her in training camp.
Unfortunately, she did not make the final cut for this season either, marking her third unsuccessful attempt at joining the team.
Despite the repeated setbacks, Dayton maintains her positive attitude and continues pursuing her passion for dance.
Fans have rallied around Dayton, expressing their support through social media comments calling for “Justice for Dayton” and praising her perseverance.
Her mother, Shelly, has also shown public support, commenting that Dayton’s “light is bright and will shine elsewhere” and expressing pride in her daughter’s growth and humble spirit.
Today, Dayton continues her dance career outside the DCC organization, working as an instructor at The Young Company while exploring new opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Her extensive training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Pointe, Contemporary, and Modern dance positions her well for future success in various dance-related fields.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Dayton made her first major stage performance at age 12 when she was cast in ‘The Nutcracker’ and has since performed for major brands including BeautiControl, Mary Kay, and Gaylord Hotels.
- She held the title of Miss Texarkana Twin Rivers Outstanding Teen 2015 and competed in the Miss Texas’ Outstanding Teen competition.
- Dayton worked as both a vocalist and dancer aboard Royal Caribbean International Cruise Lines.
