The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have been famous for over four decades and during that time they have made a lot of memories. With memories comes stories to be told and several former DCCs have done just that. But before I delve into those memoirs, let me mention my favorite book about the DCC. Back in 1982 Mary Candace Evans wrote a book about the first decade of the DCC, a decade that included movies, TV specials, USO tours, Super Bowls and product endorsements. The book was aptly called A Decade of Dreams and candidly explored the experiences of those ladies who pioneered the first 10 years of the world-famous squad. This book was a fun read and even 30+ years later I recommend it to any DCC fan.
Not every book written about the DCC was all sunshine and roses. In 1991, the Scholz Sisters (Suzette, Stephanie and Sheri) wrote their own account of life as America’s Sweethearts called Deep In The Heart of Texas: Reflections of Former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. There are several sister duos who have cheered for the DCC, but the Scholz women are the only trio that I know of. Their book was full of hyperbole and included tales of drug use and fraternization with players. Some of the storylines were so controversial that names were changed to protect the innocent. Despite some obvious exaggerations, it was nice to read a book that at least attempted to balance the good with the bad. Deep In The Heart of Texas was the first book I read that was told through the eyes of former DCCs themselves.
A more recent account of life as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader came in 2012 when Leslie Shaw-Hatchard wrote What I Learned Half Naked: Tales of a Pro Cheerleader. Shaw-Hatchard, who cheered for the Cowboys in the 91-92 season before joining the Dallas Mavericks Dancers, went on to become a respected choreographer and dance teacher in the Dallas area. Hers is another book that doesn’t focus solely on the good times as a pro cheerleader. Although she cherished her time with the DCC, the book touches on some not so fond memories, such as in essence being told she wasn’t pretty by the DCC Director at the time. Although “Half Naked” isn’t exclusively about the DCC, it’s a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the 90s DCC experience.
There has even been a book written about the DCC by someone who wanted to become one but didn’t quite make it. Remember the grandma who tried out a few years back? Yep, she wrote a book about auditioning for DCC. Fifty-five year old Sharon Simmons was in incredible shape when she tried out alongside girls nearly four decades younger than her. Although she wasn’t successful, her attempt drew a lot of favorable publicity with interviews and TV appearances. Eventually she penned her own version of the DCC audition process in Stilettos to Pom-Poms in 2013.
DCC stories aren’t through being told just yet. Yes, there is more to come in the future. Former Sweetheart Deryn Derbigny became a DCC in 2006 and spent three years on the squad after four years as a New Orleans Saintsation. Displaced to the Dallas area by Hurricane Katrina, Deryn turned lemons to lemonade, becoming a DCC fan favorite and Show Group member. She later moved back to Louisiana and became a Honeybee for the NBA New Orleans Hornets. All of this pro cheering has prompted Deryn to write her own book as she recently signed a deal with VIP Ink Publishing. Today Deryn is a successful businesswoman in the New Orleans area and this book (currently untitled) will undoubtedly add to her list of accomplishments.
CHEERS!
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