Jessica Bowman has always been passionate about performing. The former Emerald Belles captain went on to lead The University of Texas Pom Squad, but she always knew where she wanted to end up — with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. After a unique auditioning process and training camp in a bubble, Jessica was selected as one of 11 DCC rookies to join the team. While it involved lots of long hours and commitment, Jessica is quick to thank those who helped her get to where she is today.
I STARTED DANCING… when I was about 3 years old. I danced competitively for eight years and trained at Dance Institute Performing Arts Center in Austin, as well as Artistry in Motion Performing Arts Center in North Richland Hills. In high school, I loved being a part of the Emerald Belles Drill Team.
WHILE I ORIGINALLY WANTED TO JOIN THE EMERALD BELLES... to build friendships, what I found in the end was a new family. I got to see firsthand what leadership really looks like in our director Melissa Page. She has built a world-class program, and her leadership and mentorship is something I continue to draw on to this day. I could not be more proud of the Belles today with everything they have accomplished and am honored to call myself an alumni.
I MOVED TO SOUTHLAKE… my sophomore year of high school, and Lacey Munoz was my drill team captain on the Emerald Belles. I looked up to her from day one — her genuine nature made me feel so welcomed and her selfless leadership style is one I aspire to emulate. After she auditioned and became a DCC following her high school senior year, I was inspired to do the same. However, at the end of my senior year, I was accepted into my dream school, The University of Texas at Austin, and I felt it was a challenging opportunity I could not pass up. Throughout my time at UT, I learned and grew so much, making lasting friendships, taking leadership positions on campus and continuing my passion for dance and performance. I truly felt blessed to have achieved all I did in college, but auditioning for DCC was always on my mind.
THIS YEAR’S AUDITION PROCESS… was unlike any other. There was a lot of uncertainty going into it with the new video audition and not knowing when or if training camp would even be possible with COVID. Out of over 1,500 applicants, I was one of 20 new candidates to be invited into training camp. Each round was a little nerve-racking to press submit and wait for the results, but the final training camp announcement was by far the most exciting! Even through the nerves of it all, having the chance to go for this long-time dream of mine, even in the midst of a pandemic, was the opportunity of a lifetime and something I will never forget.
MY TRAINING CAMP... experience is something I will forever be thankful for, and I’ll never forget the moment when I found out I was one step closer to making my dream become a reality. We had to quarantine for several days before entering the sequestration period at the Gaylord in Grapevine, which we called the bubble. When we got to the bubble, we each had our own room, were served packaged meals and had access to hand sanitizer on every corner. We also had our temperatures taken daily and took a COVID test every other day. I was so impressed with how comfortable and safe they were able to make me feel while I was there.
TRAINING CAMP... was definitely high pressure and a little stressful at times, but I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything. Being surrounded by so many exceptional, qualified women was such an honor and was so much fun getting to dance with and learn from everyone there. When the veterans arrived at the bubble, I was just in awe of them. They were not only incredibly talented and beautiful but were so encouraging and helpful throughout my entire experience. For me, I think the most important thing to remember was to stay positive, have fun and have faith that the Lord has a great plan for my life. I would always pray that whatever happens, happens for a reason and that my passion for dancing and performing would shine through.
WHEN I MADE THE TEAM… I shed a few happy tears! I was just so excited and could not believe my dream had become a reality. I felt like all my hard work had paid off and was thankful beyond words knowing I had such a unique opportunity of a lifetime ahead of me.
HAVING THE HONOR OF WEARING… the iconic DCC uniform, performing in AT&T Stadium, cheering for America’s Team — it was everything I thought it would be and more! Earning those stars and boots felt so rewarding and performing at my very first Cowboys game as a DCC is a memory I will cherish forever.