Kathryn Dunn

Total: 27

Season 3: 6 (T12th most)

Season 8: 21 (T7th most)

* Well, I’m a little nervous. I wasn’t expecting to make it all the way to finals my first time to try out, so I’m just really excited to be here.

**(3.3)**

* Whenever I get called out, I always try to take it with a smile and try to build on that because I know that they’re calling me out to help me, not to hurt me.
* [After office, crying] I’m not crying ‘cause I’m upset. I’m really just crying because I’m happy to be here. Like, I’m glad that they gave me the warning. I’m just really blessed that they saw that potential in me, that she has the opportunity to go home and work on it.

**(3.4)**

* It is a little bit nerve-wracking getting called out in front of class, but she’s doing it to help me.
* I got called into the office for the second time, but I think it’ll be okay.
* [After cut, crying] Getting cut, I mean, of course it hurts, but I wasn’t expecting to make it this far. I think I’ve done great for it being my first time to audition. I’ve really just gone beyond my dream because I made it to training camp my first year, and now I know what to expect at every level of the audition. I’ll come back, and I’ll knock ‘em dead. I’ll be good.

### **Season 8**

**(8.1)**

* I auditioned back in 2008. [*Flashbacks*] I made it all the way to training camp my first time out, but I got cut because I didn’t have enough dance experience or life experience. And I’ve been working on my dancing and been working on maturing a little bit, and I’m back to give it another shot.
* I’m happy about my number, but it’s so hard to get it to actually stick to my costume. I didn’t actually think about that when I was designing my costume.
* I was really excited when I found out about the DCC fan pick. That’s what keeps the Cowboys organization so great, is that we do have those diehard fans.
* I think that Kelli, Judy, and Charlotte all recognized me, and it really brought back a lot of great memories.
* I hope that I was able to pass this round of auditions, but again, you never know.
* I saw my number on the board, and I had to check it a couple times to make sure that it was right, but it was. Now, I’m coming back tomorrow!
* I had a really great time out there just blocking it out.
* I just have to make it to finals so I can show them that I do have what it takes.

**(8.2)**

* This is really the first time that the rookies have seen the veterans, so it’s very intimidating. They’re all so beautiful and well put together that they’re going to bring an awesome solo.
* I think I definitely did the best that I could, and while I might not be the best dancer, I still have some good kicks. So, I hope I make it. I’ll be an emotional mess, no matter what.
* We’re all really nervous. There’s gonna be a lot of cuts because I believe they’re only taking about 50 to training camp, at the most.
* I’m going to training camp!

**(8.3)**

* Well at least last time when I went through training camp, every single move, it would be like, “Kathryn, you did that wrong,” or “Kathryn, that was wrong.” So, only hearing it once so far tonight, [*second critique shown*] or twice maybe, I don’t know, it’s a lot better than it was.
* I can’t not watch them, because I know that my destiny is in their hands as far as making the team goes.
* [About being called into office, crying] I was hoping that I wasn’t going to get called in on the first night, because I know what that leads to, and this is so important to me. I just was hoping that maybe I could make the team, but I don’t know if it looks very good if I get called in the office on the first night. I’m so sad.
* [Before office, crying] I wasn’t really expecting to hear my name called, because I thought I did good, but she called my name, so I don’t know what to expect by now, but we’ll see. When I think of how far I’ve come as a dancer, I think that I did really well tonight, so, it’s kind of a scary situation right now.
* [After office, crying] That really confused me. It really scared me that they were questioning if I was genuine. That just really hurt my feelings. I mean, I have all weekend to work on the different routines and perfecting everything, so, hopefully I’ll back with it better next week. If I make it past two more weeks, then I’ll have beat my last time record, so we’ll just see what happens.

**(8.4)**

* We’re putting all of our energy in the kickline. All of a sudden, I realized that we still have to go in and show the dances that we’ve been working on all weekend.
* I feel really comfortable with what I did tonight. I knew both of the dances really well as far as the choreography goes. Jordan [Johnson] teaches a completely different style of dance, but he still has an eye for beauty and an eye for what makes a great person to watch.
* [About being called into the office, teary] Of course I’m sad, but as sad as I could be, because it’s my dream and all, and it could be ended tonight. I still really feel like I’m at peace, because I did all that I could.
* [After cut, teary] I woke up this morning thinking that I could possibly be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader this year, but God has different plans. I have a lot of really great memories. I got to be fitted for the uniform, and I got to dance with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Maybe next year will be my year. No regrets, but of course, I wish I could have made it, but at least I know that I gave it my all.

## **Commentary**

### **Season 3**

**(3.3)**

* Kathryn Dunn, you look lost. – K/ There we go. Yeah, not comfortable to watch. – J
* [While not definitely referring specifically to her, this confessional is immediately after they say Kathryn looks lost, and the shot focuses on her dancing for the entire confessional] The worst thing that can happen is totally getting lost on learning choreography and letting it show on your face. And some people just really have a hard time picking up fast. – J
* [About her body fat percentage] That’s great. You’ve got the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader body. – Tracey Platamone
* Kathryn, you need to finish out your moves, and your arms aren’t completely placed correctly. – J
* *[Shown during Judy’s final confessional about the girls warned that night needing to improve.]*

**(3.4)**

* Now, how boring was that? Why can you not come up and go, “boom”? Now you do that for your little brother like that probably, but not, if you had a boyfriend, and he was sitting in front of you, how would you do it? Go. [Kathryn tries] Same way? Just pull it. When you pull it up here, give me that look. – Kitty
* Kathryn Dunn is cute, precious, but she doesn’t have much pop to her. – Kitty
* Kathryn, you’re way off on your timing. – K
* You had lots of mistakes. How many of y’all saw what she did on the very first step? Sarah, get up and show her what she did. And you do this on a lot of your steps. – J [Sarah Gourley imitates her] She’s like, heel, toe, stomp, stomp. Don’t step off with your heel. At least make an impression on that first four counts and do it pretty and on your toes. – J

### **Season 8**

**(8.1)**

* [Preliminaries judging] When was the last time she came through? – Charlotte/ Training camp in 2008? – J/ Oh, I don’t think she was very strong. Clunky. Very clunky. – Charlotte
* It was really great to see Kathryn. She’s more confident with herself. – J
* [Semifinals deliberations] How many yesses? – K/ She didn’t make it with me. [*Judy gasps*] Really?! – J / I thought she was good./ No, I thought she had a lot of showmanship, but she didn’t make it./ I think she was fit. She had six-packs, but she was just thick, so that’s hard to lose./ Yeah, good abs./ She’s got a great look. She’s got a great look./ She didn’t know one step.

**(8.2)**

* Kathryn is kind of a clunky, clumsy dancer. But there is something big, bold, and beautiful about her. – K
* Not sure I love watching the way she dances, but I like her face. – K
* [Finals deliberation] Beautiful lady. Oh, my gosh./ She’s beautiful. – K/ She should have never made it out of the semis./ I thought she looked good on the field./ No, it’s her dancing./ Yeah, she can’t dance./  I thought her kicks were actually good, but still, she was a yes for her looks only./ There’s so many girls that deserve it over that girl. She’s just got a pretty face, and she’s a blonde. That’s the only reason, I think, she makes it through.
* I like her appearance, but she got out-danced. If she gets another go at training camp, it’s a gift. – K

**(8.3)**

* Kathryn, slow down. – J
* Wider legs, Kathryn. – J
* You look kind of like a young child the way you kick. You’re going to get your Easter eggs! Turn out from the hips and start working on that. – K
* Oh, that was ugly… It was just Kathryn’s whole thing. – J
* I think Kathryn’s probably one of the worst one’s here. – K
* Kathryn is the messiest I see in the room tonight. But she’s got a big smile on her face, so we’ll see. But she’s not doing well. – K
* Kathryn can’t quit having eye contact. It makes her head look wrong sometimes. – J
* I know you know that you’ve got a lot of work to do. Don’t worry about us. We like you, we want you to have a successful training camp, so don’t be so focused on us. Because sometimes it makes your head look wrong when you’re looking at us all the time.

**(8.4)**

* She’s just not very natural. – J
* I gave you a “C.” Learning fast is harder for you. I noticed that end part was a mess. – K
* Kathryn confuses me, because she has this kind of larger-than-life personality, but she’s probably struggling the most with the dancing. I’d like her to be five years better than she was when she tried out the first time, and she’s not. – K
* She was heavy, stompy, and lost. – K
* She doesn’t make it fun to watch. – Jonny
* I don’t think Kathryn can count. – J/ If she would just finish everything, it’d be like ten times better. – Jordan Johnson/ Right, it’s uncomfortable watching her. – J
* What would you say about Kathryn? – J/ This is the time to overdo everything. You should be trying to hit each of these walls over here. Does that make sense? Like, be larger than life right now. – Jordan Johnson/ I can be bigger. – Kathryn/ Become somebody else, that’s what performing’s about. – Jordan Johnson

## **Office Visits**

### **Season 3**

**(3.3)**

* [Third of four] Kelli noticed her struggling last night. She definitely has her work cut out for her. The reality is the pace is gonna continue, so hopefully she won’t stay behind the pack. Kathryn says she can work hard and won’t let them all down. Kelli says they’re not doubting what she’ll put into it. It’s more where she is in the pool of talent. [Kathryn leaves] Kelli says she’s still the weaker link. Judy agrees and says it was mistake after mistake, but she doesn’t even know it.

**(3.4)**

* [Third of three] Kelli asks her if she can feel that she’s struggling here, and if she feels when she’s off-count? Kathryn says she does, but just the short amount of time that they’ve had with the groups has helped so much, and she’s noticing the things that she was doing wrong. Kelli says she was noticing tonight that she was really behind, like a solid count or so behind. Kathryn says she didn’t catch that, but she thinks that’s just counting her music and practicing with it. It’s all just practice. Kelli says training camp’s a chance for some to try to test themselves in here, and for Kelli and Judy to be able to see it in here, and they can tell quickly that someone’s not ready for this year. In her case, it’s pretty clear they don’t think she’s ready to make it all the way through. Judy says she has the best attitude, and a bright, sunshine smile, and they’ve enjoyed it. Kathryn says she’ll just work on her dance technique, and she’ll come back better than ever. Kelli says that’s all she needs to do – she’s just behind the curve on dancing. Kathryn says when she went to auditions, she wasn’t expecting to make it to training camp, so she’s really excited that she made it this far. Kelli says good, they like her attitude. Kathryn thanks them, and says she had a lot of fun. Kelli congratulates her on making it this far, and she’s sorry. Kathryn says it’s okay, and the squad's going to be so good this year.

### **Season 8**

**(8.3)**

* [End of episode, third of three] Kelli tells her she’s the most lost person in the studio. She doesn’t want to hurt her feelings, but she doesn’t think she looks any better as a dancer than five years ago. She suggests she might be thinking about every placement, and that may be slowing her down, but she looks lost. Kelli says she doesn’t have the training, style, or technique. [*Kathryn gets teary*] Kelli asks why this is so important for her. Kathryn says it’s a goal of hers. Whenever she thinks of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, she thinks of it as a team of Miss Americas. She always looked up to them, growing up, and thought that they were the epitome of beauty and poise. Kelli says she wants to believe it and doesn’t want a pageant answer. Kathryn says that when you’re a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, you are one for life, and she would like to be part of that legacy. Kelli says that first, they need to teach her how to dance. In terms of character and look, she’s got it. In terms of dance, she doesn’t. Kelli says she can probably fix that, and she needs baby steps, but she’s got to show these routines better every time they see her. Because they know how far she can go. Kathryn apologizes for crying throughout the visit. [*Kathryn leaves*] Kelli says she likes her a lot more now than she did a month ago, and she just needs to peel back a little pageant. However, the main this is she has to learn to dance.

**(8.4)**

* [End of episode, second of two] Kelli says their notes on Kathryn from the most recent rehearsal are: lost, problems with sequence of the choreography. Kathryn says she doesn’t feel like she’s lost. Judy says there wasn’t one time that she was on the beat of the music with everyone else. Kelli says the reality is that it’s not getting better. They can’t ignore the face she’s got to be able to dance with this group – she’s just not there. Stringing it out would be unfair to her. Kathryn really wants to be there, and says she doesn’t want to beg them to give her another chance. She says may not be the best dancer in the room, she doesn’t think it would be stringing her along if they kept her there, because she really wants to be there. [*Kathryn starts crying*] Kelli offers her some tissues, and Kathryn jokes that’s going to be called the "Kathryn box". Kelli says she’s a doll. Kathryn says she’s trying her best and has enough potential that she can at least make it through a couple more weeks, learn a couple more dances, and hopefully prove to them that she has potential, because she really thinks that she does. She’s not sure if that was convincing, and Kelli says she is convincing, and says she’ll put Judy on the spot, asking her if she wants to change her mind. She asks Judy if two weeks is going to get her on the field. Judy says she doesn’t know, sometimes they don’t have time for those decisions. Kathryn jokes she’ll stand in the back, and they won’t even know she’s there. Kelli pauses, then says she would love to give her more time, but the writing is on the wall for this season. As much as they want to keep her, it’s not adding up, and the decision’s final and tonight will be her last night. Kathryn’s sorry it didn’t work out, but appreciates them giving her the chance. She’s asks for, and receives a hug. She says she’s already excited for next year. Judy says there’s some girls that have left this room, and they’ve said, “This is just not a fit for you,” but they’re not saying that to her. Because it could be, but she has to work on what they’ve talked about. Kathryn thanks them again, and says she’ll see them next year. [*Kathryn leaves*] Judy tells Kelli not to put her on the spot, and Kelli says she wasn’t trying to put her on the spot, but when she realized Kathryn was struggling in all their notes… She’s willing to watch her struggle, but at the end of the day they’re going to agree with the other judges that she’s not making the team. And she loves her.

## **End of Journey**

### **Season 3**

**(3.4)**

* First candidate cut from training camp during week 2 (1st of 9, 44 left after cut)

### **Season 8**

**(8.4)**

* Cut from training camp during week 2 (2nd of 8 to leave training camp, 45 left afterwards)

## **Other**

### **Season 3**

**(3.1)**

* Introduces herself to the judges at preliminaries (18 years old from Texas and graduating in two weeks)

**(3.2)**

* Shown performing her solo at finals
* Shown being invited to training camp

**(3.4)**

* Along with the two other rookie candidates called into the office during episode 3.3, attends a special practice with Kitty Carter.
* Shown getting on the power squad

### **Season 8**

**(8.1)**

* She introduces herself to the judges at preliminaries: for the past five years, she’s traveled all across Texas representing the Miss Texas organization.
* Shown being invited to finals

**(8.2)**

* She is introduced by name for her solo at finals
* Kelli tells the judges in the finals deliberation that she is in the top 3 for the fan vote
* Last one shown being invited to training camp

**(8.4)**

* At uniform fittings, she tells them whenever she gets nervous her toes get numb… and her toes are so numb right now.

## **Misc.**

* In 2019, she appeared on Big Brother 21. For more information about this appearance, click here.
* Dallas Mavericks Dancer post-training camp