Kristin (S14 Rookie)

14, 15, 16 - DCC

* 24-years-old from New Mexico. She studied linguistics with a focus on sign language and a minor in Spanish. She works at a sign language Bible translation organization. She loves her job and feels so fulfilled knowing what she’s doing is actually making a difference in the world. From what she’s seen and known, she’s never seen a DCC that is a deaf advocate. Being DCC would mean so much because it would give a big platform to make a difference in the world. Being on the team would give her the chance to sign with little girls and encourage them to go after their dreams. It can be really difficult balancing her full-time job and training camp. She’s driving ~100 miles a day, so this is something she truly wants, and she hopes Kelli and Judy do see that she’s trying her best and putting her best foot forward.

## **Confessionals**

Total: 36

Season 13: 24 (4th most)

Season 14: 12 (T14th most)

### **Season 13**

**(13.4)**

* "I’m currently working full time. All the driving that I’m going to be doing to training camp and back home and to work, it’s gonna be about 100 miles per day. But this is my dream, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to get there."
* [Training camp rehearsal] "Kelli thought I looked like I was going to faint, but I didn’t feel like I was going to faint, but there was a moment that a froze for a couple seconds when I forgot the choreography and then I had to catch back on."

**(13.5)**

* "Everything’s at stake every single day. We have to come in here and give 100% and remember our training and everything that we’ve been working towards because any day we could be cut."
* [Before office] "Right now, I’m just feeling a little bit nervous. I have no idea if Kelli’s going to make any cuts tonight. I’m not sure if it’s going to be related to yesterday, or my dancing, or even to my hair tomorrow, so there’s really no telling."
* [After office] "It’s really challenging holding a full-time job and coming to training camp every day. I think that’s going to be my biggest challenge throughout this whole process."
* [Late to makeovers after being pulled over] "It is really stressful being late, because of course I want to make a good impression and I don’t want Kelli to think that I’m not reliable. Hopefully she’s not mad."
* "Obviously for any job, it’s really important to be on time, because being punctual shows that you’re reliable, and so I’m just going to have to make sure from here on out that I’m on time so that I can show (Kelli) that this is just a one-time thing."
* (*Biography*)

**(13.6)**

* [Before office] "I’m a little bit terrified. This is my second time going into the office with Kelli and Judy. If tonight was my last night, I’d be really upset, but I just hope that I’m doing my best and that they can see how hard I’m working."
* [After office] "I’m going to show Kelli and Judy that I do have what it takes, and I’m just going to go out there, do my best, and leave the rest in God’s hands."
* "I do want this so bad, I’m ready to show them that I can wow them with my dancing and give 110%."
* [Michelle Keys commentary] "That was encouraging to kind of help me figure out what exactly is my style."

**(13.8)**

* "It’s nerve-wracking, not knowing what dance you’re going to perform, because you’re just waiting there and then the music comes on, and you have to think really fast to know what foot to start with or what dance it is."

**(13.9)**

* [Field rehearsal] "There’s definitely pressure just because it’s our first night in boots, and that’s a little bit of an adjustment for anybody who’s dancing in boots for the first time."
* [Before office] "I do think I left it out. I did my best. I didn’t mess up when I was dancing. I think it’s just difficult sometimes to know exactly what I need to fix to change it to make it better. But, I want to be here so badly."
* [After office] "Kelli and Judy were gracious enough to give me another chance, so I’m definitely going to take advantage of that and get with the veterans and figure out what I need to do to fix to show them that I can be better. Maybe I need to ask my boss to cut back hours or figure out what I need to do to rearrange my schedule so that I’m giving them this performance quality that they’re looking for."

**(13.10)**

* "I am feeling a little bit of pressure just because last time I saw Kelli and Judy, I told them that the next time they see me, I’m going to be a whole new person. So I’ve really been working hard to work on my facials and the power behind my dancing and tonight, I’m hoping they can see some progress on that."
* "I think all of us feel like our dream is on the line. You never know when it’s going to be your last night, so I’m just trying to stay positive, and trying not to harp on anything negative."

**(13.11)**

* "I would think that at etiquette training, they’re looking to see what our manners are, if people are poised."
* "I did not realize there was so many rules with proper etiquette."
* "I actually grew up quite a picky eater, but because I’ve gone to other countries on mission trips, I’ve had to kind of force myself to try different cuisines. You could put anything in front of my face and I would try and eat it because I’ve experienced seeing people who don’t have any food."
* "Rehearsal tonight was definitely difficult. Everybody’s really on edge, vets and rookies, and so I’m just really trying to stay calm and do my best, because I know that’s all I can do."
* [Before office, teary] "You know, I’m just confused because I feel like I’ve been doing better, I feel like I’ve improved, and I feel like I’ve been getting more positive feedback, and tonight I didn’t really get any feedback. It could be my last night and it could not. I have no idea."
* [After cut] "Just that it comes down to consistency is really hard. I can’t be upset when all the girls are amazing. After coming so far and being so close to my dream, I know that I’m not ready to give up."

### **Season 14**

**(14.1)**

* [Prelims] "Last year in training camp, it was definitely lots of ups and downs."
* "I definitely made eye contact with Kelli and Judy. I know that they were looking at me and kind of whispering, so I’m just hoping that that was good feedback that they were giving."

**(14.3)**

* [Solo, in a mask] Being able to use a mask and the fact that I can project with my eyes really well was really strong because last year I got a lot of comments about my eyes. [*Flashbacks*] It was for me a really powerful moment to grab their attention and say, “Hey, remember when you said that I didn’t have a wow factor? Here’s my wow factor.”

**(14.9)**

* Everybody is just really feeling the pressure right now because we’re getting to the end of training camp and we’ve learned a lot of dances, and we have a lot to remember and just trying to stay calm.

**(14.10)**

* Training camp last year, all the compliments I got, I could probably count on one hand. So, the fact that I’ve been getting good feedback means a lot to me.

**(14.11)**

* So, out of nowhere, Kevin throws in this curveball saying that we needed to add one more person to our team to make the guacamole.
* I’m a little nervous about these burgers being cooked, so I’m just hoping that it tastes good at the end of it.

**(14.12)**

* At this point of the game, everybody is so talented, and we’ve just got to be on our A game, and make sure we’re doing our best every single second of practice, giving a hundred percent.

**(14.13)**

* [Makes team] I feel like I can breathe. [*Hugged by Alanna running into frame*]
* [Squad photo] It feels like a dream. I almost feel like a movie star coming to get your hair and makeup done.
* I’m just so excited for today. I’m really trying to soak in every single moment so that I can remember every detail.
* I am fluffing my poms right now. We tie little knots in there to give them that extra fluff, so that they’re pretty for game day.
* I can’t believe this is real life. I am living the dream. I’m on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. So, I’m just feeling really thankful and blessed.

## **Commentary**

### **Season 13**

**(13.4)**

* "Is your girl, Kristin, all of a sudden asleep? …Is she okay, Judy? Is she about to get sick?" – Kelli/"I’ve been watching you all night. You’ve had really good style and now all of a sudden you look scared to death." – Judy/"Are you okay? [*Kristin says yes*] You are? You look like you’re about to faint." – Kelli

**(13.5)**

* "I’m still seeing those sleepy eyes on Kristin that we’ve gotta fix. She’s gotta wake up in here."– Kelli
* "You’re looking down and flirting so much. It’s cute for Instagram, but you gotta liven up with your expressions. Think up, perform up." – Kelli
* [Makeovers] "I’m sitting here with an empty chair because I’m waiting on Dayton and I’m waiting on Kristin. They’re both late. And being late to anything, but on something like this where we’ve got so many people with scheduled appointments is not a good first impression." – Kelli
* "You can’t be late to DCC things." – Kelli/"Yes, ma’am, I’m so sorry." – Kristin
* "If this were to catch an airplane or a bus to the game, late is not acceptable." – Kelli
* "Kristin could have and should have already repaired her tail light (she got pulled over while driving to makeovers). They both need to be responsible and they need to be extremely punctual." – Kelli
* "We didn’t see you today (in the alumni class), so we’re seeing you tonight (rehearsal) for the first time. There were the little mistakes, you recovered from them, but I enjoy watching you dance all the while." – Pamela Purcel

**(13.6)**

* "You’re late (on that move)." – Judy
* "Kristin’s very flexed." – Judy
* "You were late hitting the ending." – Judy
* "Your face would tell me when you knew the step, and it would tell me when you didn’t." – Kelli
* "Kristin’s face is very telling when she totally loses her facials. You gotta be bold, bright and dynamic." – Kelli
* [After office - Kristin showed Kelli and Judy sign language] "I like her more now. She's impressive." - Kelli
* "She seems kind of reserved when she’s talking to you, and all of a sudden when I really asked about her career and she started doing sign language, she totally lit up. But now, I need it to translate in dance." – Kelli
* [Rehearsal with Michelle Keys] "Kristin’s got some things to work on tonight." – Kelli
* "I hate to say this again, but you just seemed pastel, instead of ''bam, bright, bold''. " – Kelli
* "You are so beautiful. It’s like, if the camera is on you, you are on the big screen, we’re just going to be drawn into you. You are sultry, so add those shoulders that adds to who you are." – Michelle Keys

**(13.7)**

* "She baffles me." – Judy
* "I really enjoy watching Kristin. I mean, not only is she stunningly beautiful, but when she gets out there and does her own thing, she shines." – Melissa Rycroft
* "Wow, Kristin’s a slow learner." – Kelli

**(13.8)**

* "You gave me one smile, in the whole dance that was like, ''Wow! She’s having fun'', and then you went back to sexy Kristin. But I need more smile, different facials." – Kelli
* "Don’t look on these two arm swings." – Judy
* [Team retreat] "I was watching specifically kind of the rookie interaction with the veterans, which is really the whole point. I did notice Kristin sitting quietly not doing any activities. I need her to prove that she wants to make this team." – Kelli

**(13.9)**

* [Field rehearsal] "Kristin’s pitching forward." – Kitty Carter/"Show me your plié... oh no. You’re leaning over." – Judy/"She’s not planted." – Kitty/"That’s a freeze moment. Don’t boom, hit. ''Oops, let me fix my foot.'' [*Kristin repeats*] Yes. And keep your weight centered." – Kelli
* "Yeah, Kristin’s losing me." – Kitty
* "You know everybody down there is beautiful, so if you’re counting on your looks getting you there, it’s not gonna happen." – Kitty

**(13.10)**

* "Kristin looks better tonight." – Kelli
* "You seem to have woke up a little bit there, Kristin. Give it that punch, all the time." – Judy
* "Spunky." – Kelli/"Yeah, I know, I like her." – Melissa Rycroft

**(13.11)**

* "I think today’s cameo shoot is very important for Kristin. She’s been lost in the studio; she makes mistakes on the dance floor." – Judy
* "For some reason, she photographs younger looking that I thought. It might be personal taste, but I’m not excited." – Kelli
* [Group leaders meeting] "I feel like Kristin has the style, but little mistakes, but it’s kind of an inbetween for me." – Maddie
* "Don’t look down. You looked down a couple of times." – Marty Kudelka/"You do flirt with the floor a lot." – Judy/"Yeah, flirt with people up there. Looking down is not a great thing. You’re going to be in front of 80,000 to 100,000 people, right? And it’s your job to entertain them. It shows maybe they’re questioning what the choreography is." - Marty
* [Looking at board] "Now that we’ve had the group leaders participate, the lowest is Kristin, Victoria, and Ashlee." – Kelli
* "Marty picked out Kristin. He said, ''Stop looking down'', and I said she’s had droopy eyes the whole time." – Kelli/"She’s kind of like Malena to me." – Judy
* "Then at the next rehearsal, we need to be prepared to say goodbye to Ashlee, Victoria, and Kristin." – Kelli/"You’re right." – Judy
* " (Gabby) has more power than Kristin with the same height and hair color." – Kelli
* [Field rehearsal] "I haven’t noticed Kristin in a while, where is she?" – Kelli/"She’s in this one." – Judy/"Where? Right in the middle?" – Kelli/"Oh, that’s her." – Judy/"That’s not good." – Kelli
* [After cut] "Kristin, she’s not top 36. It’s just come up too many times that there’s an inconsistency, and when I’ve got too many people to make this team as it is, she’s given us a reason to release her." – Kelli

### **Season 14**

**(14.1)**

* [Kelli] "I am so impressed with the ladies who were released in training camp last year that are back to compete this year. It takes courage to do this.
* [Kelli] "She seems bubblier, Kristin." [Judy] "Yeah, she does look pretty."

**(14.2)**

* That was nice. – K
* [Semifinals judging] I said she’s soft and I know that she was here last year. Maybe she’s playing it safe. – Charm LaDonna/If they don’t come with their A-game here, all of a sudden, it becomes our burden. But y’all are still saying soft; we said soft last year. – K

**(14.3)**

* There we go. – K
* Watching Kristin, trying to figure out who she was. – K/ I feel like she’s one of the most improved. – J

**(14.4)**

* I thought Kristin was stronger this year in auditions that last year. – K/ I did, too. And being a comeback girl, it looks like she’s grown. – J

**(14.6)**

* [Picking squad] These are strong nos. Meredith, Lauren, Bret, Kristin, Madeline, strong nos. – Charm LaDonna
* I didn’t give a sticker to Kristin, Alexandra, Kat, Madeline, and Lily. It’s painful to do. – Denise Dicharry

**(14.8)**

* Kristin is being kind of sloppy. – K
* I like [her]. – Tyce Diorio

**(14.10)**

* Well, Kristin looks good. – Melissa Rycroft
* You were doing it really good. There was something at the end where you did the wrong footwork. – J [*Kristin correctly notes where it was, and Judy thanks her for knowing*]

**(14.11)**

* [Cameos] Kristin’s a little Charlie’s Angel. – K
* She’s got to watch her timing out there. I wonder if Taylor’s stronger out there on that edge. – K/ Yes. – J/ I’m more confident with her. – K

**(14.12)**

* Kristin needs to up to 11 on our amplifier. She’s going to have to match Taylor. I mean, I don’t want her to make the team and then let off the gas. – K
* Don’t let off the gas. – K
* Kristin was way behind on the leg lift. – Charlotte
* Watch your leg lift: it’s last. Again, in slow motion… oh, that’s just really bad. – J
* Kristin has a lot more confidence and personality this year. – K/ She came back powerful and strong. – Charlotte

**(14.13)**

* Okay, wow. She came back ready to dominate and I was very impressed. – Charlotte/ I know, I’m proud for her. – K/ And she was a surprise for me. – Charlotte
* Kristin came back stronger this year. She’s more expressive. She’s a more powerful dancer. – K

## **Office Visits**

### **Season 13**

**(13.5)**

* [Mid episode, first of two] Kelli says that last night, she concerned them. Kelli thought Kristin was about to faint. Then, they told her today that she’s looking at the floor when she dances, and looks almost sleepy. Kristin informs them that she’s working 40 hours a week, and if it gets overwhelming, she’ll ask to have her hours cut at least temporarily. Kelli recognizes it’s a lot, but she was super strong at auditions, and that’s what they need to see now.

**(13.6)**

* [Mid episode, second of two] Kelli says she’s not getting the “wow” that Kristin’s recommendation suggested. She’s not going in the direction as a performer that she wants to be going. They want to see “wow” Kristin. They need more showmanship, and then bring up that she knows sign language. Kelli asks what got her involved in sign language. She starts to respond, and they have her to sign as she answers. Kristin discusses how she wanted to learn another language, and was intrigued by deaf culture. She volunteered for the Deaf Bible Society, and after graduating, they hired her. Kelli tells her she’d have a huge platform as a DCC to touch lives. They ask her how to sign “good night”, and then sign it to her after she teaches them. [*Kristin leaves*] Kelli calls her impressive, and says she likes her more now.

**(13.9)**

* [End of episode, second of two, at Highlander Stadium] Kelli tells her that nobody noticed her tonight, and that can’t happen on the field. She’s been saying they need more “wow,” and she’s concerned since this was the second night on the football field. Kristin felt strong yesterday, and like she had improved this week from last week. In terms of the “wow” factor, she’s confused on what she needs to fix. Strength? Judy says everything she does should be hard-hitting, and everything she’s doing is soft. Kelli describes it as showmanship and how she’s delivering routines. Judy says it can’t be taught, and she needs to find her “wow” herself. Kelli asks if she’s aware her body language signifies that she appears completely defeated. Kristin thinks she’s tense and exhausted from this week. She promises she’s doing everything to figure out what’s missing. Kelli decides this has gone on too long, and tells her tonight they brought her in to cut her because they’ve seen enough. [*Commercial break*] Kristin then asks how she can fix. Kelli tells her they’re done talking, and they can’t say it anymore. It sounds like she’s not understanding what they’re saying. Kelli says they can give her one more go at a different approach, and then they have to be done, because other girls are still out-performing her. Her only recommendation would be to have somebody film her dancing side-by-side with Kelli, and Maddie, and Lexie. Then she’ll see what they’re saying. Kristin promises she will do everything she can and exactly what they say, and that next time she comes back, she going to “wow” them and she’s going to perform the best that they’ve seen her perform. [*Kristin leaves*] Judy comments that she got a little defensive.

**(13.11)**

* [End of episode, third of three] The most common comment Kelli’s heard is that her performance is hot and cold. She has some really good moments, but then there’s a lot that aren’t noticing her. Other years, they could have been more forgiving, but this year, they can’t. [*Commercial break*] They’re getting such strong performances out of all the TCC’s. This and the inconsistency are why they are releasing her tonight. [*Kristin gets teary*] She’s proven her potential, and she had one of Kelli’s favorite solos. It’s a matter of consistency, and that’s just something you learn. Kristin thinks it was due to being focused on picking up choreography and details, and thinking so hard about those, that it was detrimental to her performance. Kristin adds that being perfect isn’t as important as performing. Kelli says if she wants to come back again, she’d recommend that. Kristin isn’t going to give up, because this is really important to her. She thinks she can do it, so if they didn’t see that this year, hopefully they will next year. Kelli wishes they had more time and more positions. Kristin jokes that next year, at least she’ll know a bunch of the dances. [*Kristin leaves*] Kelli can’t believe they’re having to cut great ones.

## **End of Journey**

### **Season 12**

**(12.3)**

* Makes finals but isn’t chosen for training camp

### **Season 13**

**(13.11)**

* Cut during week eight of training camp (5th of 9 cuts, 40 left afterwards)

## **Other**

### **Season 13**

**(13.3)**

* Shown performing her solo at finals.

**(13.4)**

* The show teases a medical event with Kristin, with Kelli asking if she’s okay immediately before the show cuts to a commercial break. However, when the action returns, it turns out Kristin is completely fine.

**(13.5)**

* She arrives late to rookie makeovers. When she arrives, she explains she got pulled over because her tail light was out.

**(13.11)**

* On the board, it can be seen that she’s received stickers from 2 of 6 evaluators (Kitty Carter and Nick Florez).

**(13.13)**

* She is shown sitting in the crowd at the “Meet the Team” event.

### **Season 14**

**(14.1)**

* Charm La’Donna gives her some advice prior to preliminaries
* She’s shown introducing herself to the judges at preliminaries
* She’s involved in a scene talking with the other returning training camp candidates (Jasmin, Lily, Malena, Taylor T, and Victoria) from Season 13 while they await the results of preliminaries

**(14.2)**

* First one shown being invited to finals
* She’s shown dancing while Kelli gives a confessional about there being super talented rookie candidates coming to finals

**(14.3)**

* Highlighted (by name) performing her solo at finals
* Shown being invited to training camp

**(14.4)**

* She’s revealed to be tied for 28th (with one other) based on how the TCC’s were scored at finals

**(14.7)**

* Makeover glamour shot (after only)

**(14.10)**

* At media training, when asked, she shows how to say the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders in sign language

**(14.11)**

* She is one of the main participants in the cooking competition, competing for group 3

## **Misc.**

* Former Allen Americans Ice Angel

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