Getting Real With the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

They are famous for their jump splits and Rockette-style leg lifts; their big hair, blue sleeves and star-embroidered vests; and their white boots and bedazzled shorts. Their uniform is so iconic that it hangs in the Smithsonian.

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, or D.C.C. in their parlance, have been with the N.F.L.’s Cowboys for more than half a century, during which the squad has danced its way into representing a city, then a state and then a country.

Now, they are the subject of a seven-part docuseries for Netflix, “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,” which starts streaming on Thursday. Directed and produced by Greg Whiteley — the creator of hits like “Cheer,” “Last Chance U” and “Wrestlers” — the show follows the formation of the 2023-24 dance squad and its journey through the most recent N.F.L. season.

At the show’s core is Kelli Finglass, the squad’s director since 1991 who cheered for the team for five seasons in the 1980s. She is shown holding numerous roles, including straight-talking coach, counselor and stylist.

Past attempts to document the D.C.C. — including Country Music Television’s “Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team” — have focused on the squad’s intense tryout process. “America’s Sweethearts” goes deeper using Mr. Whiteley’s fly-on-the-wall style.

“What you are meant to do, paradoxically, is be the most stunning, beautiful creature that has ever walked the earth,” Mr. Whiteley said, “and not do anything that would distinguish yourself from your teammates.” It’s not an easy equation to figure out.