Interviw with Meredith Oden
About Rangerettes:
1. What years were you on Rangerettes? 2003 - 2005
2. Were you an officer, or in a leadership position while on the team? I was a swingster and leader of our “party committee” as a freshman
3. What was the size of the team? Did or does the team size change from year to year? As a freshman, we began with 40 girls in my class, but by the end we were down to 37. The size of the team does change from year to year because there is no set number of Rangerettes. So, you never know how many new freshman will be chosen each year.
4. Did you have any dislikes about Rangerettes? The only dislike I ever had about Rangerettes was in regards to our old, moldy dorm that we lived in. I seriously think it was a hazard to all of our health! On the other hand, we spent many late nights laughing and talking in those dirty halls that I will always cherish.
5. What is your best memory from Rangerettes? I have so many wonderful memories ranging from seeing my number on the sign, putting on my uniform for the first time, my first performance, or high-kicking during the production number of Revels. But, one of my most memorable moments is when former President George W. Bush personally thanked the Rangerettes for attending the Black Tie and Boots Ball, while speaking live to the entire room of thousands of people.
6. What type of dances did you do while a Rangerettes? As a team during football season we did a high-kick, streamer jazz, and a prop production routine; as a swingster we did a jazz and hip hop dance at basketball games; and then during Revels we added in tap, lyrical, and additional novelty routines.
7. What was your favorite dance/most memorable dance in Rangerettes? My sophomore year kick production is by far the most memorable dance I did during my two years. We kicked for over six minutes to a patriotic mix, and it brought tears to my eyes every single time.
8. Was the uniform the same as it is now? Has not changed a bit!
9. How did being a Rangertte help you to do what you do now? Being a Rangerette prepared me in so many ways for life in general. The organization taught me about time management, the importance of listening, to always have a good attitude, the spirit of tradition and legacy, self-discipline, and how far I can truly push myself physically and mentally. I use each of these in my current position.
10. Were there any traditions that were/are important to you? Tradition in itself is important to me, especially now that I am a Rangerette Forever. It is always good to remember those who came before you and the traditions they put into place. The tradition that I learned from most as a Rangerette is that freshman cannot talk during practice. That single rule has greatly impacted my life. It taught me to pay more attention, answer closer to those speaking, and to answer questions for myself. Now, it’s my pet peeve when someone asks a question, even though the answer was just given…obviously they weren’t listening!
11. How did the traditions/Rangerettes change from the time that your mom was on the team to when you were on the team? There are always changes during the years, but the main traditions stay the same. My Mom did not have to wear her hair in a bun, twist, or “onion”, but I did not have to kick the fight song in the middle of the mall because a sophomore told me to!
12. How was it having your mom as a former Rangerette? Did it make you strive to be better? Did she push you in different ways? Did you feel pressured to make Rangerettes? Having a Mom as a Rangerette was so much fun, and made my two years even more special because I had someone to share my memories with who had “been there, done that.” On the other hand, having a Mom as an alumni made me practice and try much harder during pre-training, because I never wanted anyone to think I made the team only because of my Mom. I wanted to prove to everyone I was good enough to make the team on my own, and not because of my legacy.
13. Did you always want to be a dancer/Rangerette or was it because of the influence from your mom? I loved dancing as a little girl and becoming a Rangerette was a goal of mine for as long as I can remember. My Mom never pushed me in that direction, but she did give me many opportunities to see the Rangerettes through football games, Revels, and summer camp. I just naturally fell in love with the red, white, and blue and knew that’s where I wanted to be, eventually!
14. Who was your director? What was your experience with her? My director was the wonderful, fabulous, and talented Mrs. Dana Blair.
About Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders:
1. How long have you been a DCC? 3 years, and plan to audition for a 4th
2. How is DCC different from Rangerettes? There are many differences between the teams because you move from a college based team to a professional association. Practices are run completely different, the hours and scheduling are opposite, but the essence of tradition is still present in both.
3. Did it benefit you to be a Rangerette before Cowboy Cheerleaders? In what ways? Being a Rangerette prepared me for DCC by teaching me the importance of teamwork, self-discipline, time management, and my ability to push myself physically and mentally.
4. What is your most memorable moment being a DCC? Too many moments to count. I have had incredible opportunities as a DCC from cheering at football games, to hundreds of children’s charity visits, or performing for our American heroes overseas. I was honored to represent the organization on a USO Tour to Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan in December of 2009. That experience changed my life, and I will always be forever grateful to have been chosen.
5. Do you have any dislikes about DCC? You never realize what all is truly expected of you as a DCC until you make the team. After that, it becomes your life because we want to put forth 110% into everything we do. I will tell anyone that I have the best job in the world, and I wish I could do it forever, but it does take a toll on our loved ones due to our enormous time commitments.
6. Tell us about the TV show “Making the Team”, do you think it has changed your experience as a DCC? How? Our reality series “Making The Team” has definitely changed my experience as a DCC because we well-known by the public not only as a brand name, but now as individuals. It is strange, but very exciting, when fans spot us in airports, at the movies, in a restaurant, or just on the street and know us by name. The public now knows our organization on a more personal level, by knowing what we go through mentally and physically.
7. Who is the director, how is she different from the Rangerette Director? Kelli Finglass is the current director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Her role as director is different from Rangerettes merely because she is running a business, establishing a brand, and each of us are products of marketing.
About Yourself:
1. What dance experience do you have, as a dancer and teacher? I began dancing at the age of three, and have trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop for the last 21 years. I truly enjoy being a substitute dance teacher for several DFW studios, where I teach in all of the same areas.
2. What are some of the highlights as your time as a dancer or teacher? The experiences I’ve had as a dancer are incredible and the memories I will always cherish. Just a few highlights include: performing at the Black Tie and Boots ball for President George W. Bush’s Inauguration in 2004, cheering at two Dallas Cowboys home playoff games in 2007 and 2009, taking part in a special segment on Oprah in 2009, and performing for our American heroes “downrange” while in Iraq and Afghanistan.
3. What do you believe is the most important part of drill team? In my opinion, the most important part of drill team in discipline. You quickly learn to hold yourself, and others, accountable for every responsibility. This includes arriving to practice early, being fully prepared, wearing the correct attire, being respectful to others, and always having a positive attitude!
4. What life lessons did you learn by being involved in drill team? Being involved in drill team taught me countless life lessons including self discipline, determination, integrity, effort, satisfaction, self confidence, and the ability to cherish every moment.
5. What is your mothers name and years on Rangerettes/DCC? Kim Chapman Oden was a Rangerette from ’75-’77 and a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader from ’82-’84.
1. What years were you on Rangerettes? 2003 - 2005
2. Were you an officer, or in a leadership position while on the team? I was a swingster and leader of our “party committee” as a freshman
3. What was the size of the team? Did or does the team size change from year to year? As a freshman, we began with 40 girls in my class, but by the end we were down to 37. The size of the team does change from year to year because there is no set number of Rangerettes. So, you never know how many new freshman will be chosen each year.
4. Did you have any dislikes about Rangerettes? The only dislike I ever had about Rangerettes was in regards to our old, moldy dorm that we lived in. I seriously think it was a hazard to all of our health! On the other hand, we spent many late nights laughing and talking in those dirty halls that I will always cherish.
5. What is your best memory from Rangerettes? I have so many wonderful memories ranging from seeing my number on the sign, putting on my uniform for the first time, my first performance, or high-kicking during the production number of Revels. But, one of my most memorable moments is when former President George W. Bush personally thanked the Rangerettes for attending the Black Tie and Boots Ball, while speaking live to the entire room of thousands of people.
6. What type of dances did you do while a Rangerettes? As a team during football season we did a high-kick, streamer jazz, and a prop production routine; as a swingster we did a jazz and hip hop dance at basketball games; and then during Revels we added in tap, lyrical, and additional novelty routines.
7. What was your favorite dance/most memorable dance in Rangerettes? My sophomore year kick production is by far the most memorable dance I did during my two years. We kicked for over six minutes to a patriotic mix, and it brought tears to my eyes every single time.
8. Was the uniform the same as it is now? Has not changed a bit!
9. How did being a Rangertte help you to do what you do now? Being a Rangerette prepared me in so many ways for life in general. The organization taught me about time management, the importance of listening, to always have a good attitude, the spirit of tradition and legacy, self-discipline, and how far I can truly push myself physically and mentally. I use each of these in my current position.
10. Were there any traditions that were/are important to you? Tradition in itself is important to me, especially now that I am a Rangerette Forever. It is always good to remember those who came before you and the traditions they put into place. The tradition that I learned from most as a Rangerette is that freshman cannot talk during practice. That single rule has greatly impacted my life. It taught me to pay more attention, answer closer to those speaking, and to answer questions for myself. Now, it’s my pet peeve when someone asks a question, even though the answer was just given…obviously they weren’t listening!
11. How did the traditions/Rangerettes change from the time that your mom was on the team to when you were on the team? There are always changes during the years, but the main traditions stay the same. My Mom did not have to wear her hair in a bun, twist, or “onion”, but I did not have to kick the fight song in the middle of the mall because a sophomore told me to!
12. How was it having your mom as a former Rangerette? Did it make you strive to be better? Did she push you in different ways? Did you feel pressured to make Rangerettes? Having a Mom as a Rangerette was so much fun, and made my two years even more special because I had someone to share my memories with who had “been there, done that.” On the other hand, having a Mom as an alumni made me practice and try much harder during pre-training, because I never wanted anyone to think I made the team only because of my Mom. I wanted to prove to everyone I was good enough to make the team on my own, and not because of my legacy.
13. Did you always want to be a dancer/Rangerette or was it because of the influence from your mom? I loved dancing as a little girl and becoming a Rangerette was a goal of mine for as long as I can remember. My Mom never pushed me in that direction, but she did give me many opportunities to see the Rangerettes through football games, Revels, and summer camp. I just naturally fell in love with the red, white, and blue and knew that’s where I wanted to be, eventually!
14. Who was your director? What was your experience with her? My director was the wonderful, fabulous, and talented Mrs. Dana Blair.
About Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders:
1. How long have you been a DCC? 3 years, and plan to audition for a 4th
2. How is DCC different from Rangerettes? There are many differences between the teams because you move from a college based team to a professional association. Practices are run completely different, the hours and scheduling are opposite, but the essence of tradition is still present in both.
3. Did it benefit you to be a Rangerette before Cowboy Cheerleaders? In what ways? Being a Rangerette prepared me for DCC by teaching me the importance of teamwork, self-discipline, time management, and my ability to push myself physically and mentally.
4. What is your most memorable moment being a DCC? Too many moments to count. I have had incredible opportunities as a DCC from cheering at football games, to hundreds of children’s charity visits, or performing for our American heroes overseas. I was honored to represent the organization on a USO Tour to Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan in December of 2009. That experience changed my life, and I will always be forever grateful to have been chosen.
5. Do you have any dislikes about DCC? You never realize what all is truly expected of you as a DCC until you make the team. After that, it becomes your life because we want to put forth 110% into everything we do. I will tell anyone that I have the best job in the world, and I wish I could do it forever, but it does take a toll on our loved ones due to our enormous time commitments.
6. Tell us about the TV show “Making the Team”, do you think it has changed your experience as a DCC? How? Our reality series “Making The Team” has definitely changed my experience as a DCC because we well-known by the public not only as a brand name, but now as individuals. It is strange, but very exciting, when fans spot us in airports, at the movies, in a restaurant, or just on the street and know us by name. The public now knows our organization on a more personal level, by knowing what we go through mentally and physically.
7. Who is the director, how is she different from the Rangerette Director? Kelli Finglass is the current director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Her role as director is different from Rangerettes merely because she is running a business, establishing a brand, and each of us are products of marketing.
About Yourself:
1. What dance experience do you have, as a dancer and teacher? I began dancing at the age of three, and have trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop for the last 21 years. I truly enjoy being a substitute dance teacher for several DFW studios, where I teach in all of the same areas.
2. What are some of the highlights as your time as a dancer or teacher? The experiences I’ve had as a dancer are incredible and the memories I will always cherish. Just a few highlights include: performing at the Black Tie and Boots ball for President George W. Bush’s Inauguration in 2004, cheering at two Dallas Cowboys home playoff games in 2007 and 2009, taking part in a special segment on Oprah in 2009, and performing for our American heroes “downrange” while in Iraq and Afghanistan.
3. What do you believe is the most important part of drill team? In my opinion, the most important part of drill team in discipline. You quickly learn to hold yourself, and others, accountable for every responsibility. This includes arriving to practice early, being fully prepared, wearing the correct attire, being respectful to others, and always having a positive attitude!
4. What life lessons did you learn by being involved in drill team? Being involved in drill team taught me countless life lessons including self discipline, determination, integrity, effort, satisfaction, self confidence, and the ability to cherish every moment.
5. What is your mothers name and years on Rangerettes/DCC? Kim Chapman Oden was a Rangerette from ’75-’77 and a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader from ’82-’84.