Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Praises How Armani Latimer 'Shifted the View' of Alopecia When She Danced Without Wig: ‘Deeply Moved’ (Exclusive)
Karley Swindel and the DCC are teaming up with Rent the Runway for their holiday campaign centered around confidence both in and out of the spotlight
The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders are making moves both on and off the field!
Karley Swindel spoke with PEOPLE exclusively about the DCC's latest partnership with Rent the Runway, a powerful team-up that celebrates the strength and passion displayed by the women who bring confidence and energy to each and every game.
Throughout the seasonal partnership that kicks off in December, a variety of personal backstories will be highlighted to further exemplify and celebrate the strength and journeys each of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders has experienced beyond the spotlight.
The message at the holiday campaign's core comes at a perfect time, reemphasizing a history-making power move demonstrated by Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Armani Latimer who danced without her wig for Alopecia Awareness during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 9.
"The entire team was deeply moved before we even took the field for our pregame routine, Thunderstruck. I can only imagine the vulnerability and pride she must have felt in that moment," Swindel tells PEOPLE exclusively about her teammate at the the “My Cause My Boot” game.
"Since then, Armani has received an outpouring of love and support from fans everywhere — and she absolutely deserves it," says Swindel. "She took something that once took away her confidence and transformed it into a powerful testimony that inspires others facing alopecia."
"I truly believe she has opened a door that was never opened before," she continues. "She is the epitome of strength and grace, and our entire organization couldn’t be more proud of her. That one decision has not only changed lives, but it’s also shifted the way we all view alopecia."
Swindel concludes, "Armani made history with that moment, and we will always admire her for the courage she shows every day."
Stepping onto the field to perform in front of thousands in the stadium (let alone hundreds of thousands who tune into the NFL broadcasts on TV) is nonetheless a daunting task, but the confidence and energy displayed by each cheerleader make it look easy.
However, Swindel is sure to note that they're still human! Just like everyone, they too have to pick themselves up on days when they aren't feeling their most confident— and luckily, they have the support and encouragement of their fellow Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders to help out.
"While many may think DCC women live perfect lives, we face everyday challenges... mood swings, bloating and more," Swindel tells PEOPLE. "Luckily, I’m surrounded by so many incredible women, both within DCC and outside, who help lift me up on days when I need it most."
Related: America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Season 2: What We Know So Far
When she isn't feeling her best, Swindel says she can always rely on her teammates to switch her mindset into a positive place. "We’re each other’s rocks and lean on one another when needed," she says.
"Once I get to rehearsal or game day and start dancing alongside my friends, the energy of what we do often pulls me out of any dark space I may have been in earlier," she adds. "There’s a special energy in this group that keeps us all coming back!"
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As for what stood out to her about the Rent the Runway holiday collection? "The timeless, tasteful, yet modern styles," she says, "immediately caught my attention." She calls the app "the perfect tool" for the team when they style themselves for all important events in their lives.
What's fun about the holiday curation is the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader-specific details. "I like to think that’s a nod to the sparkly stars on our uniform vests and shorts!" she points out, in addition to the "shimmer and shine" alongside the "blue and white hues" throughout the collection.
Read the original article on People