Dayton Bramhall gained recognition as one of the cheerleaders featured in the first season of Netflix’s ‘America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.’ She returned for the second season by successfully auditioning and earning her place on the team once again. What particularly stood out this time is the focus on her relationship with her mother, Shelly Bramhall. The latter is a former DCC herself and is currently a dance instructor for the squad, which brought a unique dynamic to Dayton’s journey. It focuses on the complexities and personal feelings of having a mother so closely tied to the same world, and highlights both the support and pressure that came from it.
Shelly Bramhall Has a Long Association With DCC Herself
Shelly Bramhall has always been a supportive and steady presence in her daughter Dayton Bramhall’s life, especially as Dayton pursued her dream of becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, just like her mother once was. For Shelly, watching her daughter step into the same iconic boots was nothing short of a dream come true. However, the journey wasn’t without its emotional challenges. In the 2023–2024 season, Dayton was cut before making it to the final team. Shelly, who remains a dance teacher with the DCC organization, continued with her professional responsibilities as usual, but later admitted she was hurt by how she learned of the decision, not directly from her colleagues. She felt that, given her personal connection, a bit more thoughtfulness could have been extended.
From Dayton’s side, she opened up about the weight of expectations that came with having a mother so closely tied to the DCC legacy. She expressed how difficult it could be to live up to a standard that was set by someone so successful, which sometimes made her journey more overwhelming. DCC director Kelli Finglass also touched on the emotional tension, recalling a moment after one of Dayton’s performances when, instead of celebrating the moment, Shelly was reportedly more focused on analyzing it. Shelly acknowledged this perception and admitted she could understand how that dynamic might have added pressure. She emphasized that her only intention has ever been to support Dayton and never to make her feel inadequate in any way.
Shelly Bramhall is Handling Multiple Duties at DCC Today
Shelly Bramhall has cultivated a deeply respected and multifaceted career in the world of dance and performance arts. Since 1999, she has served as a Teacher and Choreographer at the Academy of Dance Arts in Allen, Texas, where she continues to work today. Shelly’s expertise spans a wide range of dance styles, including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, and Hip Hop. Her versatility and dedication have made her a sought-after instructor, and over the years, she has taught at numerous studios across the Dallas area both as a full-time staff member and guest artist.
Her longstanding association with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) began in 1989 and has grown into a big professional legacy. A former DCC herself for five years, Shelly has since taken on a wide array of roles within the organization. She has contributed to choreography, led the Camp DCC youth program for children aged 5 to 16, directed the Junior Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and coordinated major events and performances. Currently, she holds the position of Associate Choreographer and Event Coordinator for the DCC. She also serves as the Show Group Travel Liaison and Chaperone, managing logistics and oversight for travel performances. She was actively engaged in the prep classes that were being provided for the 2025 season of DCC and expressed her gratefulness for the overwhelming response.
Beyond dance, Shelly has successfully built a career in fashion and costume design. Since January 2003, she has been the President of DRB Designs, where she designs custom pieces, many of which cater to the performance and dance world. Her eye for detail and understanding of stage-wear have made her work both functional and visually striking. With over two decades of experience across multiple creative fields, she continues to be an influential figure in both the dance and design communities.
Shelly Bramhall Has a Beautiful Family That She is Proud of
Shelly Bramhall enjoys a fulfilling and rewarding personal life grounded in strong family values and lasting friendships. She has been married to her husband, Jeffrey Bramhall, for over three decades, and they celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary in May 2025. Together, they have raised three children: Dayton, who many know from the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders; Daxton, who began his college journey this year; and Cassie Bramhall. The latter is the mother of Shelly’s beloved and only granddaughter, Lily, a joyful three-year-old who affectionately calls her grandmother “Sassy.”
While Shelly once maintained an active presence on the LTK platform, where she shared her favorite fashion finds and lifestyle purchases, it appears she has stepped back from that in recent months. Still, her love for style and eye for detail remain evident in her day-to-day life and social media presence. She is also surrounded by a close-knit group of girlfriends who bring laughter and light into her world. They make it a point to spend quality time together, no matter how busy life gets. In November 2024, for example, they traveled to Seaside, Florida, to attend the annual Wine Festival. The trip was filled with fun, laughter, and memories that they still talk about. Whether it’s family time, grandmother duties, or getaways with friends, Shelly finds joy in the many people who enrich her life and leads an ardently religious life.
Read More: Chandi Dayle: Where is the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Now?