Yuko’s DCC Journey: Then & Now 🤩

DCC Training Camp is difficult no matter what. But when you’re thousands of miles from your friends and family and have to deal with getting a visa? It’s that much harder. Thankfully, Yuko triumphed over every obstacle thrown her way and made the team 3 seasons in a row.
#ThenAndNow #DCCMakingTheTeam #CMT
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Hundreds audition, but only a select group will secure spots in the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders training camp. DCC director Kelli Finglass and head choreographer Judy Trammell oversee the intense audition process and decide which hopefuls will make the team.

[@dccmakingtheteam]

Which DCC Journey do you want to see next?

[@knznnz6172]

CMT's Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders LACEY’S❤️

[@suzieault4339]

Cristina

[@Focusplan591]

Rachel Wyatt

[@briannastultz6924]

Jinelle

[@briannastultz6924]

Danielle

[@victoriabardsley8097]

Yuko is just so adorable. Her rookie year I was thinking that the language barrier would be what would do her in, but she just blossomed. I was emotional when she retired.

[@rebeccaroseland7931]

Judy did not like her. She had to make an effort to communicate with her. We have to work with someone who is learning a new language. Kelli shows empathy, Judy none.

[@katechampion3322]

Rebecca Roseland cannot stand Judy in that realm. Empathy and grace are not strong points for her. A Texan lady should have both.

[@XXgenderloveXY]

Rebecca Roseland I noticed that too...I think it was a lot to do with the fact that Judy felt the most pressure to communicate with Yuko because she is the choreographer. Not that that's an excuse, but I don't think it was ill will on Judy's part.

[@lillyvance8838]

I think Kelli really loved yuko. Kelli got emotional at her retirement announcement when she thanked her for being a great mom. I wonder if Judy really didn’t like you go or if it was the tv

[@sandranorman6451]

@@lillyvance8838 We don’t know how they edit these shows …but I am still thinking that Judy could have been more compassionate.

[@cmjdenver1]

Yuko was always a standout for me. Looking back it doesn’t seem like Judy was the biggest fan but I think Kelli did a great job of trying to make her feel more at home

[@Emily-nf9kf]

yeah Judy seemed like she didn't like the language barrier, Kelly always seemed very understanding

[@sandranorman5469]

Yuko is so sweet. Loved it when she said her cat was “American”. So glad she made it and stuck with it. Wish she had stayed longer.

[@myacoleman1717]

Yuko truly is happiness in human form, she just lights up the room

[@christinalyn3]

Best comment!! You are so right!!

[@piercewear1648]

Whe she said she had no friends and no family through this process really made me feel really sad...

[@ryanciani3324]

you get used to it theres no such thing as friends

[@piercewear1648]

@@ryanciani3324 oh

[@sm4791]

Kelli is so protective over Yuko. Without her she wouldn't have made the team or stayed. The other people don't seem to care as much but Kelli sees her value

[@mickeybell2633]

Yuko is a breath of fresh air and so full if energy. Can't understand why Judy didn't like her much.

[@Emily-nf9kf]

I think because of the language barrier, it was a challenge sometimes

[@sgsportgirl]

Judy doesn’t seem like she’s been around people who don’t speak English as their first language.

[@kateg99]

@@sgsportgirl ...or...just dislikes people who are not "from here". Just saying.

[@ddl4374]

Everybody doesnt click with everybody. Some gruff folks just dont dig some super bubbly types - like On Golden Girls everyone says Bea Arthur just couldnt take the Minnesota Golden Girl's bubbly friendly ways - it was just like nails on a blackboard to her...

[@kateg99]

@@ddl4374 "Minnesota Golden Girl"? Her name is Betty White and she is a TV icon you uncultured swine.

[@burnerbaby26]

Judy’s energy toward Yuko is strange. I felt like she talks to her like a child. And another thing that bothered me was her wording with her. Like you know there’s a language barrier there and she chooses words and phrases that she wouldn’t really understand. I’m glad Kelli was rooting for her.

[@alexmartinez4751]

I got racist vibes from Judy but maybe it’s just me picking up on that energy

[@odysseyflyer4017]

I have always like Kelli a bit more then Judy

[@Jjangbunbun]

Yea she seemed annoyed at Yuko’s language barrier instead of being understanding

[@emmalarson07]

I actually felt the opposite. I was an English teacher in Russia and had to learn how to communicate with a large language barrier. Judy using the same phrase, "Your feet are sloppy," every time she was talking about a specific problem was probably the best thing she could have done. It made it clear feedback that Yuko could act on immediately. If Judy had chosen more colloquial speech, it would be harder to decipher what she was talking about. I learned to speak in very specific patterns when talking with someone with a significant language barrier, and my students gave me the positive feedback that they felt they could understand and communicate with me better than with others who didn't do that.

[@jennfurr]

My favorite line "my cat is American"

[@aleah3168]

That was so iconic

[@chogan201]

So did that mean she is leaving the cat behind

[@suhocidal]

@@chogan201 she’s married pregnant and currently living in america, so obviously not

[@chogan201]

And she said they are going back home meaning where she is from originally!!!

[@chogan201]

@@suhocidal YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A SMARTASS ABOUT IT...GEEZ...

[@abihill5091]

I think Jinelle should be the next "best of" - she had an incredible career with the DCC

[@lesliemarshall557]

Me to!!🙂

[@laurenanno]

Omg, me too!!

[@Maddym365]

I love Jinelle!

[@issy31w49]

So interested in her journey

[@Cooliron24]

Jinelle need to lose her jealous attitude that she has towards other teammates.

[@poojavarma7211]

Judy was weirdly negative about Yuko. It was hard to watch her put her down and speak to her like she was a child at dance class or something

[@sm4791]

Racism plain and simple

[@saras2154]

I think she was racist maybe..

[@latinasawntop]

Yk what Americans are like with people from other countries.. and yuko’s English isn’t that good so that would give her more of a reason not to like her

[@nylotus]

@@latinasawntop Very true. Most Americans expect everyone to speak their language. It's shameful really. Not to mention the most spoken language in the world is not even English.

[@alexramirez9589]

I agree. A lot of the time it just seemed like she questioned Yuko's intelligence level because she wasn't American. It was honestly disgusting to watch

[@yoni5570]

This girl must have had the hardest journey of any DCC candidate of any year ever. Different CONTINENT, different language, no family/friends nearby, had to create an entirely new support system, yet was ALWAYS spunky, happy, carefree.... smiled through tears.... just such a bright light and inspiration to follow your dreams NO MATTER WHAT. Thank you and congrats YUKO!!!

[@Tyler_Mills26]

I love how at first Yuko was quite timid but then in the office with KaShara she was super bubbly and her English had improved so much where Kelli asked her a question and she didn't have to think about her answer she just went for it! I wonder if any of the girls learnt Japanese from her? That would be super cool to do you know? She learns English from you and you learn Japanese from her and then you can converse no matter which language xxx

[@sandranorman5469]

But rooming her with KaShara was a stroke of genius.

[@barbaramsnyder8659]

Claire O'Brian What to try that reply again please. Difficult to comprehend what your trying to say.

[@Tyler_Mills26]

@@sandranorman5469 oh god yeah! As Kelli said KaShara is always surrounded by friends and she's such a huge personality that some of it was bound to rub of on Yuko! Although I did think it was funny that KaShara was like "I was so nervous coz you're putting the two biggest accents together!" Haha I love KaShara's accent tbh I wouldn't mind having even a slight twang xxx

[@twothirdstrio]

Kelli is such a nuturing mentor to Yuko while Judy always seems to look at her with disdain.

[@twistoffate4791]

I absolutely love that Kelli found a soft spot in her big Texas heart to recognize Yuko's commitment & talent & give her the chance to improve with guidance via an interpreter. I wish Yuko a happy & successful journey through this life. She's pretty tough.

[@kyraryan2905]

Kelly really loved Yuko and you could tell she was emotional when she announced she wasn't coming back but she was also so proud

[@aleah3168]

Whoever that blonde coach is, it seems like she had already disliked Yuko from the beginning. Shes trying to bring her down, idk I got rude vibes from her Edit-sorry judy

[@jelskedelaat2379]

She just always looks at the smallest details that is her job and this is also edited like that

[@lauraroberts6533]

It was Judy!!

[@jocklynsquriewell160]

I was scrolling to see if anyone had already mentioned this. It did seem that Judy was against her from the start. I think at one point, the entire panel voted Yoko as a shoo in, except Judy. Even when she gave her retirement speech and Yoko made that adorable comment about her cat being American, Judy still had this scowl on her face. Maybe she was annoyed by the language barrier from the beginning and kind of wrote Yoko off?

[@aleah3168]

@@jelskedelaat2379 I understand that, I love those type of coaches that fix little issues for perfection, but ever since the beginning the vibe shes had towards Yuko wasn't a good vibe

[@aleah3168]

@@jocklynsquriewell160 I'm not sure, maybe but it also might have been something personal🤷🏻‍♀️maybe she didnt like Yukos attitude of her personality, if well never learn the truth

[@g.justg.2247]

You have to give Kelli props for being professional and present enough to find a way to make Yuko comfortable and allow her to thrive under trying circumstances! Awesome!

[@addisondurrence1431]

I think we can all agree that Yuko is a top fan favorite, along with Kashara.

[@antwonnyy]

That’s awesome that Yuko trained under Yoshiko for a couple of years! If there was anyone who would’ve been able to help her get ready it was her

[@jeannelucas3132]

I was SO hoping someone else would make the connection. Yoshiko was awesome too.

[@katesmith-thompson5500]

Right? I wonder if Yoshiko has her eyes out for anyone else who would make a good DCC and if she is someone K&J would trust to send them her best students. I think a recommendation from Yoshiko (and now, probably Yuko) would be worth a lot to any girl who wanted to be a DCC.

[@Hlirving15]

I love both Yoshiko and Yuko.

[@polynesia8733]

Love Kelli and Charlotte....Judy not so much.

[@PureAloha78]

3:11. I love how excited the woman in front of Yuko was when Yuko’s name was called. That’s great sportsmanship.

[@Focusplan591]

How someone can do this with a language barrier and also being so far away from home is beyond outstanding

[@trendymaths2467]

Yuko’s such an icon. You can’t not like her. ❤️💙❤️💙 Oh and please do Amy’s DCC journey.

[@xkathleenle]

Honestly this made me respect Kelli so much more. She was understanding, compassionate, & always checking in w/Yuko on if she understood/how she felt. 💖 Judy on the other hand.... umm yeah... 🙄😒

[@tiredhunnybun7719]

"My cat is American" how sweet and pure that response was I'm dieing because of her cuteness

[@tazforeman3103]

Keshara and Yuko’s friendship was so adorable.

[@jeffgreen3376]

Yuko was one of my favorite DCC's of all-time. She's so sweet and cute. Great dancer too.

[@cj222100]

I was hoping you'd do Yuko, I love her! That can't be easy to move to another country & have to deal with all of that along with auditions. And having to speak in front of a group & do an interview panel when you're not 100% fluent in a language can't be easy!

[@lovelivi1591]

When Yuko cries I cry, when Yuko is super happy I cry lol shes just too cute!

[@kellyanderson7624]

I rooted for her since the beginning. I'm so glad she made it, she was one of my favorites. I was sad when she retired. "My cat is American." I laughed so hard. Best line ever lol

[@highfashionwins]

Kelli is so amazing, kind and understanding. It's no wonder that the DCC brand has become an international juggernaut under her direction.

[@mao1055]

"My cat is American." I laughed so hard! I love Yuko so much! I wonder what she is doing now?

[@TimCooper185]

I love Yuko. I’m so proud of what she has done and what she has accomplished! GO YUKO!!! I also love this channel!❤️💕💖👍🏻😁🎉

[@goldenlegacyfoundation]

I love yuko she is one of those girls in Dcc that broke barriers 🤍

[@DydydyA]

Yuko is just a little lightning bolt ain't she

[@snowfish1121]

Loved hearing the difference in her English ability over the years. :) The language barrier is no joke, she really learned a lot in a short time.

[@pmberry100]

Yuko is so cute, she is so special and I Love her! It would be so hard to understand when you don't speak english very well. She is amazing!

[@ryanprebys8675]

Isn’t it amazing what can happen to a person when people show they are genuinely invested in their success, that they understand their struggle, and when they welcome them? Kelly and her team did a great job not letting Yuko fall through the cracks. It would’ve been very easy for them to do so but Yuko had amazing potential, and DCC seemed very committed to helping her reach her full potential. What a great story!

[@caylamartinez6535]

I think thats awsome how those 2 girls stepped up and help yuko and find out what was wrong with her and tried to help pick up her spirits. They didnt have to she was competition against them. But they have big hearts and showed compassion and helped her. Thats amazing.

[@alexis.smith27]

Could you give a timestamp please? I might have missed this.

[@laurahill5710]

Judy just hated Yuko from the very beginning OMG thanks for the likes

[@josiefa5852]

She’s not a great dancer, that’s why she didn’t really like her.

[@josiefa5852]

Alex F everyone as in who? There were girls that were much better dancers, but I feel like they wanted to give her the opportunity. I do have to admit that she improved a lot and worked very hard to become a DCC.

[@itsimanii7478]

@@josiefa5852 she made the team? the hell you mean “not a great dancer”. yuko had a bright personality snd a beautiful smile what was there not to like about her. yes she had a language barrier but other than that she was great and also under a lot of pressure.

[@celinatelles1584]

I just love Yuko to the moon and back. Her courage is immeasurable as is her perseverance. It takes an incredibly intelligent and strong woman to make it through what she did. I hope she’s doing well!

[@funsix1]

Yuko is so inspiring 🤩 it is hard to be in a new place, by yourself, and being so young! I just love her do muchhhhh 🥺💖

[@user-xi1gm6de7c]

Every show group audition ever!

[@tylarrrr11]

Yuko is so precious and so lovely!!!!

[@sumared]

I smiled, I cried and I laughed. Yuko is truly a joy.

[@tamalaursa]

One of my favorite cheerleaders. She has a great personality.

[@mikemorgan7893]

What incredible beautiful woman, with talent to dance.

[@bellak46]

“My cat is American.” LOL Yuko is very funny. Her journey is amazing. I hope she continues to blossom in life! Go Yuko!

[@knznnz6172]

im so happy I was crying watching yuko's journey that girl is the definition of a hustler!

[@knznnz6172]

YESSS IM SO HAPPY THAT YOU FINALLY POSTED KIND OF BUMPS THAT IS ONLY 16 MINUTES THOO❤️❤️ but grateful

[@kerteeveeyuh]

It’s only footage from the show. Maybe some interviews with them and family or something extra.. (like sit down with them and have them reflect) we haven’t seen would be nice

[@maryannecelaaya]

Can we have a Lacey video!! She got married a week ago! I would love to see her journey!!!!!

[@13139Allyson]

There is a short one now

[@SweetHeart-life]

I love yuko. She tries so hard and has to try twice as hard with communicating with others. It brings more barriers for her. She shows other to not give up.

[@EllaB33]

Such a courageous young lady to embark on this journey thousands of miles away from home, away from family & friends and with limited communication skills. Bravo, Yuko! 👏🏻

[@kail_gaut]

Can you do Jinelle Then and Now, I love her shes is such an amazing dancer and person

[@lesides360]

“My cat is American” 😂😂😂😂

[@jenniferblair8171]

Yuko is an inspiration and a talented performer besides! But I really love how Melissa R intuitively knows how to help her and so many, many others!

[@heraaaa3864]

Yuko was my favorite and I got really emotional when she retired 😭

[@marielaarmendariz3009]

Omg watching this gave me chills 🥺 she was so strong 🥺 I was so sad hearing “she feels left out and in a little box” 😭 I’m glad she’s so much better 💖💖

[@jamiejin1999]

yuko lights up the room and is always determined even when she has some challenges. i love how everyone was understanding of her and her situation so it must’ve helped her a lot.

[@lyndseynicollemusic3262]

I fucking LOVE yuko!!!! I ALWAYS rooted for her!!!! ALWAYS!!! Most definitely the total package!!! And deserved every bit of her success!!! Glad to see some COLOR on DCC!!! Proof that you can accomplish ANYTHING if you have the mindset, determination, and strong will!!! You GO YUKO!!!! 💋💋💋💋

[@kail_gaut]

We asked you delivered thank you

[@TheJadeRegina]

Kelli was amazing during this whole thing. I was an international student who moved on my own to study at uni, and feeling lonely and unhappy is an awful feeling. It can make whatever you're doing (studying, dancing) 10x harder. My uni tutor was amazing and would support me, make me feel welcome and always make me know that I can talk to her. Having no family in a new country means when you have your breakdowns, lonely spells, relationship struggles, it can be a lot to deal with. Even though I rarely spoke to my mom about those things, knowing someone who loved me was around was a lot of support, and you can be quite lost without it. Kelli looking out for her and going out of her way to try and make this difficult time easier, like even thinking of her living situation and suggesting Kashara shows how much she cared and how much she thought about it, as it was a brilliant decision. I see a lot of my tutor in Kelli, both amazing women who went outside the limits of their job to make someone's life better. I hope she knows how much of a difference she made in Yukos life and that it would not have been nowhere as enjoyable if it were not for her kindness.

[@coll4455]

Such wonderful coaches putting those two together as roommates!! I coach high school girls and I feel like this is so brilliant to put someone who needs to come out of there shell with someone who is a team favorite

[@beagravelle4028]

Would love to see Amy’s journey over the past 5 years

[@coll4455]

My heart literally broke for her when she broke down. That must have been so scary especially not being able to properly communicate

[@graciejackson1077]

i love whoever runs this acct😂 thank you for listening to us and giving us these AMAZING videos!!!

[@cnmusgrove18]

Love the little moment between Melissa and Jinelle. It just shows how much they care about her

[@gabbyinmedicine]

I love how gentle and kind Kellie is.

[@dustercat21]

Watching this back again, definitely miss watching this show and following the journey that each woman has. Yuko was always a favorite of mine! And that "my cat is American" line will always be one i remember lol

[@KirbyKidd_]

Yuko was my absolute favorite, I was so happy she made it her rookie year!!!

[@mckennadavidson6463]

I love Yuko, she’s such a ray of sunshine!!

[@1blueyedgirl1]

Thank you for listening to us!!!

[@brayanelian6905]

Judy being her biggest hater 😂

[@shaniajohnson8438]

I love yuko she’s just full of some much good energy and she’s beautiful 😍

[@johndotter351]

When Yuko was invited to camp the surprised look she gave was priceless!

[@Ummmmple]

There's something so endearing about Yuko❤ Her language barrier just makes me love her more😂 I can't help it, she's so sweet and I just want to protect her from the world

[@20maxilo]

I love Yuko and very impressed by her she has come a long way

[@PureAloha78]

I love how Charlotte , Kelli and the other judges instantly fell in love with her.

[@Kristina-oh7ui]

I’ve been waiting for this!! Yuko is so amazing, I wish I have been watching while she was in her rookie/veteran years. I only started watching this year

[@ebonymay7906]

The diverse beauty 😍😍😍 we love to see it America “ America’s team “

[@arielmichael3683]

Loved getting to know Yuko's story ... and at the end, there was such a happy ending ...

[@TexasMom1776]

My favorite story of DCC thus far! Thank you for sharing

one of my favorite dcc of all time. it was so special how much the show focused on her during her rookie year. that home visit still makes me cry every time

[@DevinDomino]

I was crying throughout this video. I love Yuko!! She is such an inspiration and so strong.

[@PureAloha78]

Thank you for this compilation . I love love LOVE Yuko! She is just fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!

[@soshisister6771]

Wow thank you so much for listening to our requests! 🥺💕

[@bunchorandomness2680]

I absolutely love the support everyone showed her, sometimes they forget to show this side of the competitive cheer world!

[@annak9195]

omg it is so cool to see yuko make everyone smile and laugh!! she is an amazing cheerleader!!!

[@briannagroce]

YES MY FAVORITE DCC BY FAR 😍

[@HeyLisaKay]

Yuko was always one of my favorites 🥰

[@airbear320]

I love Yuko! She was always one of my favorites. ❤

[@amandalu1003]

She’s incredible for going all this way and working so hard. Such a bright light and definitely a fan favorite. I could never imagine going to another country still learning the language alone

[@kourtneyhamrick1895]

She literally makes my heart melt 💓 love yuko!

[@Hlirving15]

Yuko was amazing. I was glad she made the team. She is one of my favorites

[@thefrogfactor3943]

YAAAAY!!! Thank you for always listening to our suggestions

[@layalzalkout1006]

Yuko is amazing and soooo strong!!!

[@allicianpeters3595]

It's hard living in a box by yourself period especially when you don't have cheer team or jobs, etc... welcome to the world of MANY stay at home parents!! I feel for Yuko because she was out of even her own country, thank the lord she learned some English!! Big respect for this young ladie!!

[@mrdouglasthisisme]

Yuko will always be one of my favorites.

[@artisticanna5275]

Everyone needs a Yuko in there life she's like one big hug ❤️

[@stephaniecolangelo7004]

Yuko is so sweet and kind and she just makes me cry she’s so sweet.