Hey Cowboys Fans!
I cannot express how excited I am to be a part of the best dance team in the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blue Dancers! I am humbled by the opportunity to perform with so many talented individuals, and I'm so excited for this season.
I was born and raised in Rowlett, Texas. I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dance Performance and Choreography, and I teach dance in the DFW area. I truly love my job, and I love that I get the chance to inspire and empower students to do whatever they set their minds to through dancing.
I am so grateful that I have been given this opportunity to continue to do what I love, even after college. Thank you to my friends, family, and mentors who have supported me throughout this process. I would not be here without each and every one of you!
This team has become a family to me, and I am beyond excited to show Cowboys Nation all of our hard work, passion, and love for America's Team through our performances this season.
Let's make some history!
Go Cowboys,
Maryelle
Number of years on the team: This is my third year as a DCRB.
Prior Dance/Entertainment Industry Experience: I began dancing at the age of 14. My first experiences with dance were in drill team. I was a three-year member of the Sachse High School Swingsters and was fortunate enough to be named first lieutenant my senior year. I was also a part of the senior company team at The Dance FX Studio in Garland, Texas. Upon graduating high school, I attended Kilgore College for two years where I was a Rangerette and Swingster on the 75th Line. I then transferred to Stephen F. Austin State University for my last two years of college. I was given the opportunity to be a part of the SFA Dance Teams and the Repertory Dance Company. Being a part of these amazing groups helped shape me into the person and dancer that I am today. Besides being a DCRB, I am very passionate about teaching dance and helping young performers reach their goals. I have been a member of the Crowd Pleasers Dance staff for six years and I am currently the Assistant Director of a high school drill team in Plano. Additionally, I teach dance at local studios and choreograph for high school drill teams and collegiate dance teams all across Texas!
Nicknames: My nicknames include Murrell, Merle, Murkle, and Meryl.
Hometown: I was born and raised in Rowlett, Texas.
I dance because: Dancing has been the one thing in my life that has made me feel confident and strong. It is so empowering, and it gives me the feeling that I can conquer anything that comes my way.
What I like to do most besides dance is: When I am not dancing, which is a very rare occasion, I enjoy doing anything outdoors! I absolutely love being on the lake with family and friends, whether we are fishing, tubing, or just going out for a ride.
I've always wanted to: I've always wanted to go skydiving! I love anything that gives me a big adrenaline rush.
Advice to Youngsters: My advice to the youngsters would be to always work as hard as you can for what you want, have confidence, and never try to be anyone but your true self!
My biggest role model is: My biggest role model is my mother. She paid her own way through college and medical school so that she would be able to pursue what she loves, which is being a nurse! She is constantly placing everyone else and his or her needs before her own and she inspires me to be the best person that I can be.
What I enjoy most about being a DCRB Dancer is: My favorite part about being a DCRB is how supportive everyone is of each other. The second I made this team, I gained a family and 19 best friends. We have each other's back no matter what and I am so grateful and lucky to be a part of something this special.
Favorite Cowboys player past or present: My favorite Cowboys player is Jason Witten. Not only was he an amazing asset to the team as a player, he is an incredible person both on and off of the field.
Favorite Performer: My favorite performer is Beyoncé!
Favorite Music: My favorite kind of music to listen to is country. A few of my favorite artists are Chris Young, Cody Johnson, and Luke Combs.
Favorite Quotes: My favorite quote is "Follow your arrow wherever it points." –Unknown
The three guests I would invite to my fantasy dinner party are: If I could invite any three guests to a dinner party, I would invite Shania Twain, Kate Walsh, and Justin Timberlake.
