Perth-raised Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Faith Ward on Netflix show, cultural differences

Perth-raised Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Faith Ward is back home for a short break from her busy American NFL schedule and New York press tour after starring in the hit Netflix show about the iconic cheer squad.

The 23-year-old Wellington-born dancer's journey to making the team is front and centre in the third season of America's Sweethearts, and it's safe to say earning a spot on the world's most iconic cheer team was no easy feat.

Homecoming and Embracing Aussie Culture

With the cheerleaders on a season break, Ward flew back home to surprise her family and friends and is enjoying embracing Aussie culture again.

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“Oh my goodness, I'm so happy to be home for a little bit; spending time with friends and family is just the perfect way to reset and just, you know, embrace the Aussie culture again. I'm so happy to be home,” she told Sunrise co-host Nat Barr from Crown Perth on Friday morning.

She also got a hair refresh and watched the Michael Jackson musical at Crown Theatre with her two younger sisters.

Challenges in Training Camp

While Ward was in the squad's brutal training camp competing against other rookies and veterans for a blue and white uniform, director Kelli Finglass and choreographer Judy Trammel were not easy on her.

“If we didn't know you were actually on the team, there were moments when it sounded like you might be cut,” Barr said of the new Netflix season.

Ward agreed, saying her journey “wasn't sunshine and rainbows” and that “hard work beats talent”.

“Honestly, I knew going into this experience that I hadn't trained in this style before. I was honestly going into it with an open mind,” she said.

“Little Faith had no idea that being a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader was even an option, so I think that's why I'm still waiting to wake up from this crazy dream, but you know, going into this experience, adapting to a whole new style, especially culture as well, I have to give myself some grace, and I think I would walk out of training camp each day, going, you put your best foot forward, and now what's meant to be is meant to be for you.

“So at the end of the day, my journey wasn't sunshine and rainbows, but I also think that that shows hard work beats talent.”

Navigating Cultural Differences

On the show, Finglass and the judges criticise Ward for looking awkward, talking too fast and not listening to feedback, but she said she is still trying to navigate cultural differences.

“Look, it's hard, but I also think there's cultural differences, and I understand that,” Ward said.

“Like, I thought the ‘Yes mam’ thing was weird, but I'm adapting to their culture, so I also am trying to educate, and show them that this is my way of actively listening, like I was always raised in the way that you should be showing that you're listening while someone's speaking, and I was in my brain just going, ‘Don't forget to say yes ma'am, Faith, don't forget’.

“At the end of the day, they could see the results that I was genuinely listening. It just showed in a different way.”

Apology and Miscommunication

Bunbury-born Barr went on to offer an apology to Ward, as in the season finale, she got into a bit of trouble for doing an Australian TV interview.

“Did we accidentally land you in hot water?” Barr asked.

“Absolutely not. No, it was not you guys at all. There's miscommunications,” Ward said.

“I am still trying to navigate this whole new life. I'm not used to all this media attention being on me. I'm trying to put myself into every conversation and want to show young Australian girls that opportunities like this are available for us Aussie girls. You just have to work hard enough to make them a reality.

“So, I think at the end of the day, it was just miscommunication, and they are more than happy to have me on here talking with you guys. So, there is no bad blood at all.”