Dayton had one of the most complicated storylines on America's Sweethearts. Here's what she's doing now.

Season 2 of America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders featured many compelling storylines, but one that stood out was Dayton Bramhall's challenging journey trying out for the team.

Her story was made more complex by the complicated dynamics between her and her mother, who works as the team's associate choreographer. This unique situation sparked discussions amongst viewers about nepotism and whether Dayton was receiving special treatment, creating one of the season's most emotionally charged and controversial narratives.

So what has happened to Dayton since her emotional exit from training camp?

Watch the trailer for America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders season two. Article continues after video.

Who is Dayton?

Dayton Bramhall was one of the hopefuls desperately trying to secure a spot on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad in season 2. But here's where things get messy — her mum, Shelly Bramhall, isn't just any proud parent cheering from the sidelines. She's DCC's associate choreographer, which means she's literally part of the organisation judging her own daughter.

Dayton has been dancing since she was just 3 years old, training at The Young Company dance studio. This insider connection should have been Dayton's golden ticket but, as viewers quickly discovered, it became the source of some seriously uncomfortable viewing.

Image: Netflix

What made Dayton's story even more complex was that this wasn't her first rodeo — she'd previously auditioned for the team twice before, including an appearance on CMT's Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making The Team back in 2018.

"Getting cut did kind of leave some scar tissue there," Dayton said during America's Sweethearts.

What happened to Dayton on the show?

Dayton's third audition attempt was difficult to watch unfold on America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. From early in training camp, it became clear she was facing significant challenges that would ultimately lead to her being cut from the team.

Like nearly every rookie, Dayton received constant feedback during training camp, including being told to have "more power behind every step." But the real issue became increasingly apparent as the weeks progressed — she was struggling to memorise the dance routines.

"I definitely need to work on memorising a few dances," she admitted. "There's one that just won't stick in my body, but I'll get it."

Kelli Finglass, the DCC director, was direct in her assessment: "She obviously always does beautiful solos, but then when you get in that room and it comes down to some of those words that we say a lot, 'Power, projection, precision and the strength.' She's not keeping up with the momentum of learning all the routines."

Image: Instagram/daytonbramhall

Kelli and Judy called a meeting with Dayton, telling her they wanted to give her the "best chance to be successful."

"None of us want you to make this team just because you have a history. You need to earn to make this team," Finglass told Dayton.

Throughout these interactions, it was evident that Kelli and Judy were walking on eggshells, clearly mindful of how their decisions about Dayton would affect her mother, Shelly. The delicate nature of having to potentially cut the child of a staff member created an additional layer of complexity that seemed to weigh heavily on their minds.

In the emotional conversation where Dayton was finally cut from training camp, Kelli explained that it would be a "disservice to have [her] make this team and struggle all year."

Dayton's relationship with her mum.

Perhaps the most compelling — and uncomfortable — aspect of Dayton's storyline was her relationship with her mother. As a former DCC member turned choreographer, Dayton's mum had intimate knowledge of what it took to make the team. But this insider perspective created an overwhelming pressure-cooker environment.

The mother-daughter dynamic was painfully familiar to many viewers. Throughout the season, it became increasingly obvious that Dayton making the team felt more like the fulfilment of her mother's dream than her own.

This pattern highlighted one of the most disturbing aspects of the show: how the intense pressure and expectations can create unhealthy family dynamics that extend far beyond the football field.

Image: Instagram/daytonbramhall

Dayton wasn't alone in this struggle — Victoria, another contestant, dealt with similar parental pressure that made her eventual departure even more complicated.

What is Dayton doing now?

While Dayton's DCC journey may have come to an end, she hasn't stepped away from the dance world that has shaped her life since childhood.

Based on her Instagram profile, Dayton has transitioned into teaching, working as an instructor at The Young Company dance studio in The Colony, Texas. The studio's social media indicate she joined their teaching staff in July 2024, coinciding with the conclusion of DCC training camp.

It seems Dayton has found a new way to channel her years of dance experience and training into nurturing the next generation of performers. After decades of being a student herself, she's now on the other side of the studio, sharing her knowledge and passion with young dancers.

Feature Image: Instagram/daytonbramhall / Netflix.