Fly Girls
High-energy dance squad firing up Eagles fans at every home game.
The Philadelphia Eagles Fly Girls are the official dance squad for the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles. While the Eagles had cheerleaders as early as the 1940s, the name 'Fly Girls' was not adopted until 2001. Unlike most pro sports squads, these are trained dancers who run complex routines at halftime and timeouts to fire up the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field. They've built a national following through TV spots and high-profile gigs.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Professional Dance Team
- Affiliation
- Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
- Founded
- 1940s (cheerleading squad); 2001 (Fly Girls name)
- Status
- Active
- Performance style
- Jazz
- Hip-Hop
- and Contemporary Choreography
Lore & Background
Over the decades, the Fly Girls have become synonymous with excellence, often being cited as one of the top dance teams in professional sports. Their rigorous selection process ensures that only the most talented dancers from around the world make the cut, leading to a squad that has performed in national television commercials. The name 'Fly Girls' itself reflects their dynamic movement style—performances are characterized by high jumps, sharp isolations, and fluid transitions that literally seem to defy gravity.
Reader's Guide
Experiencing an Eagles game means witnessing the Fly Girls transform the atmosphere from anticipation to euphoria. Their presence is a sensory anchor; the thud of their sneakers on the turf and the snap of their movements cut through the stadium's ambient noise, signaling moments of high energy. The evolution of the team mirrors the city itself: starting as a novelty in 1978, they grew into a disciplined force that reflects Philadelphia's no-nonsense appreciation for talent. They are not just background decoration but active participants in the game-day ritual, often interacting with fans and players alike. Culturally, the Fly Girls represent a unique Philly symbol of excellence. To see them perform is to understand the specific brand of passion that defines the Eagles' fanbase.
Did You Know?
- The Philadelphia Eagles had a cheerleading squad as early as the 1940s, and the Baltimore Colts had one in the 1950s, making the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, founded in 1960, not the first NFL cheerleading/dance team.
- The Fly Girls have not performed at a Super Bowl halftime show.
- There is no established record of the Fly Girls performing for a U.S. President.
- Selection is highly competitive, with hundreds of applicants auditioning annually for a roster that typically numbers around 20-30 dancers.
- The team has appeared in national television commercials, including campaigns for major brands like Coca-Cola and Nike.
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