Kristan Ann Ware is a former cheerleader for the Miami Dolphins, who gained national attention for speaking out against the team's discriminatory treatment of its cheerleaders. Born and raised in Alabama, Ware began dancing at a young age and went on to study dance at the University of Alabama, where she was a member of the Crimson Cabaret dance team. After college, she moved to Miami and joined the Dolphins cheerleading squad, where she worked for three seasons before leaving the team in 2017.
The Discrimination Case
In 2018, Ware filed a complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations, alleging that the Dolphins had discriminated against her and other cheerleaders on the basis of gender and religion. According to Ware, the team had subjected her to harassment and retaliation after she told her coaches that she was a virgin and intended to remain so until marriage, which went against the team's image of cheerleaders as sexually available objects. She also claimed that the team had paid its cheerleaders less than minimum wage and required them to perform unpaid work, such as attending events and rehearsals.
The Aftermath
Although the Dolphins denied Ware's allegations, her case drew attention to the poor treatment and working conditions of cheerleaders in the NFL and other sports leagues. In response, some teams have increased pay and benefits for their cheerleaders and revised their codes of conduct to prevent discrimination and harassment. Ware herself has become an advocate for dancer and cheerleader rights, speaking out about her experiences and working with organizations such as the Women's Law Project and the National Women's Law Center.
Outside of Cheerleading
Outside of her cheerleading career and activism, Ware is a devout Christian who has spoken publicly about her faith and values. She has also worked as a dance instructor and choreographer, teaching classes and workshops in various styles of dance. In addition, she has modeled for fitness and fashion brands and has appeared in music videos for artists such as Pitbull and T-Pain.
Personal Life
Ware is married to her high school sweetheart, whom she met while they were both students at the University of Alabama. The couple dated long-distance while Ware was cheering for the Dolphins and got engaged in 2016. They married in a ceremony in Alabama in 2018, which Ware described as "the best day of my life." She frequently posts photos and messages about her husband and their relationship on social media.
Conclusion
Kristan Ann Ware's story is one of resilience, courage, and advocacy. Despite facing discrimination and mistreatment in her career as a cheerleader, she has used her experience to raise awareness and fight for change. She has also pursued her passions for dance, modeling, and teaching, while staying true to her faith and personal values. Whether as a cheerleader, an activist, or simply as herself, Kristan Ann Ware is an inspiration to those who seek to live their lives with integrity and purpose.