#010 Dahlston Delgado - The Mind Behind Your Favourite NCA Routines

What does it actually take to build a routine that wins—and one that people remember?In this episode, I sit down with Dahlston Delgado—the choreographer behind 13 routines at NCA this year, and creative forces shaping cheerleading both on and off the competition floor.We break down his process from the very first skills check to the final performance—how he builds structure, layers movement, and makes decisions that balance the score sheet with the audience experience.We also get into the differences between college and all-star choreography, what changes when you’re building for NCA vs UCA, and how his work on Stumble and Broadway has shifted the way he sees routine design.Plus, we watch and analyze real routines—including one submitted by a listener—and talk through what works, what could be elevated, and how small decisions create big impact.This conversation is a deep dive into the strategy, creativity, and emotion behind elite routines—and a reminder that the best performances don’t just score well… they make you feel something.Chapters00:00 The Journey to Choreography08:10 The Impact of TV on Choreography19:23 Choreographing for Texas Tech Large Co-ed24:44 Choreographing for Mississippi State All Girl48:34 Analyzing a Listener's Routine