One of cheerleading's own is officially an Emmy nominee.
Dahlston Delgado has been nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming for his work on NBC's Stumble, becoming one of the few choreographers from the cheerleading industry to receive the prestigious recognition.
The nomination recognizes Delgado's choreography throughout the series, including the Media Day Routine, Bring It On Routine, Truck Routine, Elite Cheer Routine, Car Wash Routine, SDSJC Daytona Routine, and Buttons Daytona Routine.
For those inside the cheer industry, Delgado's name needs little introduction. Over the past two decades, he has helped create routines and performances seen on some of the sport's biggest stages while earning a reputation for blending entertainment with authentic competitive cheerleading.
When Stumble was announced, producers made it clear they wanted the series to accurately reflect the world of competitive cheer. Bringing Delgado on board ensured the routines would feel authentic to athletes, coaches, and fans while translating to a national television audience.
Executive Producer Monica Aldama celebrated the nomination on social media shortly after the announcement.
"HE DID IT! WE DID IT! EMMY NOMINATED FOR OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY IN SCRIPTED PROGRAMMING! I could not be more proud of Dahlston Delgado for this prestigious nomination. As soon as Stumble was picked up, I knew he was the man for the job. We have worked together for over 15 years and have done some pretty amazing things together. I can't wait to see what's next."
Aldama and Delgado have collaborated for more than 15 years, making Stumble another chapter in a long professional partnership that has influenced cheerleading both on and off the mat.
The nomination is another significant moment for the sport as cheerleading continues to gain visibility across mainstream television and entertainment. Rather than relying on Hollywood interpretations of cheer, Stumble featured choreography rooted in the technical skills, timing, athleticism, and performance style that define competitive cheerleading.
For the industry, the recognition extends beyond one production. It represents another example of cheer professionals earning recognition on one of television's biggest stages while showcasing the creativity that exists within the sport.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will recognize this year's nominees later this year, with Delgado now joining one of television's most respected groups of choreographers.
Congratulations to Dahlston Delgado on an incredible and well-deserved achievement.
