Blake McGrath brings fresh choreography to Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

The world-renowned choreographer and new North Texas resident joined DCC as a guest judge before putting his spin on the squad’s signature style.

World-renowned choreographer Blake McGrath is bringing a fresh approach to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, putting his own modern spin on the squad’s signature style after joining DCC as a guest judge and choreographer.

McGrath, an industry veteran, was brought in as a guest judge for this season’s DCC auditions. Now, instead of judging the dancers, he’s teaching them a routine of his own.

“I wanted to do something a little modern, and you know, something that had like an industry feel but also obviously meets DCC," McGrath said.

McGrath said joining the audition process gave him an up-close look at what it takes to become a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.

“It was a huge blessing just to be amongst the talent, you know, there's so many talented girls that's coming from obviously everywhere. Obviously the show is a complete hit, you know, we watch it all.Knowing that I was asked to come in and be, you know, their guest judge this season was definitely a dream," McGrath said.

Making cuts wasn't easy, McGrath said, and the experience taught him more about the complete package DCC judges are seeking.

“It was so hard; they're looking for that complete DCC package, and I'm just looking for the girls that are like in it to win it and killing it. I think there was some difference of opinion there, but hey, that makes for good TV," McGrath said.

The routine McGrath is now teaching the squad already has a history of its own.

“It was actually one of my old combos that went viral a few years ago to JLo's ‘On The Floor.’ So then we tweaked it and made it DCC style. So it is very new and very fresh and very modern. I'm really excited to see it on them," McGrath said.

The work with DCC comes as McGrath begins a new chapter in North Texas. He said his decision to move to the Dallas area came down to love and commitment.

“So all the cards were kind of pointing to here, and I followed my gut, and it was the best decision that I've ever made," McGrath said.

While McGrath is known around the world for his choreography, some of his biggest recent moments happened at DFW Airport.

McGrath said he missed a flight after stopping to film one of his now-famous dance videos.

“So I put on it, missed my flight, but slayed on this TikTok," McGrath said.

The video quickly took off online.

“I was on the plane, and right before we took off, I just kind of took it back out to check how it was doing. And it was like 500,000 plays, like in 30 minutes. And then by the next morning, I think it had like 5 million plays on it. And then it just started skyrocketing," McGrath said.

For McGrath, though, the millions of views aren't the point. He said his dance videos have a larger purpose.

“You know, all the videos that I do really are to just bring joy and to spread light through the gift of dance," McGrath said.

Now, McGrath is bringing that same energy to a new generation of dancers on one of the biggest stages in sports — from stages around the world to the sidelines at AT&T Stadium.

“Dallas, I knew I needed to be here. It was calling me," McGrath said.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.