Our Partners & Sponsors
2026 Staff
Instructors & Judges
DJs & Audio
*Indicates Judges Training Association through KIT
**Indicates Extensive training in WSDC or UCWDC
Aaron Nuno*
Adia Nuno*
Amanda Ho*
Brianna Bench*
Brigette Campos*
Bryan Cleary*
Celina Meador
Chloe Kleiman*
Cindi Massengale*
Clay Morrison*
Country Bandits*
Danya Svir
David Saylors*
Deena Bartoli*
Egan Anselmo*
Ellie Sousa*
Emma Walsh*
Felipa Mendez**
Fleeta Burns*
Francisco Alderete*
Haley Skredsvig*
Harley Johnson*
Hunter Mole*
Jacob Reding*
Jaden Pfeiffer*
Jevan Canada*
Jim Tigges*
Kaitlyn Robinson*
Karl Fulks*
Kat Nicols*
Kate Snijdewind*
Kenzie Keister*
Kristin Clove*
Kyle Paul
Marie Kelly
Marina Chow*
Neil Joshi**
Nicole Ramirez**
Philip Ongert
Rick Dominguez*
Robert Campos*
Souraya Lorenz*
Stephenie Thai
Tamara Watson*
Thibault Ramirez**
Travis Swartzlander*
Trevor Hayes*
Russ Bradchulis*
Brandon Peltz
(Main Stage Audio Lead)
Bryan Cleary | MSCB
Coastline Country
Ezra Jameson
John Kedroff | Kedroff's Country
Kermie | LOAG
(Audio Support)
Liza Marians
Nate Wilking | LOAG
Rick Dominguez
Wranglin Dance
Specialty
Ariel Villarreal | NewBoot Media
( Media Director)
Caitlin Tang-Hornbuckle (Competition Operations)
Cheyenne Folkert
(Assistant to Ms. Adia Dance)
Christianna Needham (Assistant to Ms. Adia Dance)
Harley Johnson* (Social Media Lead)
Joy McCoy (Mentor Liaison)
Leslie Perez (Executive Admin)
Russ Bradchulis* (Competition Coordinator)
Sabastian Lundgren (Audio Team Lead)
Sofia Rizo (Executive Assistant to Ms Adia Dance)
Stefanie Vasturo*(Executive Admin)
Mentors
Alexis Adams
Ashlee Johnson
Ellis Permann
Emma Olson
Glo Osorio
Heather Ryan
Jaimi Krummen
Jenn Mulé
Kiera Isgrig
Landon Antoniono
Michelle Heller
Sebastian Dominguez
Trey Cobb
2026 The Edge Schedule
Included in FULL WEEKEND PASS:
Thursday (Preparty), Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Other passes:
Single Day & Evening Social Passes Available
75+ Main Session classes
Learn Line Dance, Country Swing, Two Step, West Coast Swing, Dips and Tricks, Lifts and Aerials, and Dance Techniques. Beginner Friendly!
10+ Competition Divisions
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced
Line Dance, Partner Dance, and Choreography Competitions
Family Friendly Options
Kids can enjoy the benefits of the workshops!
*Under 7 require parent supervision.
**Under 14 MUST have parent in partner classes
Evening Social Floors
Social dancing and dance pass from 6:00pm-12:00am
INTENSIVES
Judges Intensive with Jim Tigges (Thursday)
Swing Techniques with Thibault & Nicole Ramirez (Sunday)
2026 Partner Competitions
DANCE STYLES
1. Slotted Swing
2. Country Swing
3. West Coast Swing
4. Freestyle Stationary
5. Two Step
6. Freestyle Progressive
EARNING POINTS
Country Swing Dance Council (CSDC)
Country Swing & Line Dance qualifying competitions
Country Two Step Tour--National Country Dance Circuit (CTST-NCDC)
Two Step qualifying competitions
JUDGING CRITERIA
There will be a panel of five-seven judges. See image for judging specifications.
*Prices subject to increase
2026 Showdown
DIVISIONS Rules
Partner Showdown Division
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Spotlight Performance:
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Dancers perform their unique routine to a song of their choice.
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Performances are limited to 2 minutes 30 seconds. (if you need more time, please inquire at Adia@KickStartCountry.com)
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Lifts:
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Permitted but must be executed safely. Dropping a partner results in disqualification.
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Style:
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No restrictions—your creativity defines your style.
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Team Division
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Team Size:
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Minimum of 5 members; no maximum.
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Performance Options:
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Create original choreography, mash up known dances, or combine both.
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Props:
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Must be managed entirely within the allocated time. Props cannot damage the floor.
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Song Length:
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Performances are limited to 2 minutes 30 seconds.
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Golden Ticket Guidelines
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Golden Tickets are non-transferable.
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If a winning team cannot attend, the runner-up will be awarded the ticket.
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If a team or partnership competes and wins
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To remain eligible, 30% of the original team must participate in the HTWC.
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International teams will have expedited reviews to facilitate travel planning.
Submission Process for Video NDF World Championship Qualifications
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Video submissions open: February 1, 2026.
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Submission deadline: August 15, 2026.
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Golden Ticket Virtual Competition announcements no later than June 15, 2026.
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An online form will be available on the Nashville Dance Fest website.
SCORING
There will be a panel of five-seven judges. The 1st place winner of the Showdown divisions will receive a "Golden Ticket," granting them a spot to compete at the Nashville Dance Fest Vol 3: Honky Tonk World Championships, held September 4-6, 2026.
*Prices subject to increase
2026 Competition Line Dance
Divisions
The Line Dance Competition will be composed of multiple rounds. Competitors will be chosen by judges to advance to the next round. The top three finalists will be given their choice of prize package!
DANCES
Click for all competition dances with links to stepsheets
DIVISIONS
1. Beginner/Novice
2. Intermediate
3. Advanced *Belt Buckle for Male and Female
4. Professional Division
*You must choose between Beg/Nov OR Inter OR Adv
**ADV may also compete Professional
JUDGING CRITERIA
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Choreography
The Edge Dance Event is proud to host the USLDCC! There will be 2 separate Line Dance Choreography Competitions: 1. USLDCC 2. Edge Specific
USLDCC
The USLDCC, United States Line Dance Choreography Championships, is a competition for amateur line dance choreographers.
Amateur, as defined by the USLDCC, is an individual who has never received any form of compensation (i.e. monies, accommodations, or travel fees) for teaching their own original choreography or co-choreography. This does not include “volunteering” as an instructor at workshops/events or teaching in the individual private class. See addition rules and details here.
Deadline to submit choreography details (stepsheet/music/etc) will be March 17th.
Please fill out THIS FORM
USLDCC offers a total of three (3) divisions:
Beginner / Improver
Intermediate/Advanced
Phrased
Edge Specific
This competition is open to everyone. A song will be selected and all applicants will have the same amount of time to come up with original choreography. You decide the level the dance and complexity. Just show us how the music makes you want to move! Prelims will take place by video submission BEFORE Wednesday March 17th SEND YOUR ENTRY TO Hello@KickStartCountry.com . Finalist will be announced March 23rd & showcase their routines in front of judges and the audience!
SONG:
Sweatin by Angie K
SCORING
There will be a panel of five-seven judges.
1. Musicality (Creativity to go with the music)
2. Flow (How well does the dance flow and movements sync)
3. Showcase (How well do you display your dance)
PRIZES
The winner will receive a prize + get the opportunity to dance ON STAGE with the artist at Nashville Dance Fest Vol.4
EVERY DOLLAR MAKES A DIFFERECE
Make a difference in the life on an animal with your time, energy or generous donation.
The Edge Dance Event Benefits
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SPONSORS & PARTNERS
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Steal A Dance
Moovement
Phoenix the 4th
Derby City Swing
Bay Area Dance Event
YOGA BRANCH
WWLA
DANCE THRU LIFE
MALAMOTION
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