2026 Details
Event
Schedule
coming soon
Beginner Barn
Schedule
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Status!
a Golden ticket event
coming soon
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2026 Staff
Instructors & Judges
*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*
Marie Kelly
Marina Chow*
Neil Joshi**
Nicole Ramirez**
Philip Ongert
Rick Dominguez*
Robert Campos*
Souraya Lorenz*
Thibault Ramirez**
Travis Swartzlander*
Trevor Hayes*
Russ Bradchulis*
DJs
Bryan Cleary | MSCB
Coastline Country
John Kedroff | Kedroff's Country
Liza Marians
Nate Wilking | LOAG
Rick Dominguez
Rodney Smith
Wranglin Dance
Specialty
Ariel Villanueva | NewBoot Media
(Head of Media)
Caitlin Tang-Hornbuckle (Competition Ops)
Erin Milton (Executive Assistant)
Harley Johnson* (Head of Social Media)
Joy McCoy (Mentor Liaison)
Leslie Perez (Admin)
Rachel Clancy (Executive assistant)
Russ Bradchulis* (Competiiton Coordinator)
Sofia Rizo (Executive Assistant)
Stefanie Vasturo* (Executive Admin)
Mentors
Coming Soon
2026 Instructor & Judge Training
Everyday at The Edge!
Open to everyone
Schedule Coming Soon
2026 The Edge Schedule
Details Coming Soon
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
Intensive Details Coming Soon
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
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.
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 26th. 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
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