WCTE NATIONALS

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Elite Dance Nationals: WCTE 2026

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

Event Date

July 6th - 9th

Venue

SANDLER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

201 Market St, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Register Now

HOTEL (main)

WESTIN VA BEACH TOWN CENTER

201 Market St, Va Beach, VA 23462

HOTEL (overflow)

COASTAL HOTEL & SUITES VIRGINIA BEACH OCEANFRONT

2015 Atlantic Ave., Va Beach, VA 23451

HOTEL (overflow)

TBC

HOTEL (overflow)

TBC

NOTE: SELECT DATES INSIDE THE EVENT DATE WINDOW

NOTE: REFERENCE WCTE GROUP WHAN CALLING TO BOOK

NOTE:

Payment Deadline Date

June 6th

MYSTIC, CT

Event Date

July 13th - 17th

Venue

MYSTIC MARRIOT RESORT & SPA

625 N Rd #117, Groton, CT 06340

Register Now

HOTEL (main)

MYSTIC MARRIOT RESORT & SPA

625 N Rd #117, Groton, CT 06340

HOTEL (overflow)

HILTON GARDEN INN- MYSTIC

224 Gold Star Hwy, Groton, CT 06340

HOTEL (overflow)

HILTON MYSTIC

20 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT 06355

HOTEL (overflow)

HAMPTON INN- GROTON

300 Long Hill Rd, Groton, CT 06340

NOTE: SELECT DATES INSIDE THE EVENT DATE WINDOW

Payment Deadline Date

June 13th

Waiver

Book

WCTE Nationals is a top-notch, unforgettable celebration ...the ultimate way to end the season.

This premier nationals event delivers nonstop dance, positive energy, and high-impact performances in an elevated, inspiring atmosphere. It’s the perfect finale that honors your dancers and everything they’ve worked for all year.

2026 National Championship

**Tentative schedule - schedule format subject to change

DAY 1 – TROPICAL VIBES 🌴

Solo Competition (All Divisions)

Kick off Nationals with sunshine, energy, and island-inspired fun as dancers take the stage for Solo Competition across all divisions.

DAY 2 – MAGIC AWAITS ✨A Day of Dreams, Dance & Disney Magic!

Opening Number Closed Rehearsal
Master Class Workshops
Mini, Petite & Junior Duo/Trio and Small Group Competition (All Divisions)

It's time to celebrate the magic! Show your Disney spirit by wearing your favorite mouse ears, magical accessories, and themed attire throughout the day. An exciting day of learning, growth, and performance awaits as dancers participate in exclusive master classes, Opening Number rehearsals, and competition for Mini, Petite, and Junior Duo/Trios and Small Groups.

DAY 3 – STUDIO SPIRIT TAKEOVER 🎉

Opening Number Closed Rehearsal
Teen & Senior Duo/Trio Competition
Large Groups, Lines & Productions Competition (All Divisions)
Studio Spirit Showcase Tables & Activities

Show your studio pride as teams take the stage for an action-packed day featuring Teen and Senior Duo/Trios, Large Groups, Lines, and Productions for all divisions. Don't forget to participate in our Studio Spirit Showcase, where studios can decorate their spirit tables, share their dance family pride, and celebrate the passion, creativity, and community that make their studio special. Gather your dancers, wear your studio colors, and show us your dance love and spirit!

DAY 4 – THE PREMIERE RED CARPET ELITE EVENT ⭐

Opening Number Technical Rehearsal (Closed)
Title Presentation Showcase****Title Awards Presentation
The Elite Event – Premier Invitational Championship

National Champions

The National Championships conclude with WCTE's most prestigious event, The Elite Event. Featuring the Showstopping Opening Number, Title Showcase Presentations, invited championship performances from the national top routines, and honoring National Champions, Studio of the Year, and National Title Winners, this unforgettable celebration showcases the very best of the best.

The Schedule breakdown is tentative and subject to change. The Confirmed Competition schedule will be posted (10-14 days) out from the competition date.

Showstopping Opening Routine

Registration Closed

WCTE Dance Company dancers were selected throughout the regional season and hand-selected by WCTE Master Choreographers and Faculty to participate in this extraordinary performance opportunity.

The Showstopping Opening Routine will feature a dynamic collaboration of Jazz, Contemporary, Improvisation, and Partnering, showcasing the artistry, versatility, and passion of these exceptional dancers. This highly anticipated performance will officially open The Elite Event, WCTE's premier invitational championship experience, held on the final day of Nationals.

Rehearsal Requirements

All rehearsals are mandatory and closed to spectators.

To ensure the integrity and success of the performance, dancers must attend all scheduled rehearsals. Any dancer who misses a rehearsal for any reason will be removed from the Opening Routine and will no longer be eligible to perform at Nationals.

Performance Attire

All dancers are required to wear all-black attire for the performance.

Recommended Attire:

Black leotard
Black dance top
Black shorts, leggings, or dance pants

All attire must be completely black with a clean, performance-ready appearance.

Eligibility

All WCTE Dance Company performers must be officially registered and competing at a 2026 WCTE National Championship event to participate in the Showstopping Opening Routine.

Master Classes – Complimentary for Registered Dancers

WCTE Master Classes provide dancers with an exceptional educational experience led by some of the most sought-after educators, choreographers, and industry professionals in the dance world.

Dancers will explore cutting-edge techniques, innovative movement, and inspiring choreography while training alongside fellow passionate dancers from across the country. Designed to challenge, motivate, and elevate each participant, these classes offer a unique opportunity for growth both as a dancer and performer.

Throughout the National Championships, dancers will experience a diverse range of dance styles, which may include:

Jazz
Tap
Contemporary
Hip Hop
Musical Theater

Whether refining technical skills, expanding artistic expression, or discovering new movement styles, WCTE Master Classes are designed to be educational, engaging, and inspiring for dancers of all levels.

2026 National Championship

**Tentative schedule - schedule format subject to change

DAY 1 – TROPICAL VIBES 🌴

Opening Number Rehearsal
Master Class Workshops
Solo & Duo/Trio Competition
Mini/Petite (All) / Junior (R) Solos
Mini/Petite/Junior Duo/Trios (All)
Junior (W/C) Solos
Senior Solos (R/W)

Kick off Nationals with sunshine, energy, and island-inspired fun as dancers take the stage for Solo and Duo/Trio Competition.

DAY 2 – 🐆 JUNGLE BEAT

Opening Number Closed Rehearsal
Master Class Workshops
Teen Solos (W)
Teen Small Groups (R/C)
Senior Small Groups (W/C)
Teen Solos (C)

Bring the animal print, bold colors, and fierce energy.
This theme is all about rhythm, attitude, and confidence.

Caption line:
Feel the rhythm. Bring the roar. Jungle Beat takes over Nationals.

DAY 3 – STUDIO SPIRIT TAKEOVER 🎉

Opening Number Closed Rehearsal
Competition:
Mini/Petite/Junior Small Groups
Mini/Petite/Junior Large Groups
Teen & Senior Duo/Trios (W)
Senior Large Groups (W/C)
Teen Large Groups (W)
Teen & Senior Lines (All)
Teen Production (W)

Studio Spirit Showcase Tables & Activities

Show your studio pride as teams take the stage for an action-packed day. Don’t forget to participate in our Studio Spirit Showcase, where studios can decorate their spirit tables, share their dance family pride, and celebrate the passion, creativity, and community that make their studio special. Gather your dancers, wear your studio colors, and show us your dance love and spirit!

DAY 4 – MAGIC AWAITS ✨

A Day of Dreams, Dance & Disney Magic!

Teen Large Groups (C)
Teen Production (C)
Teen Small Groups (W)
Senior Solos (C)

Showcase day continues the magic with high-energy performances and unforgettable moments on stage.

DAY 5 – THE PREMIERE RED CARPET ELITE EVENT ⭐

Teen & Senior Duo/Trios (C)
ELITE Event – Estimated Start: 3:00 PM
Opening Number Technical Rehearsal (Closed)
Title Presentation Showcase
Title Awards Presentation
The Elite Event – Premier Invitational Championship
National Champion Awards

The National Championships conclude with WCTE's most prestigious event, The Elite Event. Featuring the Showstopping Opening Number, Title Showcase Presentations, invited championship performances from the national top routines, and honoring National Champions, Studio of the Year, and National Title Winners, this unforgettable celebration showcases the very best of the best.

National Champions

The National Championships conclude with WCTE's most prestigious event, The Elite Event. Featuring the Showstopping Opening Number, Title Showcase Presentations, invited championship performances from the national top routines, and honoring National Champions, Studio of the Year, and National Title Winners, this unforgettable celebration showcases the very best of the best.

The Schedule breakdown is tentative and subject to change. The Confirmed Competition schedule will be posted (10-14 days) out from the competition date.

National Title Showcase

The Title Showcase is designed to recognize well-rounded dancers through performance, presentation, personality, and professionalism.

Title dancers will participate in the following components throughout the National Championships:

• Standard Solo Performance – Dancers will perform their solo routine during the designated Solo Division competition held during the National Championships week.

• Title Presentation – Dancers will perform a 20-second dance combination in a genre different from their solo routine. This presentation should be performed in dance class attire, activewear, or studio-branded apparel and will take place during The Elite Event on the final day of Nationals.

• Title Interview & Introduction – Dancers will participate in an on-stage introduction and respond to an interview question. This portion will be conducted in dance class attire and will take place during The Elite Event on the final day of Nationals.

• Title Awards Ceremony – National Title Winners will be announced and recognized during The Elite Event Title Awards Ceremony. Business Casual attire is recommended for all dancers participating in the awards presentation.

The Title Showcase celebrates not only outstanding dancers, but also confident leaders, positive role models, and ambassadors for the art of dance.

The Elite Event: The Premier Invitational Championship

National Championships will culminate in The Elite Event, WCTE's most prestigious and celebrated championship experience. This exclusive invitational event brings together the very best of the best from across the national event to compete for the honor of being crowned a National Division Champion.

Throughout Nationals, the highest-scoring studios and routines in the World and Class Divisions will earn an invitation to return to the stage and re-compete in this extraordinary championship showcase. The Elite Event is designed to recognize excellence, celebrate achievement, and honor the inspiring talent that defines WCTE.

Please note: Final Elite Event eligibility by division is based on final event registration. To ensure a competitive championship experience, WCTE reserves the right to combine age groups, levels, or divisions in the event of limited studio representation or participation within a division.

SMALL GROUPS & LARGE GROUPS (World and Class Divisions)

Invitations will be extended to the highest-scoring routines in the following divisions (World and Class):

Petite Small Groups & Large Groups/ Lines
Junior Small Groups & Large Groups/Lines
Teen Small Groups & Large Groups
Senior Small Groups & Large Groups

Each studio may have no more than one entry invited in each division.

In the event a division has limited studio representation or participation, WCTE reserves the right to combine divisions to ensure a meaningful and competitive championship experience.

All previous competition scores will be discarded. Elite Event adjudication will begin with a clean slate, and the routine earning the highest rank in its division will be crowned the National Division Champion and honored with Grand Awards recognition.

LINE & PRODUCTION DIVISIONS (Teen & Senior)

Invitations will be extended to the highest-scoring entries in:

Teen / Senior Line (World/Class)
Teen / Senior Production (World/Class)

Each studio may have no more than one entry invited in each age division.

In the event a division has limited studio representation or participation, WCTE reserves the right to combine age groups, levels, Line divisions, Production divisions, or other Elite Event divisions as necessary.

Previous scores will be discarded, and champions will be determined solely by Elite Event adjudication. The highest-ranked routine in each division will be recognized as a National Division Champion and honored with Grand Awards recognition.

STUDIO OF THE YEAR

The coveted title of Studio of the Year will be awarded during The Elite Event. This distinguished honor recognizes exceptional achievement, consistency, and excellence throughout the National Championships.

Studio of the Year will be calculated using each studio's five highest-scoring group routines (4 or more dancers) and will be announced as part of this premier championship celebration.

WCTE NATIONALS

world-class-talent-experience-dance-competition

DID YOU RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE AT A WCTE event in 2026?

If you received a special invitation or partial scholarship at a WCTE regional event — complete this form to redeem your award, invitation, or certificate and confirm your commitment for Nationals in July or our Fall Ambition One-Day Dance Workshop.

REDEEM AWARDS