Groove Nationals
Gaylord Opryland Resort
July 13th-17th
2800 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
This is so exciting! It’s our first time and it’s finally HERE!
We are thrilled to be going on this adventure to Nashville, TN with Groove!
Please see below for meeting information and all of the details for our week! Please click HERE for the Final WBDC schedule.
Navigating Nationals:
Competition Room: Gaylord Opryland Event Center (GOEC)
All dressing rooms will be pipe and drape in the GOEC Cameras in the GOEC will be turned off for the duration of the event.
Classroom/Convention Room: Magnolia Terrace
The GOEC and Magnolia Terrace are on opposite sides of the resort and about 20 min walk, please allow time when walking to convention classes/parties/rehearsals.
Parking: Attendees can get their 20% discount ticket on published self-parking rates from our merch booth during the week.
Food: Outside food and drink are not permitted. There will be no concessions in the event center but there are several food options throughout the resort and the mall onsite available.
Recording and Photography: Photo and video are strictly prohibited for the safety of the dancers. Professional photos and videos will be provided by our team for free shortly after the event.
Live Stream: Share the event live! Visit groovecompetition.com/livestream. There is no password needed to watch the event.
Nationals Full Schedule/Meeting Information:
Monday 7/13:
In the Classroom Magnolia Terrace
Opening Number Dancers (Addie J, Leia, Riley, Izzy, Sofia, Abby, Maiken, Ella D, Hannah and Ella P), Jenny will stop in between performances on the stage and touch base with everyone throughout the morning. Please see schedule for the various rehearsals in the classroom based on ages.
Free Parent Hip Hop Class at 7:00pm. Katie and Jenny will be at the competition at this time. If any parents elect to participate, please take a group photo and text it to Jenny.
On The Stage Gaylord Opryland Event Center (GOEC)
Doors open 6:45am
All Intermediate Petite Soloists and Duets need to be at the facility at doors opening or two hours ahead of time. Please see Gretchen, Katie and Aaliyah for warm-up.
Awards 12:45pm
Dancer Of The Year Participants
Addie W, Ellarie, Rose, Addie J, Carly K, Riley, Izzy, Sofia, Leia, Allie M, Abby, Ella P and Hannah-please be at the facility two hours ahead of time and Jenny/Katie will touch base with you for warm-up.
Awards 4:30pm
All Senior Soloists and Teen/Senior Duet/Trios need to be at the facility two hours ahead of time. Please touch base with Katie, Jenny, Paige or Madison.
Awards 10:20pm
Tuesday 7/14:
In the Classroom Magnolia Terrace
All WBDC staff members will be floating between the convention and the competition. More time will be spent at the competition. All dancers must independently take these classes and a WBDC staff member may not always be present. Observer bands will be available for purchase at the venue. (We will learn the price of observer bands at time purchase.) Please be sure to take group and fun photos and text them to Jenny.
9:00am-12:15pm 13 and Over Convention Classes
2:15pm-3:50pm 9 and Under Convention Classes
5:00-8:15pm 10-12 Years Convention Classes
Dancer Of The Year Participants that were chosen at Monday’s award ceremony to move on in this program must take their age group’s convention classes plus the corresponding by age Closed Dancer Of The Year Audition. Jenny/Katie will touch base with any dancers that are given the opportunity to move forward after the Monday evening awards to confirm any additional information.
12:20am-1:00pm 13 and Over Closed Dancer Of The Year Audition
4:00pm-4:45pm 9 and Under Closed Dancer Of The Year Audition
8:20pm-9:05pm 10-12 Closed Dancer Of The Year Audition
On The Stage Gaylord Opryland Event Center (GOEC)
Doors open 6:45am
Opening Number Dancers have rehearsal at 7:00am.
Advanced Petite Solos and Duets need to be at the facility at doors opening or two hours ahead of time. Please see Gretchen, Katie and Jenny for warm-up.
“Hard Knock Life”, “Haze” and “Anything I Do/This Is Me” need to be there two hours ahead of time. Please see Gretchen, Katie and Jenny for warm-up. Sofia, Abby and Ellie we would love to have you, but we support choosing Convention Class Opportunities over assisting.
Awards 12:40pm
Teen Soloists need to be there two hours ahead of time. Please see Gretchen, Paige, Madison, Katie or Jenny for warm-up.
Awards 10:25pm
Wednesday 7/14:
THIS IS CAMP ONE BEAT DAY! We can’t wait to see everyone in their Camp WBDC shirts and have fun dressing up for this THEME DAY!
In the Classroom Magnolia Terrace
“Junior Bash” for ages 12 and under is 2:15-4:15pm. This is a social event with music and activities. The pictures we’ve seen show dancers dressed comfortable, cute, summer attire and they seem to be having a blast. We hope lots of WBDC 12 and under dancers participate. WBDC staff will be in and out, but most of their time will be spent at the competition. For all dancers that participate in the “Junior Bash”, please take lots of pictures and text them to Jenny.
“Groovefest Gala” for ages 13 and up is 6:45-8:45pm. This is a social event with a DJ. The pictures we’ve seen show dancers dressed in cute summer dresses and it seems to be a step more than everyday summer clothes, but not a semi-formal or formal event. We hope lots of WBDC 13 and over dancers participate. WBDC staff will be in and out, but most of their time will be spent at the competition. For all dancers that participate in the “Groovefest Gala”, please take lots of pictures and text them to Jenny.
On The Stage Gaylord Opryland Event Center (GOEC)
Doors open 6:45am
“Ways To Be Wicked” need to meet Katie/Riley fully dressed at 8:30am. Please be sure to arrive before this to settle in the dressing room and be ready to warm-up in costume at this time.
Petite Company needs to meet Gretchen/Aaliyah/Sofia/Chloe/Ella P/Addison/Ellie in their jazz costumes, minus shrug/earmuffs/cup at 9:00am. Please be sure to arrive before this to settle in the dressing room and be ready to warm-up in costume at this time. Dancers will return to the dressing room prior to stage for the remaining costume parts. Kyla/Avery Katie will warm-up duet immediately following Petite Lyrical
Junior Company needs to meet Jenny/Abby/Ella D in their jazz costumes at 9:00am. Please be sure to arrive before this to settle in the dressing room and be ready to warm-up in costume at this time.
Awards 12:30pm
Battle Of The Swans dancers must meet Jenny/Sofia/Leia/Abby/Ella D immediately following the 12:30pm awards. We will meet by the merchandise area.
“Little Girls” should be at the facility two hours ahead of time and meet Madison at 12:45pm.
“The Grudge” should be at the facility two hours ahead of time and meet Jenny at 2:00pm.
“Rumour Has It”, “Clocks” and “Worse” should be at the facility two hours ahead of time and meet Katie/Jenny after the “The Grudge”.
Awards 5:10pm
Junior Advanced Soloists need to be there two hours ahead of time. Please see Gretchen, Paige, Aaliyah, Madison, Katie or Jenny for warm-up.
Awards 10:15pm
Thursday 7/16:
On The Stage Gaylord Opryland Event Center (GOEC)
Doors open 6:45am
Senior Company needs to be settled in the dressing and ready for warm-up at 7:45am. Jenny/Katie will touch base with you.
Teen Company needs to be settled in the dressing room and ready for warm-up at 8:45am. Jenny/Katie will touch base with you. Any dancers in Hip Hop Company 3-please be there at 8:30am.
Awards 12:35pm.
PreTeen Company needs to be there two hours ahead of time and meet Gretchen at 12:30pm for warm-up. Dancers not in Hip Hop Company 2 will have time to change into jazz costume after warm-up. Please be in dance attire to warm up.
Hip Hop Company 2 should meet immediately following awards in full costume for a quick warm-up before stage with Katie/Abby/Sofia.
Riley/Allie M/Sofia will meet PreTeen Company in full jazz costume immediately following Hip Hop Company 2.
Production should meet Jenny/Katie/Gretchen in full costume including top hat immediately following PreTeen Lyrical “Warrior” for warm-up.
Battle Of The Swans Dancers Jenny/Riley/Leia/Abby/Sofia/Ella D will meet you immediately following production in full costume.
Parent Dance Battle Of The Swans perform at 5:28pm.
Awards 6:30pm
Pippin and Quinn should meet Madison at 8:00pm.
Awards 10:30pm
Friday 7/17:
On The Stage Gaylord Opryland Event Center (GOEC)
Doors open 6:45am for rehearsal dancers only.
Opening Number Dancers have rehearsal at 7:00-8:15am.
Dancer Of The Year Rehearsal (We will find out at the event if that means all dancers who began this program on Monday or just those that are in the final round) have rehearsal at 8:15am-8:45am.
Dancer of The Year-Doors open for audience at 8:45am
The Dancer Of The Year Finals are at 9:15am. Jenny/Katie will confirm more details during the progression of this program for any dancers performing in the Finals.
The Jam-Doors will re-open for audience at 1:15pm.
The Jam begins at 2:00pm. Jenny/Katie will confirm more details during the progression of the week and announcements of any dances from WBDC lucky enough to get the opportunity to perform in The Jam.
Awards 7:30pm
Nationals Rehearsals:
July: Nationals Rehearsals 7/6-7/9 for all Company Dances, Small Groups, Hip Hop Companies, Production, Solos, Duets, and Trios! These rehearsals are mandatory.
Ice Cream Sundae Celebration after final rehearsal at 7:15 on 7/9 at WBDC-WBL!
WBDC Booster club is partnering with us (Katie/Jenny) and together we are all hosting a Nationals Kick-Off Ice Cream Sundae Truck Party that will allow all dancers to make custom sundaes, after our final rehearsal 7/9. It is going to take awhile to serve everyone and we are going to line up youngest to oldest! So please give extra time to pick-up your dancer (we won’t start until 7:15pmish) to have them text/call when they are completed! We will do this treat rain or shine, but hoping it is a beautiful summer night. We are going to keep this event to just the dancers performing at Nationals. We want to make sure everyone is aware so that if other siblings come to pick-up, maybe you could plan a fun treat for them before they get there! It looks like a really fun truck and lots of options and we can’t wait to celebrate with all of our hardworking dancers!
Theme Day/Order a Camp WBDC Nationals Shirt:
Similar to other Nationals in the past, Groove is having a theme day! It is Wednesday 7/15!
“OneBeat is off to summer camp! Pack up your camp gear and get ready for the ultimate adventure - Camp OneBeat! Let's roast smores, wear your friendship bracelets, and get ready for some nostalgic campfire fun!”
OneBeat is the company that owns/runs a few competitions, one being Groove:-)
Anyone who ordered a Camp WBDC shirt-they will be available for pick-up at WBDC-WBL during front desk hours 7/6-7/9.
Monday 7/6 4:00-8:15pm, Tuesday 7/7 4:15-9:30pm, Wednesday 7/8 3:45-9:30pm and Thursday 3:45-7:00pm
Convention Classes Tuesday 7/14:
“Each dancer registered for our National Finals will automatically be registered for our convention day. Conventions are split across age groups, and each age will be offered multiple classes with Judges and other master teachers.”
In the Classroom Magnolia Terrace on Tuesday 7/14:
All WBDC staff members will be floating between the convention and the competition. More time will be spent at the competition. All dancers must independently take these classes and a WBDC staff member may not always be present. Observer bands will be available for purchase at the venue. (We will learn the price of observer bands at time purchase.) Please be sure to take group and fun photos and text them to Jenny.
9:00am-12:15pm 13 and Over Convention Classes
2:15pm-3:50pm 9 and Under Convention Classes
5:00-8:15pm 10-12 Years Convention Classes
*A break down of styles/genres can be found above on this page in the blue/black Groove graphics.
*Dancers need to be in good fitting dance clothes, hair pulled securely off of face and proper footwear based on the genre/style of the class.
Pin Trading/WBDC Pins:
“Now in its 10th year, with 160+ pins available for trading, pin trading is a fun way to bond with your fellow teammates and make new friends. Starter boxes and mystery bags are available for purchase at our merchandise booth at Nationals.”
We Katie/Jenny, have taken this a step further! All dancers will receive 2 WBDC pins for trading at their first Company July Nationals rehearsals at WBDC.
We will have a limited supply of pins available for purchase $3/each at WBDC-WBL front desk 7/6-7/9 for additional supply for dancer of for siblings or other family members. Front desk hours are Monday 7/6 4:00-8:15pm, Tuesday 7/7 4:15-9:30pm, Wednesday 7/8 3:45-9:30pm and Thursday 3:45-7:00pm
The JAM Friday 7/17:
Think Showdown and other final events for the that have attended a Nationals with WBDC previously.
If any group from WBDC is selected to perform at the JAM throughout the week, it is an honor to be selected and we do expect all dancers to participate in the The JAM if given the opportunity.
The Jam Friday 7/17-Doors will re-open after Dancer Of The Year Performance for audience at 1:15pm.
The Jam begins at 2:00pm. Jenny/Katie will confirm more details during the progression of the week and announcements of any dances from WBDC lucky enough to get the opportunity to perform in The Jam.
Awards 7:30pm
“The JAM is our final event of the week, where the best of the best, come back to compete one more time! Throughout the week, roughly 50 group entries from the Intermediate and Advanced Levels and Production Divisions will be selected to compete in The JAM. Each studio may have no more than 1 entry to compete in each division. At the JAM award ceremony, placements in each division will be announced, and the top 12 & Under and 13 & Over routines will be announced JAM champions and awarded a $1000 cash prize! Additional studio awards in Choreography, Technique, Professionalism, and MORE will be announced during the last group award ceremony before The JAM!”
Parent Dance Battle “THE WBDC SWANS”:
“Each parent group that wishes to participate must choreograph a group dance. Registration for the parent dance battle will open online closer to the event. Each parent group will select one charity of their choice. The winners of the parent dance battle will have a percentage of entry fees donated to the charity of their choice.”
Schedule
7/5 7:00-9:00pm at WBL. (This will be our dress rehearsal!)
7/7 9:00-10:00pm at WBL
7/15 Battle Of The Swans dancers must meet Jenny/Sofia/Leia/Abby/Ella D immediately following the 12:30pm awards. We will meet by the merchandise area. This is just a quick review. No costumes or tap shoes needed.
7/16 Battle Of The Swans Dancers Jenny/Riley/Leia/Abby/Sofia/Ella D will meet you immediately following production in full costume. Battle Of The Swans perform at 5:28pm.
Social Events Wednesday 7/15:
In the Classroom Magnolia Terrace
“Junior Bash” for ages 12 and under is 2:15-4:15pm. This is a social event with music and activities. The pictures we’ve seen show dancers dressed comfortable, cute, summer attire and they seem to be having a blast. We hope lots of WBDC 12 and under dancers participate. WBDC staff will be in and out, but most of their time will be spent at the competition. For all dancers that participate in the “Junior Bash”, please take lots of pictures and text them to Jenny.
“Groovefest Gala” for ages 13 and up is 6:45-8:45pm. This is a social event with a DJ. The pictures we’ve seen show dancers dressed in cute summer dresses and it seems to be a step more than everyday summer clothes, but not a semi-formal or formal event. We hope lots of WBDC 13 and over dancers participate. WBDC staff will be in and out, but most of their time will be spent at the competition. For all dancers that participate in the “Groovefest Gala”, please take lots of pictures and text them to Jenny.
Studio Photoshoot:
STUDIO PHOTO: We are choosing to OPT OUT of this offering. As cool as it is, the time slots offered just don’t line-up with WBDC. With so many kids spread over all of the various age groups/events and the distance between things at the resort, it just makes it stressful for someone and that doesn’t seem fair. This is suppose to be fun! So if another time slot were to be created to benefit everyone then we will sign-up and let everyone know.
College Scholarships:
“OneBeat awards at $1000 College Scholarship at each of our 2026 Nationals Finals. The application is available online and due by June 15th.”
Good Luck to those that applied!
Opening Number:
“Select dancers in the advanced solo and duo/trio divisions who were invited during regionals will open The JAM on the final day of Nationals! Rehearsals are mandatory, and dancers who are participating in the opening number should be prepared to be there the entire week.”
We are thrilled to be cheering on Addie J, Izzy, Leia, Sofia, Riley, Abby, Hannah, Maiken, Ella D and Ella P in the Opening Number. We thank all 10 of you for registering/confirming with Groove early (Jenny was annoying about it!) and we will share any additional information that is not emailed directly to each family.
Please see above and full WBDC schedule for all of the details!
Dancer Of The Year:
“Advanced dancers can compete per age division to win our Dancer of the Year title.
This competition consists of three rounds:
Round 1 - Solo Performance: Soloists will perform their Dancer of the Year solo in its own scheduled session and will not be eligible for overalls in their age. From there, the number of semi-finalists announced will be determined by the number of entries in each age division (not exceeding a Top 10).
Round 2 - Convention Classes: Semi-finalists will be required to be present in all the convention classes offered at the appropriate age level. Each semi-finalist will participate in a "closed audition" and will be scored by our convention teachers. A Top 5 (finalists) in each age division will be determined and continue to Round 3.
Round 3 - Solo Re-Performance: Each finalist will re-perform their exclusive Dancer of the Year solo (from Round 1). We will award a 2nd Runner-Up, a 1st Runner-Up, and our Dancer of the Year winner in each age division.”
The dancer’s listed below have elected to participate. Please remember that the solo that participates in Dancer Of The Year will not compete in within the regular competition.
Riley “Creep” Contemporary
Carly K “Dancing In The Rain” Open
Addie W “Fabulous” Musical Theater
Allie “I Love You, Goodbye” Contemporary
Ella P “I Will Always Love You” Lyrical
Abby “Icon” Jazz
Hannah “I’ll Never Love Again” Lyrical
Ellarie “Light A Fire” Contemporary
Rose “Never Fall In Love With An Elf” Musical Theater
Sofia “No One” Tap
Leia “She Gets The Flowers” Lyrical
Izzy “When I Look At You” Contemporary
Addie J “Without You” Lyrical
Please above for schedules and details!
Company Bags/Props/Extra Large or Awkward Sized Costume Parts:
Obviously, Production Props are being transferred by WBDC to Nashville.
Company Bags: All Company parents please return your company bag to WBDC. We are consolidating some items and sending them on the truck with the props. More information, once we get a schedule for the week, when WBDC will give them back to company parents. All Company parents need to give any leftover items to WBDC staff on 7/17 in Nashville, more information to come.
Petite Company “Hot CoCo” Mugs: Please return your dancer’s mug to WBDC-WBL front desk on 6/22 (first day of Company Intensive”. WBDC will transport all mugs together to Nationals. Please note mugs will NOT be returning to Minnesota.
Senior Company Tap Mugs: Mugs will be left at WBDC after the final rehearsal on 7/9. WBDC will transport all mugs together to Nationals. Please note mugs will NOT be returning to Minnesota.
Hard Knock Life Buckets/Rags: Buckets/Rag will be left at WBDC after the final rehearsal on 7/9. WBDC will transport all items together to Nationals. Please note all items will NOT be returning to Minnesota.
Haze/Carrier: Haze/Carrier will be left at WBDC after the final rehearsal on 7/9. WBDC will transport all items together to Nationals. Please note all items will NOT be returning to Minnesota.
Taylor Cups: All dancers should bring all extra cups back to WBDC and they all will be left at WBDC after the final rehearsal on 7/9. WBDC will transport all items together to Nationals. Please note all items will NOT be returning to Minnesota.
Little Girls Clipboard/Chair: Clipboard/Chair will be left at WBDC after the final rehearsal on 7/9. WBDC will transport all items together to Nationals. Please note all items will NOT be returning to Minnesota.
Optional Items to Help with traveling/packing if needed:
Any dancer may elect to bring a Junior Company “5-6-7-8” Cowgirl Hat, a “The Greatest Show” Production Top Hat or a very large oversized Senior Company “Freak Flag” costume part to travel in the truck. Please email info@whitebeardancecenter.com by Saturday June 20th to sign-up and receive additional information on when to bring your item(s). We will just be taking hats and not a carrying case for the hat, if applicable. These items will NOT be returned to Minnesota by WBDC.