What is the World Dance Showdown?

The World Dance Showdown (WDS) is a dance workshop and competition event created by Dale and Tanya Curry.  The event will hold workshops and dance competitions for line dancers, couples, dance teams and choreographers who don't normally participate in dance competitions.  This is a social dance event where dancers of all levels can learn, dance and have fun together.  Dancers from across the USA will attend. 

Dale and Tanya Curry are Dance Instructors and Dance Team Directors of the Hardwood Shiners Dance Team in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.  Dale and Tanya, along with Gary and Karen Metzger and the Hardwood Shiners created a dance event called the Dance Team Showdown and held this event in Ft. Wayne, Indiana for nine years before turning it over to Jamie and Barney Marshall to carry it onward.  The event held drew thousands of dancers from across the country and offered 100+ workshops and dance competitions for line dancers, couples, dance teams and choreographers.  Approximately 30-40 teams attended the event and competed in the dance team competitions along with many line dancers, couples and choreographers.  Today the event is called the Ft. Wayne Dance for All and it has transformed into one of the most loved and well-attended events in the United States--thanks to Jamie and Barney Marshall.

The World Dance Showdown continues the tradition of bringing dance groups, dance teams, line dancers and choreographers together to share their love of dance and learn from each other.    In addition to dance workshops and competitions, you will see other fun events for dancers being held at the World Dance Showdown because we like to have fun.  Expect the unexpected and be ready for a great time.  We guarantee you will not be disappointed.  This is the event you will be talking about long after it's over!
 

Is the World Dance Showdown for new or experienced dancers?

Both.  New and experienced dancers are encouraged to attend.  No prior dance experience or dance competition experience is required.  This is an event for dancers of all levels.  Dancers with experience in line dancing, country couples dancing, ballroom and swing dancing and even other forms of solo dancing are welcome at the World Dance Showdown.   Come alone or bring friends and family.  You will meet other dancers here and have people to dance with the entire weekend.  

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What are the event dates?

November 13-16, 2025

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When does the event begin?

The doors open on Thursday at 3:00 pm with the first dance workshop starting at 4:00 pm. Doors open at 8:00 am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and close at 3:00 am after the evening dance. You will find more details on the competition schedule on the competition page of this workshop.   A detailed schedule of events will be published in October 2025.

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What type of workshops will be taught?

Workshops will be taught for beginner/improver, intermediate and advanced line dancers.  Workshops will also be taught for beginner, intermediate and advanced couples who are interested in 2-Step, Waltz, East Coast or West Coast Swing, Country Swing, Cha Cha, Hustle, Shag and Fixed-Pattern Partner Dances.

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What specialty workshops will be held?

Workshops focusing on line dance and couples dance technique, styling, lead and follow, body movement, hand motions and step pattern variations will be taught.  In addition, the NTA will be offering workshops to teach dance instructors to become better teachers and offer NTA certifications.

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What is a dance intensive workshop?

Two dance intensive workshops will be held.  This is a private group class taught by an instructor covering new choreography, dance patterns and tips for dancers that they would normally not receive in a group dance workshop.  There is an extra cost for these workshops.  You can attend one or both.  Space is limited and you can reserve your tickets in advance or get them at the registration desk on-site.  We expect these intensives to be sold-out before the event. 

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Are the hotels close to the convention center?

The Marriott hotel is on-site at the convention center.  The Delta hotel is connected to the convention center through a covered breezeway.  Both hotels will sell out many months before the event.  When the room block opens on November 13, 2024, please book your room.  Reservation information will be posted on the hotel page on November 1, 2024.  Please only book a room if you will be attending the event.  Off-site hotels will be less than a mile away and are a similar rate to the on-property hotels.  Please use the hotel reservation links we provide on November 1, 2024 to get your room at the best rate.  Due to a large event in  the city of Indianapolis on the same weekend, rates will be higher than normal but we have arranged for the best rates for you.

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Are there restaurants on-site or nearby?

Yes, there is a restaurant on-site at the Marriott and Delta Hotels.  A concession kiosk will serve food as well.  There are many restaurants within a mile driving distance.

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Where is the hotel and convention center located?

It is located on the East side of Indianapolis, minutes from downtown Indianapolis near I-70 with shopping, gas stations, banks and restaurants within one to three miles of the hotel.

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Is the World Dance Showdown part of an association of affiliated events?

The World Dance Showdown is not affiliated with the UCWDC,  ACDA, USLDCC, WDM or any other dance organization.  We support these organizations 100% but run as an independent event with competition rules customized to our attendees needs.

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What dance competitions are held at the World Dance Showdown?

Dance competitions for line dancers, couples, dance teams and choreographers.  The categories for each dance type are listed on the competition page of this website and also in the competition rules and guidelines document which you can download from this website.  Competitions are open to new and experienced dancers.  Please review the categories and dance divisions to determine which competition is best for you.  No prior competion experience or coaching is required to participate in the competitions.  

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When will the competition winners be announced?

We will determine when the awards will take place about a month in advance of the event.  

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What type of music will be played at the event and during the dances?

Country and non-country music will be played.   Music will be appropriate and have no vulgar language or explicit content in the songs.

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What is the dress code for the event?

There is no dress code.   Use your best judgement, considering this is a family event.  Dress comfortable. Bring your dance shoes--we will have hardwood dance floors.   Dance team, dance group, club, dance venue, bar or dance T-Shirts are encouraged. Boots and cowboy hats are not required unless you are competing in the dance categories that require it.  Please refer to the Competition Rules and Guidelines document for more information about dress code for competition.

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What is the structure of the evening dances?

There are three dance ballrooms, one for line dancers, one for couples/swing dancers and one for Fixed-Pattern Partner Dancers.  All three dance ballrooms will have Dj's playing music to favorite dances. Music requests will be taken in advance of and during the event.

A dance show will be held at 8:00 pm on Friday and on Saturday night before the dances.  This show will consist of demos by the dance instructors and special guests, host dance team "The Hardwood Shiners" and the Overall Grand Champion Dance Team from the 2025 "Dance Team Showdown". Dance music will be played until 3:00 am.

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Will competitors have warm up time before the competition?

Yes, warm up time will be scheduled before your competition takes place.  Dance Teams can schedule practice time in one of the workshop rooms after the workshops are done for the day.  This will be between 6:00 pm and midnight.  You may use the sound system in the room for practice purposes.  Practice time slots will be in 30 minute time slots.

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What are the competition line dances and couples dances for the event?

The competition line dances will be announced on March 15, 2025.  The competition couples dances are the 2-Step, Waltz, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing and Country Swing.

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What is the competition music for the line dance and couples dances?

The competition music for the dance competition will be released on March 15, 2025.

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Who are the judges for the World Dance Showdown competitions?

The judges are experienced and honored dance instructors from different regions across the country, including Master's level World Champion dancers with many years of dance knowledge.  Competition scoring guidelines are in the competition rules and guidelines document on this website.

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How many choreography dances can I enter?

Choreographers can enter up to three original choreography dances in each dance division.  Choreographers must dance the choreographed dance along with at least two other dancers demonstrating the dance with you.  Country or non country music can be used. 

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Who wears the competitor number?

The choreographer or co-choreographer wears the team number.

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What is the age limit to participate in the dance competitions? 

Youth dancers can participate in the line dance competition in the youth category and any choreogeography divison.  Dancers over 55 can participate in the line dance, couples and Dance Team Legacy categoreis as well as any choreography divisions.  

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Can dancers compete in multiple dance divisions of the same dance category?

No, dancers can only enter one age and dance level dance division of a dance category.  For example, a dancer who enters the line dance intermediate category cannot also enter the line dance advanced category, but they can enter the Show-Stopper and Original Choreography line dance category.  The same rule applies to the couples dance competition--only one division can be entered.

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How can I register for the event?

Go to the registration page on this website and click on the registration link to be redirected to the registration website where you will create an account and fill out the registration form.  You will also fill out the form to enter the dance competitions here as well.  Each dancer must fill out their own registration form.  You can pay with credit card or electronic check.  There are no refunds.  If you prefer to print the form and mail it in with a check you may do so.  The registration page will be open on November 1, 2024.

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If you have any questions about this Q & A, please contact Tanya Curry at 260-466-2484 or email hellotanyacurry@gmail.com

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