NDF V4 2026 FRESH BOOTS INSTRUCTOR SEARCH

The Fresh Boots Instructor Search is Nashville Dance Fest’s community-powered way of discovering the next standout dance instructor to take the NDF stage. Instructors from across the country are nominated and advanced entirely through community nominations. 

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STAGE 1 – OPEN NOMINATIONS JAN 12 THROUGH JAN 31

Supporters submit the name of the instructor they want to see at Nashville Dance Fest. At the end of Stage 1, the 12-15* instructors with the most votes move on to the Final Voting.

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STAGE 2 – TOP 15 FINAL VOTING FEB 6 THROUGH FEB 20

The Top 12-15* instructors are announced and final voting opens for a limited time. Supporters vote for one instructor from the Top 12-15*. Final number of fresh boot instructors will be dependent on final voting tallies. 

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During the Final Round, supporters can unlock 10 bonus votes for their chosen instructor by using that instructor’s unique code when purchasing:

• A General Admission ticket

• OR a VIP ticket upgrade

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STAGE 3 - WINNER ANNOUNCEMENTS FEB 27

• 1st Place is crowned the Fresh Boots Instructor for NDF V4 2026

• 2nd and 3rd Place earn official NDF Ambassador positions

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IMPORTANT BONUS VOTE RULES:

• Bonus votes can only be earned once per person

• You cannot receive bonus votes for both GA and VIP

• VIP bonus votes apply only if you already purchased GA prior contest

• Bonus votes are applied during the Final Round and count toward final rankings​