top of page
Golden Tickets Logo.png

Ready to secure your spot at the Honky Tonk World Championships for Nashville Dance Fest Vol. 3?

These upcoming Golden Ticket Events are your chance to compete, shine, and win your way to this prestigious competition!

Gold Rectangle Paragraph.png

VIDEO SUBMISSION FORM

Can't make a Golden Ticket Event and think your team has what it takes to compete on the biggest stage in country dance? Submit your partner or team video for a chance to earn a Golden Ticket to the Honky Tonk World Championships at Nashville Dance Fest!​ There may be more than one team selected from each category by our scoring system. 

​​

Our Judges will review and score submissions, selecting only the best to compete at HTWC. There is a $20 submission fee to ensure that only serious contenders apply—this helps us separate true competitors from the rest. If your team is ready to bring the heat, there's a good chance we'll be seeing you in September! Top scores from submissions advance. 

Gold Rectangle Paragraph.png
Partner/Team Video

Thanks for submitting!

GOLDEN TICKET EVENTS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

​

WHAT IS A GOLDEN TICKET EVENT?

A Golden Ticket Event is your exclusive opportunity to qualify for the Honky Tonk World Championships (HTWC) at Nashville Dance Fest (NDF). Compete in Partner Showdown or Team Performance divisions for a chance to win a Golden Ticket that guarantees your spot in the HTWC and waives your competition entry fee.

​​

​​​

COMPETITION DIVISIONS

  • Partner Showdown:

    • Spotlight Performance: Dancers perform a routine to their song of choice.

    • Lifts: Lifts are allowed but must be executed safely. Dropping a partner results in disqualification.

    • Style: Your dance, your style, your way. Creativity is key!

    • Music Requirements: Songs must be submitted by August 23, 2024, and performances are limited to 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

  • Team Performance:

    • Minimum of 5 members per team (no maximum).

    • Teams can design original choreography, mashup known dances, or combine both.

    • Props: Props are allowed but must be handled within the performance time and should not damage the floor.

    • Music Requirements: Same as Partner Showdown.

​​​

GOLDEN TICKET DETAILS

  • The Golden Ticket qualifies you for the Honky Tonk World Championships at Nashville Dance Fest.

  • It waives the competition fee for your division. 

  • Golden Tickets are non-transferable.

  • If a winning team has already secured a Golden Ticket, it will be awarded to the runner-up.

  • To remain valid, at least 30% of the original team must compete at the HTWC.

  • Each team member will still need to purchase a pass to Nashville Dance Fest Vol. 3, only team entry fee is waived. 

​​

VIDEO SUBMISSION PROCESS 

  • Submission Form:

    • Available on the NDF website starting February 1, 2025.

    • Submissions close June 1, 2025.

  • Announcement Dates:

    • Golden Ticket winners will be announced on June 15, 2025.

    • International teams will receive expedited reviews to accommodate VISA applications and travel planning.

​

WANT TO BE A GOLDEN TICKET EVENT?

  • Application Process:

    • Submit your application through the designated form.

    • If approved, NDF will partner with you to host a Golden Ticket Event.

  • Event Execution:

    • Event hosts set their competition fee (recommended: $25-$50 per division).

    • Winners in each division (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) are determined by the event.

    • The team leader of the winning group or partner duo receives the Golden Ticket pass to NDF Vol 3.

​​​

IMPORTANT RULES FOR THE GOLDEN TICKET EVENTS

  • Eligibility:

    • Golden Tickets guarantee entry into HTWC but are specific to the division won.

    • Tickets are awarded to event winners or runners-up (if applicable).

  • Performance Requirements:

    • All performances must adhere to the event’s rules and guidelines for safety and creativity.

  • Host Responsibilities:

    • Ensure event integrity and fair judging.

    • Promote the Golden Ticket opportunity to participants.

 

​

HONKY TONK WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS JUDGING

 

​

1. PRESENTATION

  • Costume, entrance, exit, stage presence.

  • Tip

    • Go big or go home! ​

​

2. FLOOR CRAFT & CHOREOGRAPHY

  • Versatility, creativity, movement, and formations as well as how well the performers use the floor space.

​

3. ORIGINALITY & CREATIVITY

  • Uniqueness of the performance.

  • Tip:​​
    • Please don't copy the routine from 'Bring It On'.​

​

4. TIMING & SYNCHRONIZATION

  • Definition:  The element of dance that defines when certain movements will occur is time. Beat, tempo, rhythm, and pace are all components of timing.

  • What Judges are looking for:  Judges should be able to tell if the song is fast or slow by watching your steps. 

  • Tip

    • Don’t rush through moves just to cram a bunch together.  Quality over quantity.  Let the partnership- and the audience- breath when watching you.

​​

5. TECHNIQUE

  • Definition: Quality of your dance foundation and basics.

  • What judges are looking for: Judges want to see clean footwork, control (including balance), and frame which demonstrate good technique. Maintaining timing and level appropriate moves is also a part of technique.

  • Tip

    • Don’t hold back on dancing “All Out”! But be aware of your essentials: frame, connection, control, and floor etiquette. Make sure to know where other dancers are! 

​​

6. TEAMWORK

  • Definition: How well performers work together to showcase all your foundational dance skills. 

  • What judges are looking for:  Judges are looking for how well competitors watch each other safety, and demonstrate the ability to not outshine one another while actively engaging with one another. Dance relies on demonstrating the ability to work together as partners/team. 

  • Tip

    • Make sure to engage each other and the audience. We want to see synchronized energy, bring us into your story! 

​

7. CONTENT

  • Definition: The moves that make up the dance: The variety, transitions, and individual moves and combinations used throughout the dance.

  • What judges are looking for:  Content should showcase a connection to the music, provide variety, and when possible demonstrate versatility and originality in the routine. 

  • Tip

    • Use the music to influence what type of moves and combinations are done.  Listen for highs and lows in the song.  Be creative on the phrase changes. Execute moves as if taking us on a journey with the music. 

​​

8. SHOWMANSHIP

  • Definition: The performance factor! How well you sell your dance to the judges and crowd.

  • What judges are looking for:  Generating engagement by utilizing phrasing, drawing in the judges and crowd, and adding individual style and flare. Providing good Showmanship is an important part of any competition, but it is never a substitute for good technique. 

  • Tip

    • As much as you are performing for the crowd, you really want to make sure the judges are seeing your best work. Make sure to angle your best moves in a way that the judges would be able to see them, versus always having your back to the judges. 

​

​​

© 2025 Nashville Dance Fest LLC

  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • Facebook
  • TikTok

‪(615) 200-7614‬

bottom of page