COMPETITION DETAIL

We've only been once, but so far this was my favorite convention. The teachers really taught the kids- it wasn't just a combo. Specific advice and techniques were discussed, and I personally appreciated teachers calling out kids on the dance floor who were sitting down, doing flips, and generally causing issues for those who wanted to learn. Be warned- this is not a convention for students who don't like working hard in convention classes. Studio owners should encourage parents to give their kids a breather outside the ballroom if their kids aren't interested in a particular class. One teacher really delved into how to successfully improv, and I saw a noticeable improvement among several kids, not just those from our studio. We also had teachers repeat for both days, so the kids could build on what they learned on Saturday. The venue room was more than large enough, but the rented dance floor was quite small. I actually think it would have been better to have no wood dance floor, as the kids kept crowding it, despite being encouraged again and again to use the carpet. The staff was very kind to everyone, parents included. There was a long line Saturday morning for observer bands, but the line moved quickly. (Personally, I think parents of kids under 13 shouldn't have to pay for observer bands, but this is hardly the only convention doing this). The competition itself was pretty standard - I felt the scoring was largely fair, and everything ran on time. They give out a lot of scholarships and other recognitions, but that also made the final ceremony on Sunday go very, very long.

Love the faculty and the experience at this convention/competition!

Really terrible experience at WCDE. I have been meaning to write a review about this experience. Attended with our studio brought solos and groups. My daughter competed and did very well and even got a technique award. She got the second highest score in her category. Attended all the classes and felt that there were many kids who were joking around not taking things seriously and non of the teachers addressed the bad behavior. She is extremely tough on herself and reported she had done really well in the audition. She consistently receives top scholarships at the top comps around the country and is always in the top 10 nationally at the very top competitions. At the ending awards she received nothing when she is in the top 3 at our studio. There had to be 25 kids on the stage with some kind of scholarship. 5 of our girls received the top scholarship and probably 10 more received something. Our director assumed it was a mistake and contacted the owner who never followed up on the issue. I was told her reported he remembered my daughter very well and knew it was somehow and error. He never followed through. How do you attract quality dancers to WCDE when an error like this occurs and then not addressed. I also will not spend hard earned money on classes that do not meet the needs of the dancers and where the owner does not follow through with a matter such as the one I mentioned.

2016-2017 SEASON: Attended for our 2nd year. Dancer loved classes and competition ran smoothly. The owner is so personable and truly makes an effort to connect with the parents. We <3 WCDE! ***2015-2016 SEASON: My dancer attending the Mobile regional with her studio and the nationals as an optional, and she had a great experience at both. Always came out of class with a smile on her face. My only suggestion would be that adjudicated awards be given at nationals.

I absolutely loved this convention!!! This was by far one of our favorite conventions and competitions to attend. The instructors are down and personal, they speak to their students, not at them. Although some of the instructors may pin point favorites, they incorporate everyone into the learning process! Their awards/recognition for standout students in class, even for improvement over just the course of an hour class means a lot to the dancers. The venue by far has been the best one yet in regards to ballroom sizes for the students to dance. You could easily fit 200 girls in the mini room before saying enough is enough! The width and length of the rooms were great for all genres, and were square rooms, so no walls blocking views or getting in the way. Would highly recommend this convention and competition! Plan to go back next year!!

Our dancers had a really good weekend at WCDE! All of the classes were great but our favorite was tap!

Not too crazy about the convention

Not bad

Convention was HUGE!! Vendors!! FUN!!

West Coast Dance Explosion has always been my favorite dance convention because the teachers are amazing and have great choreography. My least favorite teacher is Dee Caspary because it is very difficult to learn his choreography, and only the most talented students in the room and semi-understand it. Other than that, the competition is great and not biased imo. Ending show is not too long but not too short. Great convention, highly recommend classes.

Great convention/ competition! Very organized and energetic staff! Very competitive! Loved all of the choreographers! They were excellent with keeping the energy levels high!

We\'ve done this one for 4 years and every year it\'s been consistent and seems spot on. The workshops are fun and challenging and the comp stays on schedule

Very fun, teachers were on point, classes were challenging, but not to hard to understand. Competition was amazing. Nothing could be better! One of the best competition/convention place by far!!!!

I like this comp and the workshop that\'s attached. When we attended the regionals it was a low turn out but still we had fun. My only pet peeve is i wish the ages were like Showstopper so for workshops and solos the age you are that day is the age you compete in. My DD was going up against girls that were 3 yrs older in the workshop.

Good teachers and fun choreography, but the rooms are so crowded!! I know conventions are there to make money, but if the kids can\'t have room to dance, it makes it difficult for them to learn. Especially for the younger ones, who all try and crowd onto the tiny ballroom floor. A great learning experience but maybe limit enrollment.

We went to the one in Detroit and it was PACKED!!! There were too many kids in each category. It was very hard for my dancers to learn with kids shoulder to shoulder with each other. I feel their should be a cap on how many students can attend. I know this cuts profits but it would make the experience a little more enjoyable.

Instructors are pretty good, ballrooms are way over crowded for the junior group. We had girls getting kicked because of crowding. The competition seems to be slightly biased, the teachers from class are judging and they know some of the kids by name. Those kids seemed to get better scores. Also, no comments on score sheets. It would be nice to know what technique needs work, same with performance and musicality, what did you notice missing. The girls need those critiques in order to improve. Overall it\'s a good convention with a nice mix of styles and teachers.

Good teachers, very inspiring for our dancers.

Classes were good but the teachers should not be so obvious when their favorites are in class!!!!!

The whole convention was WAY TOO CROWDED! The rooms were too small and kids were jammed in there - the hallways were jammed - it was really uncomfortable all weekend long. Also, some teachers - while well known, were not teaching at all - just dancing for themselves on stage. Others were exceptional. It would be worth the money if they capped the # of people who can attend and ensured all the teachers were breaking down the numbers more consistently.

Teachers are good, but the ballrooms are WAAAY overcrowded, and there seems to be some favoritism in the judging.

The audition dance needs to be taught the day before. So the kids have a better chance to prepare.

Hated it! The instructors were so rude! I understand that in the dance world, nobody is very nice, but i dont plan on going into the dance world! They were very degrading.

Love their conventions!!! Great classes!!

first time at WCDE, and we really enjoyed it. Loved the venue being downtown and everything being in the hotel. the workshop rooms were awfully small though

2013 was our second year attending this convention/competiton. Great experince for my daughter, quality dancers and instructors. Looking foward to 2014.

I love this competition! My dancers love the classes and think the world of John and Alan.

I LOVE WCDE! I\'ve gone every year since its inception and the faculty is always outstanding. One thing I like is its emphasis on education and the faculty really pays attention to the dancers. There are many scholarship opportunities, classes are fun and inspiring and whether you are advanced or new to conventions you will learn something. I can\'t recommend them enough. The staff is professional and caring as well as organized and dedicated. There is a personal feel with what they do. John Crutchman and Alan Sherfield are dedicated to teaching, to kids and to dance and seeing them onstage during the faculty show, along with their faculty, is inspiring. Their nationals are excellent and a true nationals experience. I definitely recommend WCDE!

Great competition and convention. The classes are fun and the age levels are organized well. The teachers and judges are very positive and their comments/critiques are very good. The whole event is very well run and organized.

Great teachers! We go to the convention not the competition. I have been attending for years! So inspirational :)

Very organized and professional. Felt the faculty was good, just a little boring for my taste. Not much excitement happening at this one. We push convention so our kids can get inspired and motivated. West Coast is not the best for this in my opinion.

My favorite competition as a studio owner. It is conveniently in a hotel ballroom. You never have to drive anywhere and it makes for a stress free weekend. The staff calls the dances from the dressing room, doesn\'t let the other dancers hang out in the wings, and run a pretty tight ship. The actual staff runs the competitions instead of stagehands. The workshops are GREAT and my dancers came back with a totally different attitude than going in. They learned a lot without being criticized or singled out. I like that solos aren\'t accepted, because it makes for a much easier weekend. It is a hard weekend with long hours but really shows the real dance world. Loved loved loved it!

One of our favorites. Great teachers. Love that they give scholarships to kids that are really trying hard.

Great experience. Runs on time with no jumping around. Classes are good.