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  • Platinum Star Competition


  • 4.3 - Average Ratings
  • 194 Total Reviews
    Parent : 64.25 %
    Dancer : 6.22 %
    Studio Owner : 21.76 %
    Teacher : 7.77 %

  • 3504 Rose Ave ,Unit 1
  • Ocean ,NJ
  • 732-579-0737
  • info@groovecompetition.com

Our Friends

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GROOVE

Jul 03 2024

Wow. Still in disbelief. In all the years our team has attended Groove comps, we have never experienced the extremely skewed adjudications of this years nationals. Sure thru the years theres been the usual talk of the the large studios who are highly favored. And if you've been in the comp world long enough you know its true and it happens. It's just how it goes. But that isn't even my complaint here. The judging at the 2024 Nationals was just horrible. Low scores all around for many, many of the studios attending. And I mean LOW. It was all you heard dancers and teachers and directors talking about in the audience in the elevators in the restaurants. It was so disheartening for everyone. The complaints were not about the big studios sweeping, or even overall placements. It was about the individual scores. Entries that earned elite diamonds in Groove regionals were now diamonds. Diamonds in Groove regionals were elite sapphires at nationals. With many saying their dancers performed their numbers so much better at nationals!So many studios were voicing this during the week that it quickly became apparent that this was not isolated incidents. I have never seen so many elite sapphires and diamonds in the competitive division. So I waited until we got our judges critiques before posting this. And now I can confirm. The judging was absolutely skewed. The low ball scores did not correspond with the judges comments at all. AT ALL. Few to no corrections. Empty useless comments, and gushing compliments that did not match the scores. It was a horrible way for dancers, ours included, to end their season. We are so over you Groove.

Venue : 3
Judging : 1
Staff : 3
Awards : 1
Communication : 1
Groove
Reply
Jul 30 2024

Hello, We are sorry to hear we did not meet your expectations and that you were disappointed in our Nationals this year. Dance, as an art form, is inherently subjective. Each panel of judges brings their own unique perspective and expertise to the table. They strive to provide fair and constructive feedback while also offering encouragement to the dancers. We understand that there can be variances in scoring from one event to another. We would like to discuss this matter further with the studio's director, as we are always open to hearing feedback to help us improve. Thank you for sharing your concerns, and we hope to have the opportunity to restore your confidence in Groove.

May 13 2024

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to your team . My team and I had a truly memorable and enjoyable experience at the recent Groove Dance Competition. First and foremost, I want to extend special thanks to the judging panel. Their professionalism and fair judgment ensured the integrity and competitiveness of the competition. They provided thoughtful evaluations of each dancer's performance, which made us feel respected and valued. Secondly, I want to commend the choice of competition venue. The facilities were excellent, with impressive stage setups and lighting effects that provided us with an ideal platform to showcase our dance skills. Additionally, the organization and management by the staff were impeccable, ensuring a smooth and orderly competition process without any delays or confusion. Lastly, I want to thank all the staff involved in the Groove Dance Competition. Their warm service and professionalism made us feel right at home. Whether it was providing competition information or resolving issues, they were always patient and responsive, making our competition experience more enjoyable and seamless. Overall, the Groove Dance Competition provided us with a challenging and passionate stage to showcase our talents and compete alongside other outstanding dancers. Once again, thank you to your team for their hard work and excellent performance. I look forward to the opportunity to participate in your future competitions!

Venue : 5
Judging : 5
Staff : 5
Awards : 5
Communication : 5
Groove
Reply
May 31 2024

Hello, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this review! We are ecstatic that your team had such a wonderful experience at a Groove event. We can't wait to see you in 2025!

Apr 07 2024

We were so excited to try Groove for the first time. It was our first comp of the season which is never our “best”, so of course we keep an open mind with judging and scoring. This is the most important thing for us as a studio. You can have the best merch, nice gifts for studio owners, be 2 hours early, but if the judging, scoring, and critiques seem off then we don’t want anything to do with it. Unfortunately, after seeing bigger studios consistently being the only ones that placed in the Top 3, we realized there were way more politics involved than we’d hoped. After many of my parents and teachers noticed, we read other reviews which proved our theories correct. We then received our critiques and they were slim to NONE. We got about 3 critiques from each judge…THREE. But then we didn’t place high? If we’re only getting 3 critiques, then I’m assuming my kids did AMAZING! There were 2 male judges and (to no one’s surprise) ANY dance with a male dancer, won. Did not matter how they performed, that dance won. The photos cut off after about a minute into the dance. No ending pose photos. Pricing is INSANELY high compared to all other comps we attend. The awards are also these huge circles and that’s just a personal opinion that they’re unnecessary and no way to aesthetically display in a studio. Needless to say, if you’re taking under 30 dances, don’t have any male dancers, and actually care about good critiques to improve your dancers and choreography, don’t bother attending Groove.

Venue : 5
Judging : 1
Staff : 2
Awards : 1
Communication : 5
Groove
Reply
Apr 12 2024

Hello, Thank you for taking the time to leave this review. We are very sorry that this is the impression you have after attending a Groove event. We strive to create a fun, welcoming and fair environment at each one of our events where politics and favoritism is out of the picture. Our judges are selected and trained through a rigorous hiring process that we put in place. This situation you are describing is certainly out of character for our Judges. If you are willing, we would love to discuss this and the experience you had at our event further. Please email us at information@groovecompetition.com

Mar 18 2024

I have to say for the first time attending Groove Competition this weekend I was not pleased. I will say it was organized and ran early, although we waited an hour to start back so couldn’t even get out early. What I do have the major issue with is it seemed very political, the studio with the most dances won over technically trained dancers. I’m not one who believes everyone deserves a trophy or should win because they are my routines, in fact every single one of my routines goes in competitive so they can compete against good dancers. I’m also not blind to how the competition world works, I know it is very political. However, when my dancers are doing clean in sync a la seconde turn combinations with 6 or more dancers, and the other studio is falling out of double pirouettes, that does not make sense to me. You can’t deny clean technique over “movement”. Meanwhile I had some routines with mistakes and the kids knew it wasn’t a good run, but they were the highest placements from our studio. I have a dancer who is consistently 1st or 2nd overall with their solo since they were a mini (now 15), and they were 6th (even competing against the same studios that were there before). My group routines are typically top 5 and they weren’t even placing in the top 10. In favor of the big studio with messy routines that weren’t together and sloppy technique. There was a studio there that had phenomenal routines, they should’ve won over my own routines, and they also weren’t placing over the big studio either. They didn’t even try to hide the favoritism. Overall, very disappointing competition and will not be back.

Venue : 3
Judging : 1
Staff : 2
Awards : 1
Communication : 2
Groove
Reply
Mar 20 2024

Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate all insight shared with us so we can continue to grow and create fun, fair and inspirational events for all in attendance. We are very sorry to hear you had a less than ideal experience at your event. Our judges, who have an extensive background in dance, score all routines based on technique, execution & showmanship, as well as costume & choreography. Our judging panel's are unable to view any information about a routine other than its level, age and division. We strive to create a fun, welcoming and fair environment at each one of our events where politics and favoritism is out of the picture. If you are willing, we would love to discuss this and the experience you had at our event further. Please email us at information@groovecompetition.com

Mar 11 2024

We have been competing at Groove since 2012 and have always had the best experience. The staff is amazing, professional, efficient, and fun! I love how they keep the backstage organized so only the dancers performing and the teachers are backstage. The dressing room had designated spaces for each studio so we could all stay together. We had an amazing time and the dancers left inspired and excited. Thanks for another great year!

Venue : 5
Judging : 5
Staff : 5
Awards : 5
Communication : 5
Groove
Reply
Mar 19 2024

Hi! Thank you so much for your kind words. We are so glad you enjoyed spending part of your competition season with us. Looking forward to seeing you in 2025!

Mar 03 2024

This was my first time back at Groove in nearly a decade, and it’s even worse than I remember it being. We could tell the judging was inconsistent from the first night of competition, and things only continued to escalate throughout the rest of the weekend. It was incredibly unclear what the judges were looking for, or how they were judging each routine. This was true for my own studio, as well as others, and across all levels and age groups. There seemed to be no standard for adjudications, and there was such a wide range between dances that were given “diamonds” versus “elite sapphires.” It’s extremely disheartening and disappointing when you feel the judging is skewed based on the judges’ own personal likes and dislikes, rather than what is just good dancing. As our first competition of the season, our team and parents left feeling confused, frustrated, and ultimately, disappointed — not even for poor outcomes, but just the general randomness that seemed to be happening at the judges’ table. On top of that, the judges were constantly taking breaks, the backstage staff weren’t communicating well with each other, and the schedule was absolutely INSANE for a regionals event - there were over 500 routines, the days were packed out from 6:30AM to 10PM, and according to Groove’s website, there was still room for more entries??? Overall, this was a wildly unpleasant, frustrating, and disappointing competition, and we unfortunately won’t be returning.

Venue : 4
Judging : 1
Staff : 4
Awards : 1
Communication : 3
Groove
Reply
Mar 19 2024

Hello, Thank you for your feedback. We are very sorry to hear you had a less than ideal time at your event. Our judges score all routines based on our scoring system and their extensive backgrounds on dance. This includes technique, execution & showmanship as well as costume & choreography. Please feel free to email us regarding any concerns you may have: information@groovecompetition.com

Feb 12 2024

I just competed at Groove for the first time and I was pleasantly surprised by the supportive environment they foster, even competing alone without my studio. The staff were very responsive, friendly, and helpful both in person and virtually in the registration process. Phoenix specifically was a great competition to build my confidence early on in the season, and these details added on to that. Thank you Groove, I hope to be back!

Venue : 4
Judging : 4
Staff : 5
Awards : 4
Communication : 5
Groove
Reply
Feb 14 2024

Hello! We are so glad you enjoyed competing with us. We hope to see YOU again soon. :)

Dec 01 2023

Friendly staff, well organized and awesome merch! My kids loves Groove!

Venue : 5
Judging : 5
Staff : 5
Awards : 5
Communication : 5
Groove
Reply
Dec 05 2023

Thanks for your kind words!

Nov 21 2023

My dancer loves the merch- Groove by far has the best merchandise; their staff is friendly and helpful; and they seem to have plenty of youth sizes and fun surprises. Overall we found this to be a very organized experience, and I still remember just how friendly every Groove staff member was to both me and my dancer.

Venue : 3
Judging : 0
Staff : 5
Awards : 0
Communication : 5
Groove
Reply
Dec 05 2023

Thank you so much! We hope to see you and your dancer in 2024!

Jul 27 2022

We have gone to Groove year after year because the judging has always been fair and consistent and the competition has always run smoothly. this year left much to be desired. Thecompetition was all over the place compared to what we’ve come to expect from Groove and the awards have gone down hill with cheap disc things. We also felt the judging was way off base across the board (and no I’m not just referring to our own studio). The competition was held at a high school and the dressing room spaces were very minimal and crowded compared to venues they’ve been at in the past. The dressing rooms were also a good ways away from the stage and dancers were missing their call times left and right so the schedule was completely off jumping around numbers so it was near impossible to know when it was your turn to take the stage. Unfortunately it was our last go at Groove. We will miss the overall energy but that’s about it.

Venue : 1
Judging : 1
Staff : 3
Awards : 1
Communication : 3
Groove
Reply
Aug 03 2022

Hello! We are so sorry that your experience this season was less than ideal. Here at Groove we strive to have a fun, welcoming and fair environment for everyone competing. Please feel free to reach out to us at information@groovecompetition.com to tell us more about your experience.

Jun 14 2022

I didn’t get a chance to comment earlier this year, but we had a wonderful experience at Groove this season. Always great staff and great awards!

Venue : 5
Judging : 5
Staff : 5
Awards : 5
Communication : 5
Groove
Reply
Jun 22 2022

Thank you so much for your kind words. We are so glad that you had a great experience!

Aug 30 2021

We were new to Groove this year and it was our absolute favorite competition. It was sooooo organized and professional and the judges critiques were so good. I even made a point to message them a thank you. It was really nice to hear judges actually enjoying themselves and give positive feedback along with the negative. The only thing we didn't like is that we were made to wear masks on stage. It was the only competition that made us do so. I understand why, but it was not something we liked.

Venue : 5
Judging : 5
Staff : 5
Awards : 5
Communication : 5
Groove
Reply
Aug 30 2021

Apr 19 2021

Groove is by far my favorite competition that we attend. It is held at the same performing arts center every year that is nice and spacious. My only reason for giving the venue 4 stars this year is that due to COVID, they crammed all of our studio (~50 kids) into a tiny dressing room which was super chaotic. And since it was block scheduling, there was no reason for this really. We should have been placed in a larger classroom adjoining the center. The judges' critiques, for the most part, are useful and we have found the judging to be fair. There was one judge this year who gave very little feedback on his critiques but this was not the norm in years past. I read in a previous review that someone was complaining about the awards. I actually love the Groove awards. The kids get pins they can add to their dance bags and I do not have to go home with a trophy! That is a win in my book. Great job to the Groove team!

Venue : 4
Judging : 4
Staff : 5
Awards : 5
Communication : 5
Groove
Reply
Apr 19 2021

Mar 30 2021

Hands down, Groove is one of our our absolute favorite Competitions! The staff, structure and memories are top notch! For anyone who may be considering Groove, highly recommend it. They don't disappoint!

Venue : 5
Judging : 5
Staff : 5
Awards : 5
Communication : 5
Groove
Reply
Mar 30 2021

Mar 29 2021

My daughter and I attended our first Groove this weekend, and she had a blast. They were able to keep everyone safe while still allowing the kids to have fun. They were beyond thrilled to be on a real stage again!! We can’t wait for next year!

Venue : 5
Judging : 5
Staff : 5
Awards : 4
Communication : 5
Groove
Reply
Mar 29 2021

Mar 29 2021

This is my 4th year competing at Groove!! I highly recommend!! Except for this year due to Covid, they give out a free gift to all the dancers!! The critiques are very fair and I LOVE the upbeat atmosphere Groove provides!! The staff is wonderful as well!! I have so many great memories at Groove!!! They also have an amazing livestream and give you free quality pics and videos in a timely manner!!

Venue : 5
Judging : 5
Staff : 5
Awards : 5
Communication : 5
Groove
Reply
Mar 29 2021

Mar 29 2021

This was my daughter's second time competing at Groove. The staff was wonderful and it was very well organized. It is one of our favorite competitions to attend. We can't wait to go back next year!!

Venue : 5
Judging : 5
Staff : 5
Awards : 5
Communication : 5
Groove
Reply
Mar 29 2021

Mar 29 2021

My daughter is a competitive dancer and Groove is one of our favorites! Great atmosphere, friendly staff, helpful judging critiques! Definitely recommend!

Venue : 5
Judging : 5
Staff : 5
Awards : 5
Communication : 5
Groove
Reply
Mar 29 2021

Mar 29 2021

I have been taking my dancers to Groove for 5 years now and we always look forward to their events. They are always so professional, kind, welcoming, and fun! We love their staff. They know me and my teachers by name. The competitions always run very smooth. Their judges always give the best feedback and really help the dancers understand things that should be fixed as well as giving great complements that boost their confidence. I would highly recommend Groove to any studio that is looking for a new competition that will end up being the competition you go to very single year.

Venue : 5
Judging : 5
Staff : 5
Awards : 5
Communication : 5
Groove
Reply
Mar 29 2021

Mar 29 2021

I think Groove gives quality critiques. I know the judges are vetted and have the highest of qualifications. The competition is upbeat, fun, organized, and FAIR. At our recent competition the director came out to greet us prior to our comp and clearly outlined all the rules and expectations. Even in Covid times they managed to put on a safe and fun event, and we are grateful for that. Can't wait to come back next year!

Venue : 5
Judging : 5
Staff : 5
Awards : 4
Communication : 5
Groove
Reply
Mar 29 2021

Mar 29 2021

Groove is always professional and so fun! We look forward to this competition every year and the judges are fair and very knowledgeable in all styles of dance.

Venue : 5
Judging : 5
Staff : 5
Awards : 5
Communication : 5
Groove
Reply
Mar 29 2021