By Activate | Dance Team World

What’s going on, Dance Team World? It’s Activate Royal here, coming to you live from West Coast Elite Nationals in Long Beach, California — hosted at the stunning Long Beach Convention Center and Pacific Ballroom, where this event has been home for several years.

I previewed this event last year, but this time, I went all in to bring you the full deep dive into what makes WCE Nationals such a powerful and respected competition.

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? First Impressions: Check-In & Energy

As soon as you step into the Long Beach Convention Center, you’re greeted by the friendly and efficient WCE staff. Coaches check in to receive their Nationals wristbands, while spectators can purchase event tickets and branded apparel.

The lobby is spacious but buzzing — full of dancers, directors, and family. It gets a little packed, but that’s part of the excitement.

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? Performance Spaces & Layout

There are three total performance venues used for WCE Nationals:

• The Long Beach Arena: Located just up the escalator to Arena Level 2 — it’s been renovated with a full lighting grid and feels more like a concert venue than a traditional comp stage.
• Two hotel ballrooms across the street: Used primarily for solos, duet/trios, and small group divisions.

The arena itself is breathtaking, and WCE’s production transforms it into a truly mesmerizing stage. Teams warm up and prep in backstage hallways, while others camp out in upper-level corridors to get ready for their next routine.

When it’s showtime, directors bring dancers to the on-deck area — and from there, it’s go-time under the lights.

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? Silver vs. Gold Tiers: How It Works

One thing that makes WCE stand out is their Silver and Gold tier system, similar to dance studio competitions:

• If a routine scores a 92+ at a WCE regional, it automatically qualifies for the Gold tier at Nationals.
• Teams who haven’t attended a regional can choose which level they want to compete in.

This gives programs flexibility to match up with others of similar skill levels, especially helpful for schools that excel in one genre but are still developing in others. Some divisions don’t have this tier system, so be sure to check the official WCE rules online.

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? The WCE Gala: Finals Night Done Right

Once team routines wrap for the day, the WCE Gala kicks off — a second-round competition for finalists in select categories. The energy here is absolutely next level.

The talent is incredible, and the production value makes every performance feel like a true showcase. At the end of the night, national title winners receive banners, trophies, and championship jackets that are well-earned and well-deserved.

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? Major Props to the WCE Team

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to West Coast Elite founder Stephanie Noori, whose vision and brilliance have made WCE one of the most respected names in dance team competition in under 15 years.

Fun fact: A few years ago, a producer from NBC’s World of Dance found a YouTube clip of my all-male hip-hop team from Mark Keppel High School performing in WCE Nationals finals. That led to a casting invitation — and a wild journey I’ll share more about soon!

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? Final Thoughts

WCE is a class act — organized, passionate, and always pushing the envelope to serve the school-based dance team community. They’ve created a Nationals event that’s not just competitive but also inspirational, inclusive, and well-produced.

Thank you for the backstage access and the hospitality. Until next time!

— Activate
DanceTeamWorld.com