The International Dance League Festival is a three-day international dance festival where battle culture, performances, workshops and community come together. Dancers, artists and audiences from around the world gather in Rotterdam to celebrate street and club dance.
The International Dance League Festival takes place from 16–18 October 2026 at Theater Rotterdam. Schouwburgplein 25, 3012 CL Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Yes. Festival tickets are required to attend the event. Tickets can be purchased through our official ticket page. Tickets may be available at the door if the event is not sold out. We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance as the door ticket prize will be higher.
A dance battle is a competition where dancers face each other and take turns dancing to music selected by the DJ. The dancers usually do not know which song will be played, so they have to freestyle and react in the moment. Judges decide who wins based on qualities such as musicality, creativity, technique, performance and more.
Visit our program page to find out more about the Event Schedule of IDL Festival 2026: https://www.internationaldanceleague.com/festival-program
Dancers are evaluated on musicality, technique, creativity, and character.
Yes, during The Finals, the audience can vote for their favorite dancer in both divisions.
The Teenage Division has the following prize categories:
* Battles
- 1st place
- 2nd place
- 3rd place
* Best Showcase
* Best Dancer (voted by the dancers)
* Crowd Favorite
The Adult League with multiple battle categories has prize money for the 1st place and sometimes also 2nd and 3rd place, depending on the category.
The audience can vote on their phone by scanning a QR code on a screen during the voting period.
Teams present a fully choreographed showcase lasting between 2 to 3 minutes.
Teams earn points from their showcases, which are combined with their battle points. The initial showcase determines the ranking points for The Final and competes for the Best Showcase prize.
Showcase Ranking Points:
1st Place = 5 points
2nd Place = 4 points
3rd Place = 3 points
4th Place = 2 points
Most of them will be uploaded on our Youtube. A selection will be posted on our Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Linked. All to be found under @InternationalDanceLeague
Absolutely! Everyone is welcome. If you're a beginner, keep an eye out for workshops specifically designed for newcomers.
The workshop schedule will be announced soon.
If you are interested to work at our events or in the office as a intern, volunteer, or freelancer, please send an email to info@internationaldanceleague.com with a CV and amotivation or visit our vacancy page: https://www.internationaldanceleague.com/vacancies
1vs1: A solo dancer battles another in the same genre.
2vs2 Open-Styles - Duo dancers face off, each choosing a music style for one round and dancing to the opponent's choice in another. Options include: House, Litefeet, Popping, Afro, Break, Dancehall, Experimental, Krump, Locking, Waacking, Vogue.
Absolutely!
No, music style selections are final.
You can choose from the music categories we provide - You must select from our provided music categories, which include House, Litefeet (new!), Popping, Afro, Breaking, Dancehall, Experimental (bass), Krump, Locking, Waacking, Vogue, and more.
Yes, you register together with your partner.
Battles: musicality, technique, creativity, character
Showcase: musicality, technique, creativity, charachter, synchronicity, theme
Judges are handpicked in collaboration with dance community experts. We prioritize judges who are community leaders, connectors, and possess artistic skills and inspiration. They bring a diverse mix of styles, opinions, visions, and perspectives.
For the Teenage Division:
1st place: 1200 euro
2nd place: 800 euro
Best Showcase: 800 euro
Crowds Favourite: 150 euro
Best Dancer: 150 euro
For the Adult League the prizes will depend on the category.
While you can choose to perform routines, remember these are freestyle battles, so rounds shouldn't be fully choreographed. Also, crew and team battles are collective efforts; not all rounds should be solos.
IDL is open to long-term partnerships, sponsorships, and creative collaborations with brands that share our vision and values. We are happy to explore opportunities that create meaningful value for the brand, the festival, and the dance community. Please contact us at info@internationaldanceleague.com with information about your brand and your partnership ideas.
Yes, local brands and businesses can apply for a stand at the IDL Festival. Please send us an email or DM with information about your brand, the products or services you offer, and what kind of stand you would like to set up. Spaces are limited, so we recommend applying early. This goes for all creative entrepreneurs, artists and creators.
If you are interested to work at our events or in the office as a intern, volunteer, or a freelancer, please send an email to info@internationaldanceleague.com with a CV and a motivation letter.
The Teenage Division is open to talented young dancers born between 2008 and 2014. Participation starts with the annual Team Selection, where dancers audition for a place on one of the official IDL teams.
The 2026 teams were selected during the IDL Team Selection Teens on 14 June 2026 in Rotterdam. Throughout a day of workshops, battles and creative challenges, dancers showcased their skills in front of the Team Captains and a Special Battle Guest, who selected the members of Team Balance, Team Heart, Team Wave and Team Spice.
The 2026 Team Selection has now closed and all four teams have been selected. Follow IDL on social media or subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to hear about the next Team Selection.
The next Team Selection will take place in 2027. More information, including registration dates and location, will be announced closer to the event.
The Teenage Division teams will perform and compete during the International Dance League Festival, taking place from 16–18 October 2026 at Theater Rotterdam. Buy your tickets to experience the battles, showcases and performances live.
Sunday 13 September 2026
Sunday 20 September 2026
Sunday 27 September 2026
Sunday 4 October 2026
Sunday 11 October 2026
Thursday 15 October 2026 (afternoon training)
Friday 16 October 2026 (afternoon training before the festival)
Our support team is here to help you with any inquiries regarding tickets, registration, or partnerships.