International Dance League brings Europe's best dancers to Rotterdam

International Dance League is the biggest urban dance festival in Rotterdam. The best dancers and performers from Europe come to Rotterdam to compete against each other in theatre shows with battles. From 7 September, the final competition starts with the final on 2 November. Tickets are available via this link.

The festival's format brings together the worlds of hip-hop, street dance and theatre in a new form. The dancers do not know beforehand which music they will have to compete to. The focus is therefore on authentic expression, whereby top dancers with different skills and backgrounds raise themselves and each other to a higher level. International Dance League is therefore innovative and interesting for both dancers and connoisseurs, as well as first-time spectators. It provides a completely new experience and brings visitors into contact with the underground dance scene.

The finals

After preliminary rounds in March, June and September, 12 teams were formed. Team members then received training, workshops and guidance. Armed with a strategy, solo performances and group choreographies, the international teams will compete against each other in Theater Rotterdam. The audience ultimately plays a major role in the prize distribution. Thus, several prizes will be awarded, including for best dancer, audience favourite and best team. The total prize pool is more than €20,000, making it the largest prize pool in Europe.

Leal van Herwaarden

International Dance League was founded by Leal van Herwaarden. "With International Dance League, we want to make the urban dance world accessible to the general public. By broadening the programming around dance, both nationally and internationally, we hope to attract new audiences. That expansion is not only in the European teams, but also in the different music styles such as Afro, Breaking and Hiphop. Through our diverse offering, we want to lower the threshold for young, multicultural Holland to go to these kinds of events."