International Dance League Festival 2026

From 16 to 18 October 2026, Theater Rotterdam hosts the International Dance League Festival. International dancers, choreographers and young talents come together for three days of battles, performances, showcases, jams and club nights at Theater Rotterdam, Schouwburgplein.

There is no pre set choreography. Every battle is created live as dancers respond to the music and to their opponent, making every round unique and unpredictable.

Friday 16 October: Theatre Night
The festival opens with Theatre Night, celebrating choreographers working from hip hop, street and club dance who bring their artistic language to the theatre. The programme features Modus Vivendi by Mark "Brui5er" Sheats, Is It a Crime? by Crime Time and the new Showcase Competition, where selected choreographers present their work to both the audience and an expert jury.

Saturday 17 October: 1vs1 Hip Hop, 1vs1 Krump and the Teenage Division
Saturday features the 1vs1 Hip Hop, 1vs1 Krump and 1vs1 House battles. The first part of the Teenage Division also takes place, where 28 dancers aged 12 to 17 compete individually and as part of a team.

Sunday 18 October: 1vs1 Popping, 2vs2 Open Styles and the Teenage Division Finals
Sunday features the 1vs1 Popping and 2vs2 Open Styles battles, culminating in the Great 8 concept, where four qualified duos face four dream teams formed by the international judges.

The Teenage Division Finals also take place. Young dancers compete individually and as a team, presenting both battles and a group choreography. For many of them, it is their first performance on a professional stage. The festival concludes with an afterparty.