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the 2026 season
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1 global champion
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Community Division
The Community Division is rooted in the cities we visit, spotlighting the teams and studios that shape dance locally. Ten adult teams and ten junior teams compete across two competitions, showcasing local talent on the same stage as professional teams with top-three placements and cash prizing on the line.
Pro Team R1 Matchups
IDL’s six pro teams face off in scheduled Round 1 matchups, judged live to determine who advances to the final round. Across the season, every pro team will face each other at least once in Round 1 competition.
Halftime Show
Halftime brings live performances from TBA featured artists, designed to keep the energy high and the crowd moving before the final round begins.
Final Round
The top three pro teams return to the floor for one final performance. Judges score the round live, determining the event winner and locking in points toward the season standings.
Awards
Scores are finalized, placements are announced, and teams are recognized on stage. Event winners earn cash prizing and critical points toward the season championship.
Scoring
Judges score 10 criteria per performance. Six judges’ scores are combined with a fan vote to determine winners and advancement.
execution
Execution of Movement
Execution of Skill
Synchronization / Cleanliness
spacing
Projection / Communication
Choreography
Creativity & Musicality
routine staging
Complexity of Movement
Difficulty of Skills
Overall Impression
How does the competition work?
IDL is structured like a global professional sports league. A full season of qualifying series that lead to the Championship, where season rankings determine the playoff matchups. Each Series crowns its own winner, but consistency across the season is what secures a team’s path to the Championship title.
At every Series, teams compete in two rounds:
- Round 1: Three head-to-head matchups. The winners of each move on.
- Round 2: The three advancing teams face off against each other. Their performances determine who finishes 1st, 2nd, and 3rd for that Series.
What style of dance is this?
IDL is an open-style choreography competition. Teams can perform any style of dance, hip hop, street styles, contemporary, experimental, and more, and build performances that reflect their city, training, and creative identity.
Think of it as the MMA of dance: a professional format where different styles and influences compete on one stage.
Will it extend to other types of dance?
IDL is built around open style, which already allows teams to draw from multiple dance influences. As the League grows, we may explore additional formats or divisions, but the core will remain rooted in professional, team-based choreography competition.
How does judging work?
Each event is evaluated by a panel of six professional judges, led by IDL’s Head Judge, who remains constant throughout the entire season. The additional five judges rotate at each stop and are selected for their credibility, technical knowledge, and respect within the global and local dance communities.
What does the Head Judge do?
IDL’s Head Judge sets the official rulebook, scoring standards, and judging criteria for the league. They ensure consistency across all cities and maintain the integrity of scoring throughout the season.
Is there a fan vote?
Yes. In addition to the judges’ scores, each event includes a fan vote component. The fan vote contributes to the final outcome and gives audiences a direct stake in the competition.
How is scoring calculated?
Judging is done across 10 categories.
Will there be celebrity judges?
IDL does not bring in celebrity judges without dance expertise. Every judge on our panel is chosen for their technical knowledge, competitive background, and understanding of the sport.
Isn’t judging dance subjective?
No more than Gymnastics, Figure-skating, Surf, or Skate.
Can fans attend events in person?
Yes. Tickets for each Series and the Championship will be announced soon.
Will events be livestreamed?
Yes. All Series and the Championship will include a livestream. Fans will receive early access links and reminders.
Will there be meet-and-greets with teams?
Some events may offer fan experiences, depending on the venue and schedule. More details will be shared closer to each event.
Where can I watch IDL content?
Full events will be livestreamed with a broadcast partner - still in development, and highlights, recaps, and team content will be posted across IDL’s social channels and YouTube.
Will there be behind-the-scenes content?
Yes. IDL will release training features, team stories, and travel content throughout the season.
Get early access
to city drops, tickets, and highlights
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