I danced for about a decade growing up before I decided to quit after my freshman year of high school. I’ve had a love-hate relationship with it for as long as I can remember, as I’m sure many people can relate to. My overwhelming passion for it quickly crashed when I was 15 years old, and I’ve spent the past few years vehemently refusing to acknowledge how much dance has defined who I am.
I’m not sure dance will ever be something I actively participate in again, but it would be a lie to say that the dance world never calls to me. I sit down every year and impatiently wait for videos of the Universal Dance Association’s Nationals competition to come flooding across my feed on TikTok.
What is the IDL?
In the past few months, I’ve become concerningly obsessed with a new competition: the International Dance League, otherwise known as the IDL. The IDL is the first professional league for dancers and held its historical launch event in July 2025.
The IDL is attempting to change the game for dancers with five stops, six teams, and one winner. They’re introducing dancers to the world of professional sports and creating a viable career for them, something that hasn’t been possible for many in the past.
The IDL first came to my attention when Brotherhood’s Jealous Type dance took over my social media feed. I didn’t know anything about the league, but I quickly became intrigued. I even woke up at 6:30 a.m. to watch all of the teams compete in Seoul (what can I say, I was dedicated). So, for anyone who is or was a dancer and wants to support dance as it grows as a sport, I’m here to give you the breakdown.
How it Works
Six teams, or “crews,” competed between May and September: 1Million representing Seoul, South Korea; Jam Republic representing Southeast Asia; GRV representing Los Angeles; Royal Family representing Auckland, New Zealand; Brotherhood representing Vancouver, Canada; and Quick Style representing Oslo, Norway.
Each stop, or series, is broken up into two rounds. Round one consists of three head-to-head battles. The three winning teams move on to the next round. In round two, the final three crews perform new dances, also known as sets, and compete for the final standings.
Crews can gain points from the first and second rounds that are tallied up throughout the season. They can earn a total of seven points in each round, adding up to a possible 14 points for each series. This helps their standings when going into the finals.
Brotherhood will go down in the IDL history for their dominant run throughout this season, earning all 14 points at each series before ultimately losing to GRV in round two of the finals.
Difficulties
Of course, trying to introduce dance to the world of sports comes with its downsides. I’m sure many of you are aware of the (sometimes concerning) loyalty fans have to their favorite teams. They become extremely overprotective of them, especially when they lose.
People have taken to social media ranting about how the finals were rigged or that GRV didn’t deserve their win. I think people must realize that upsets happen all the time in sports, as well as the fact that the IDL is a brand-new league, and they’re still figuring out the best format to support their dancers.
Why the IDL Matters
Regardless of the final standings of the IDL’s first season, I want to highlight that they’re doing something incredibly meaningful not only for all the dancers in the world, but also for all the people who participate in the performing arts. Dance has been excluded from a lot of conversations regarding sports and athletics. In my personal opinion, it’s because dance is female-dominated.
These crews represent that fight and spirit. They’re showing the world that dancers are legit and that they’re here to stay. I’ll be waiting in anticipation for the 2027 season. I’m still religiously watching everyone’s sets on YouTube. I’m obsessed with 1Million’s round one Seoul set; I think it altered my brain chemistry. Lia Kim, the founder and leader of 1Million, may just be my new idol.
I can’t wait to see what these crews bring to the table next year and to see how the league will grow; they’ve already partnered with ESPN!
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