A league where dancers play for keeps—with contracts, salaries, and championships on the line  

LOS ANGELES, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The world’s most electrifying art form is stepping into the spotlight as a professional sport. The International Dance League (IDL) launches on July 26, bringing together the world’s top dance teams in a groundbreaking competition where talent meets athleticism, culture meets competition, and dancers finally claim their place as elite athletes.

Founded by the creators of STEEZY, the world’s #1 dance app with a talent network of over 150 million followers, IDL fills a long-standing void by creating the first professional sports league dedicated entirely to dance. Six elite teams will compete at the Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles, blending high-energy choreography, creator culture, and team-based competition into a livestreamed global event.

The inaugural teams include:

• Royal Family (New Zealand) – Parris Goebel’s renowned dance crew, performers at the Super Bowl, Grammys, VMAs, and collaborators with Rihanna and Nike
• 1MILLION (South Korea) – Seoul-based viral sensation with 26.4 million YouTube subscribers; South Korea’s most popular dance crew
• Quick Style (UAE) – Featured on NBC’s World of Dance, Vogue Scandinavia, and creators of a viral wedding dance with over 118 million views
• GRV (USA) – SoCal favorites known for precision, World of Dance veterans, and Vibe Champions
• Brotherhood (Canada) – Two-time World Champions and mentors, featured on NBC’s World of Dance
• Jam Republic (Singapore) – Top K-Pop choreographers and participants on Netflix’s Street Woman Fighter

The event will also feature a surprise halftime performance by a major international artist, to be announced soon. Hosting duties go to JustMaiko (Michael Le), one of the world’s most followed dance creators with over 50 million followers. Attendees can look forward to creator-led watch parties, viral livestream content, and interactive digital experiences designed for today’s social platforms.

Inspired by professional sports like Formula 1, but built for the creator generation, IDL features city-based franchise teams competing for championships, building fanbases, and creating lasting legacies. With year-round contracts, salaries, and professional training, dancers are finally treated like true athletes.

“This is more than a competition—it’s the start of a new professional era for dance,” said Connor Lim, co-founder of IDL. “With STEEZY, we built a global dance community. Now, with IDL, we’re giving dancers something they’ve never had: a career path, a fanbase, and the chance to make history as athletes. This is where the future of dance begins.”

Dance has never been bigger: TikTok’s #Dance tag has amassed over 800 billion views, more than 26 million Americans actively participate in dance, and the U.S. dance studio industry generates over $5 billion annually—yet until now, no pro tier existed. IDL changes that, creating real jobs for dancers with contracts, salaries, and the opportunity to perform on the world’s biggest stages.

Honda joins as the Exclusive Automotive Partner of the International Dance League’s inaugural event, as the brand continues to help fuel the next generation of creators—where dance, music and street style collide. Through the partnership – Honda Stage, the brand’s award-winning music and lifestyle program – will power the IDL Livestream and exclusive event highlights, offering fans front-row access to the League’s most electric moments and rising creative talent.

Honda’s partnership pushes beyond the IDL performance floor, including a special Honda Stage edition of STEEZY’s viral YouTube series 3 Choreographers 1 Song (3C1S) – featuring fresh takes inspired by the IDL experience. As a bonus for dance fans and aspiring pros, Honda also will host an invite-only masterclass led by visionary choreographer, Alexander Chung.

Tickets will be available soon at www.idl.pro, with global livestream details to be announced.

The International Dance League is not just launching an event—it’s launching a new industry. For dancers, it’s finally game time.

About The International Dance League
The International Dance League (IDL) is the first professional sports league dedicated entirely to dance. Founded by the creators of STEEZY, IDL brings together elite dance teams from around the world to compete in a high-stakes, team-based format featuring contracts, salaries, and championships. Blending the energy of street dance with the structure of pro sports, IDL redefines dance as a global spectator sport built for the creator generation. Through live events, digital content, and franchise-based teams, IDL is building a new professional future for dancers everywhere.

About Honda Stage

Honda Stage is the brand’s flagship platform for music, culture, and emerging talent. Building on Honda’s deep foundation of celebrating breakthrough artists and their journeys of discovery as they pursue their dreams, Honda Stage offers exclusive content and live experiences where fans can delve deeper into what inspires these artists. From breakout moments to unique expressions of fashion, dance and music culture, Honda Stage showcases their creativity, passion, and drive to make it big.

Media Contact:
Jessica Meisels
Fingerprint Communications
[email protected]

SOURCE The International Dance League