The 13th Latvian Line Dance Olympiad "Rīgas kauss 2025" - an event dedicated to all line dancers. A competition will take place with various divisions for individual dancers, groups and teams, workshops will be offered by world-famous choreographers and dancers. Everyone will be able to enjoy fantastic dance demonstrations, an evening show and enjoy dancing with hundreds of other line dancers.

On June 15, dancers will also gather at Madona Saieta Square for an open-air concert of 15 dances.

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The age group is determined by your age on the first day of the Latvian Line Dance Olympiad “Rīgas kauss 2025” (June 14-15, 2025). If your birthday is on this day, you can move up to the next age group, but it is not mandatory.

Solo linedancers age groups and divisions

		A deja	B deja	C deja	C* deja	D deja
Rugrats	0-5	X
Kids
Kids	6	X
Kids1	7	X
Kids2	8-9	X
Kids3	10-12	X
Starter		A deja	B deja	C deja	C* deja	D deja
Primary	0-7	X	X	X
Junior	8-10	X	X	X
Youth	11-13	X	X	X
Teen	14-17	X	X	X
Open	18+	X	X	X
Crystal	26+	X	X		X
Diamond	40+	X	X		X
Gold	50+	X	X		X
GoldPlus	65+	X	X		X
Newcomer		A deja	B deja	C deja	C* deja	D deja
Primary	0-7	X	X	X
Junior	8-10	X	X	X
Youth	11-13	X	X	X
Teen	14-17	X	X	X
Open	18+	X	X	X
Crystal	26+	X	X		X
Diamond	40+	X	X		X
Gold	50+	X	X		X
GoldPlus	65+	X	X		X
Novice		A deja	B deja	C deja	D deja	D* deja
Primary	0-7	X	X	X	X
Junior	8-10	X	X	X	X
Youth	11-13	X	X	X	X
Teen	14-17	X	X	X	X
Open	18+	X	X	X	X
Crystal	26+	X	X	X		X
Diamond	40+	X	X	X		X
Gold	50+	X	X	X		X
GoldPlus	65+	X	X	X		X
Intermediate		A deja	B deja	C deja	D deja	D* deja
Primary	0-7	X	X	X	X
Junior	8-10	X	X	X	X
Youth	11-13	X	X	X	X
Teen	14-17	X	X	X	X
Open	18+	X	X	X	X
Crystal	26+	X	X	X		X
Diamond	40+	X	X	X		X
Gold	50+	X	X	X		X
GoldPlus	65+	X	X	X		X
EXTRA		A deja	B deja	C deja	C* deja	D deja
All Age		X	X	X
Tautas klase/SOCIAL		A deja	B deja	C deja	C* deja	D deja
Junior	<18	X	X
Open	18+	X	X
Senior	35+	X	X
Gold	50+	X	X
GoldPlus	65+	X	X

 

 

Rugrats

This division is for beginner dancers ages 5 and under. The emphasis is on fun and enjoyment of dance and encouraging younger dancers to compete. Only one dance is offered in this division.

Kids

This division is for beginner dancers ages 6 to 12. The emphasis is on fun and enjoyment of dance and encouraging younger dancers to compete. Only one dance is offered in this division. Dancers are divided into 4 separate age groups – 6 years, 7 years, 8-9 years, 10-12 years.

Dancers can compete in this division (Kids) for a maximum of 3 years (regardless of age group). After that, the dancer must move to the next division – Starters.

If a dancer wins in a group of 3 or more dancers, they must move up to the next division - Starters in the next competition year.

If a dancer wins 2nd place in a group of 6 or more dancers, they must move up to the next division - Starters in the next competition year.

If a dancer wins 3rd place in a group of 10 or more dancers, they must move up to the next division - Starters in the next competition year. 

Starters

In the Starter division, competitions are held in the following age groups:

Primary: 0-7g; Junior: 8-10; Youth:  11-13; Teen: 14-17; Open: 18+; Crystal: 26+; Diamond: 40+; Gold: 50+; Gold+: 65+

This division is recommended for beginners or dancers who have never competed before. The emphasis is on fun and enjoyment of the dance. Variations are not permitted in this division, and dancers must strictly follow the official step sheet. Dance teachers of any kind are not allowed in this division. There are 3 dances offered in this division.

Dancers who have qualified and made it to the finals must move up to the next division – Newcomer/Beginners in the following year of competition.

If a dancer has won in a group with 3 or more dancers, they must move up to the next division – Newcomer in the following year of competition.

If a dancer has won 2nd place in a group with 6 or more dancers, they must move up to the next division – Newcomer in the following year of competition.

Dancers can compete in this division for a maximum of 3 years (regardless of the age group). After that, the dancer must move up to the next division – Newcomer.

Newcomer

In the Newcomer division, competitions are held in the following age groups:

Primary: 0-7g; Junior: 8-10; Youth:  11-13; Teen: 14-17; Open: 18+; Crystal: 26+; Diamond: 40+; Gold: 50+; Gold+: 65+

This division is recommended for beginners. Variations are not permitted in this division, and dancers must strictly follow the official step sheet. There are 3 dances offered in this division.

If a dancer wins in a group of 3 or more dancers, they must move up to the next division – Novice in the next competition year.

If a dancer wins 2nd place in a group of 6 or more dancers, they must move up to the next division – Novice in the next competition year.

If a dancer wins 3rd place in a group of 10 or more dancers, they must move up to the next division – Novice in the next competition year.

Novice

In the Novice division, competitions are held in the following age groups:

Primary: 0-7g; Junior: 8-10; Youth:  11-13; Teen: 14-17; Open: 18+; Crystal: 26+; Diamond: 40+; Gold: 50+; Gold+: 65+

This division is recommended for dancers who have been line dancing for more than three years or have some prior dance experience. This division is also recommended as a starting point for dance teachers who have not competed before. This division emphasizes precise execution of basic steps and technique. Minimal variations are also allowed, but dancers may not complete turns of more than 360 degrees on one leg. Four dances are offered in this division.

If a dancer wins in a group of 3 or more dancers, they must move up to the next division – Intermediate in the next competition year.

If a dancer wins 2nd place in a group of 6 or more dancers, they must move up to the next division – Intermediate in the next competition year.

If a dancer wins 3rd place in a group of 10 or more dancers, they must move up to the next division – Intermediate in the next competition year.

Intermediate 

In the Intermediate division, competitions are held in the following age groups:

Primary: 0-7g; Junior: 8-10; Youth:  11-13; Teen: 14-17; Open: 18+; Crystal: 26+; Diamond: 40+; Gold: 50+; Gold+: 65+

This division is recommended for dancers who have a very good knowledge of line dancing and have previously participated in national or international line dancing competitions. In this division, the emphasis is on precise execution of basic steps and technique, and emotions appropriate to the style. Variations are also allowed in this division, but dancers are not allowed to perform acrobatic tricks. Four dances are offered in this division.

If a dancer wins in a group of 5 or more dancers, they must move on to the next division – Extra in the next year of the competition.

EXTRA

In EXTRA division dancers are not divided by age.

In this division dancers compete in international line dancing competitions in Advanced or higher levels. In this division, dancers are not divided by age groups, also men and women dance together. Variations are allowed in this division, and dancers are allowed to perform acrobatic tricks (jumps, splits, etc.). This division serves more as a demonstration and inspiration for other dancers.

 

Social

In the Social division, competitions are held in the following age groups:

Junior: …<18; Open: 18+; Senior: 35+; Gold: 50+; Gold+: 65+

This division is designed and recommended for dancers who dance more for fun - the emphasis is on fun and enjoyment of the dance. Variations are not permitted in this division, and dancers must strictly follow the official step sheet. Dance teachers of any kind are not allowed to participate in this division, as well as dancers who have participated in other international line dance competitions above the starter division are not allowed to participate in this division. 

This division offers 2 dances, which are selected from the world's favorite and popular line dances - one to country music and the other to non-country music.

Summary of Line Dancing Rules

Men and women will dance in separate or combined heats, but they will be judged separately. Exception – if there is only one participant in the Rugrats or Kids divisions, then they may be combined with other dancers of that age and division (boy with girls or girl with boys).

Dancers may dance one or any combination of the dances provided, but must dance all of the dances to earn a place.

The start of the dance will be counted at the beginning of the dance for dancers in the Rugrats, Kids, Starter, Newcomer, Novice, and Social divisions so that competitors know when to begin the dance.

The dance duration for individual line dancers will be 2 – 2.5 minutes. For teams and groups, the dance duration will be the full length of the song/music.

Basic Steps and Variations: 

Dancers must dance the first two walls according to the dance step sheet. You may use your hands, wrists, head and upper body as you wish, but you may not change any of the steps. They must be performed exactly as written in the official dance step sheet. You will be given penalty points if you do not follow the dance description. Variations are allowed in the third, fifth and subsequent odd walls. Variations must follow the direction of the basic dance movements, and must not interfere with other dancers by entering the dance area of other dancers, but the last 2 majors (2x4 or 2x3 (waltz)) must be basic steps. In the fourth, sixth and subsequent even walls, you must dance the basic steps with your own emotions and style. 

During the introduction part of the dance music (before the start of the main wall of the dance), movements within a radius of no more than one step are allowed. Movements during the introduction part of the music that contain acrobatic elements, supporting yourself with your hands, sitting or lying on the dance floor is not allowed.

In dances with multiple parts (A-B-C) in the description, variations are not allowed when dancing each part for the first and second time. Only when dancing the respective part for the third time, variations are allowed, but the last 2 majors (2x4 or 2x3 (waltz)) must be danced with basic steps. If variations are allowed to be performed differently, this will be indicated in the dance descriptions (for dances with parts A, B, C, Restart, TAG, etc.).

Movements containing acrobatic elements, sitting or lying on the dance floor are not allowed, except for Showcase Duos and Cabaret Teams.

Exceptions to the variation rules: Rugrats, Kids, Starter, Newcomer, Social: Variations are not allowed in these divisions. Dancers must perform the dance strictly following the official dance step sheet.

If a dancer leaves the dance floor, without being asked to do so, for any reason, they may be disqualified from that dance and, according to the judging rules, this means that the dancer will not be able to earn a place in the overall standings.

Dancers may be given penalties for not following the rules - for inappropriate costumes, for not performing the basic steps, for running into others or leaving the dance floor, "unacceptable courage" (flirting, sexual harassment, aggression, etc.), not following the rhythm during the entire dance, as well as penalties after consultation of the judges for some exceptional cases, for example, a dancer has left the dance floor or etc.

 

Groups

Duos

In the Duo division, competitions are held in the following age groups:

Juniori/Junior: 0-13g; Tīņi/Teen: 14-18; Atklātā/Open: 18+g; Seniori/Senior: 35+

A duo is two individual dancers – male, female or mixed duo, dancing in any unconnected pattern. Hands and bodies may touch slightly, but the dancers may not connect to perform any movement. Music will be announced before the competition, to which the duos will be able to prepare their own choreography and perform it during the competition. During the competition, several duos will be on the dance floor at the same time, so dance etiquette must be followed. Dancers may begin performing their choreography whenever they wish, they will not be counted at the beginning of the dance.

No competitor may dance more than one duo during the competition.

Showcase Duo

In the Showcase Duo division, competitions are held in the following age groups:

Juniori/Junior: 0-13g; Tīņi/Teen: 14-18; Atklātā/Open: 18+g; Seniori/Senior: 35+

A showcase duo is two individual dancers – male, female or mixed duo. Dancers in this division are allowed to hold hands, pair dance elements are allowed, there are no restrictions on movements, acrobatics are allowed. However, if movements, that the judges consider dangerous, are used, the dancers may be penalized.

Music will be announced before the competition, to which the duos will be able to prepare their own choreography and perform it during the competition. During the competition, several duos will be on the dance floor at the same time, so dance etiquette must be followed. Dancers can start performing their choreography whenever they want, they will not be counted at the beginning of the dance music.

No competitor may dance more than one showcase duo during the competition.

Quad

In the Quad division, competitions are held in the following age groups:

Juniori/Junior: 0-13g; Tīņi/Teen: 14-18; Atklātā/Open: 18+g; Seniori/Senior: 35+

If dancers are dancing as a quad and they are of different age groups, they must compete in the Open age group, or in the Teen age group if all dancers are under 18.

A quad is four individual dancers, male, female, or any combination of genders, dancing in any unconnected pattern. Hands and bodies may touch lightly, but the dancers may not connect to perform a movement. Music will be announced prior to the competition to which the quads will be able to prepare their own choreography and perform it during the competition. During the competition, there will be several quads on the dance floor at the same time, so dance etiquette must be followed. Dancers may begin their choreography whenever they want, they will not be counted at the beginning of the dance music.

No competitor may dance in more than one quad during the competition.

Team Divisions, Ages and Rules Summary

Team Age Groups:

 Juniori/Junior: 0 līdz 13g; Tīņi/Teen: 14 līdz 17g; Atklātā/ Open: 18+g; Senioru/ Senior: 35+, Zelta/Gold: 50+, Zelta+/Gold+: 65+

The age group of teams is determined by calculating the average age - adding up the ages of all dancers and dividing by the number of dancers.

• Junior (0 to 13 years) – adding up the ages of all dancers and dividing by the number of dancers (calculating the average), it must be no more than 13;

• Teen (14 to 17 years) – adding up the ages of all dancers and dividing by the number of dancers (calculating the average), it must be no less than 14 and no more than 17;

• Open (18+ years) – adding up the ages of all dancers and dividing by the number of dancers (calculating the average), it must be at least 18;

• Senior (35+) – adding up the ages of all dancers and dividing by the number of dancers (calculating the average), it must be at least 35;

• Gold (50+) – adding up the ages of all dancers and dividing by the number of dancers (calculating the average), it must be at least 50;

• Gold+ (65+) – adding up the ages of all dancers and dividing by the number of dancers (calculating the average), it must be at least 65.

 

Team Divisions:

Country Classic Team

Modern Line Team

Standard Line Team

Show Team

Teams will be judged separately in two categories:

Small teams – 4 to 7 dancers

Large teams – 8 dancers and up

Country Classic Team

Before the competition, one dance will be chosen, which the teams will have to dance. Dancers must dance the basic steps on the first two walls, then variations can be placed on the third, fifth and all subsequent odd-numbered walls. During the basic walls, it is possible to change the pattern only by varying the size of the steps, but changing the steps, their direction is strictly prohibited. In the variation walls, the variations do not necessarily have to follow the direction of the basic dance, the dancers are also allowed to change their positions on these walls.

All dances that will be chosen for this division will be to country music.

During the competition, several teams will be on the dance floor at the same time, so dance etiquette must be followed.

Modern Line Team

Before the competition, one dance will be chosen, which the teams will have to dance. Dancers must dance the basic steps on the first two walls, then variations can be placed on the third, fifth and all subsequent odd-numbered walls. During the basic walls, it is possible to change the pattern only by varying the size of the steps, but changing the steps, their direction is strictly prohibited. In the variation walls, the variations do not necessarily have to follow the direction of the basic dance, the dancers are also allowed to change their positions on these walls.

All dances that will be selected for this division will not be to country music.

During the competition, several teams will be on the dance floor at the same time, so dance etiquette must be followed.

Basic steps and variations for Country Classic and Modern line dance teams:

Dancers must dance the first two walls according to the dance description. You may use your hands, wrists, head, and upper body as you wish, but you may not change any of the steps. They must be performed exactly as written in the official dance step sheet. You will be given penalty points if you do not follow the dance description. Variations are allowed in the third, fifth, and subsequent odd walls. In the fourth, sixth, and subsequent even walls, you must dance the basic steps with your own emotion and style.

During the basic walls, it is possible to change the pattern only by varying the size of the steps, but changing the steps, their direction is strictly prohibited. You can use your hands, wrists, head and upper body as you like, but you cannot change any of the steps. They must be performed exactly as written in the official dance step sheet.

In variation walls, variations do not necessarily follow the direction of the basic dance, dancers are also allowed to change their position in these walls. During variations, other dancers must not be disturbed by entering another dancer's dance area, the last 2 majors (2x4 or 2x3 (waltz)) in these walls must be danced as basic steps.

In dances with multiple parts (A-B-C), variations are not allowed when dancing each part for the first and second time. Variations are only allowed when dancing the relevant part for the third time, but the last 2 majors (2x4 or 2x3 (waltz)) must be danced with the basic steps.

In dances with interludes (TAG) in their descriptions, variations or changes are not allowed, they must be performed exactly according to the dance description.

If variations are allowed to be performed differently, this will be indicated in the dance descriptions (for dances with parts A, B, C, Restart, TAG, etc.)

Movements containing acrobatic elements, sitting or lying on the dance floor are not allowed in these teams.

Standard Line Team

A team must have a minimum of 4 members who are individual dancers performing any combination of dances. Team members may not touch and connect to form patterns or initiate a turn or movement. Lifts, drops, and weight-bearing contact are not permitted in standard team performances. 

Teams in this division dance to music of their own choosing. Music must be at least 2 and no longer than 5 minutes. The time is counted starting from the first till the last notes. Any entrance and exit music must be counted towards the total time limit. Exceeding the time allowed will result in a lower final score. At least 50% of the music used in a standard team performance must be country music (i.e., it must be a former country chart hit, performed by a recognizable country singer or group). Movements containing acrobatic elements, sitting or lying on the dance floor are not allowed.

 

Show Team

A team consists of a minimum of 4 members who are individual dancers performing any combination of dances. Team members may touch and connect to form patterns or initiate a turn or movement. Team performances may include sequences from line dances and pair dance styles. Lifts, drops and weight-bearing touches are permitted in show teams. Teams may use any dance style or combination thereof, with appropriate theme and free choice of music. Cabaret/themed costumes are permitted. Audio/verbal sounds are permitted. 

Teams in this division dance to music of their own choosing. Music must be at least 2 and no longer than 5 minutes. Time is counted from the first till the last notes. Any entrance and exit music must be counted towards the total time limit. Exceeding the time allowed will result in a lower final score. Show teams are allowed to use any style of music.

General rules for teams:

Team music must be sent to dj.geminiruta@gmail.com no later than a week before the competition, indicating the team name and the division in which it will dance. A backup copy of the music must also be available to the competition. Delays in the team's performance due to unavailability of music may result in the team being disqualified.

The order in which the teams will perform will be determined by the event organizers in a random manner.

Acting, pantomime, singing or comedy performances are allowed for show teams, but are NOT allowed for other teams.

Costumes – for all divisions

Basic rules

Men: You must wear a cowboy hat in all dances except funky and novelty dances. If the hat falls during the dance and is not picked up at the first opportunity, you will be given penalty points.

Women: With skirts and dresses, you must wear skin-colored tights and "dance pants", i.e. clothing that limits the visibility of underwear. For women, a cowboy hat is not mandatory, but can be used if desired.

General rules for men and women:

All dancers are encouraged to wear country/western style dance boots, except for non-country dances, during which any other dance shoes may be worn, but country/western boots are not prohibited in non-country dances. If dancers use any other style of shoes, they must be dance shoes with a heel height of no more than 5 cm.

Any type of themed or formal costumes, masks are prohibited.

No names or advertisements of any kind may be displayed on the costumes.

Strapless tops are prohibited.

See-through or skin-colored material used in a dancer's costume that exposes the dancer's underwear or body that may cause embarrassment to competitors, judges, or spectators is not allowed.

Naked body parts from the chest to the waist are not allowed.

Costumes must also be worn to the award ceremony.

The Show Team Division, Show Duos, Starter and Social Divisions are exempt from the costume rules, but any attire that may confuse the judges or spectators will be penalized with penalty points.

If you are unsure about the compliance with the rules of any part of your costume, clarify these issues at the competitors meeting or with the competition organizers before the start.

General Rules

Course of the competition:

At the beginning of the Olympiad, each competitor will have access to the event schedule;

The Olympiad competitor must report to the floor coordinator/be at the meeting point 10 minutes before his/her heat;

The floor coordinator will indicate the Olympiad competitors place on the dance floor;

Each competitor's number is called twice and if the dancer is not on the dance floor ready to dance, he/she may be disqualified;

Competitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is fully responsible for the dancer at all times. It is the adult's responsibility to clarify all necessary information for the dancer under their care regarding dance step descriptions, costume rules, etc.

If there is a large number of competitors in one division/group, then preliminaries are held to eliminate dancers who will not dance in the final.

Dancers who have competed in the Latvian children's and youth line dancing competition "Junior Cup" or the Line Dance Competition "Winter Cup" and won in a group with 6 or more dancers, are automatically guaranteed a place in the final in the same division and age group and do not have to participate in the preliminaries (but may do so if they wish).

Preliminaries will be held in all divisions with 9 or more competitors. A portion of dancers from each preliminary round will be called up to dance in the next preliminary round until no more than 7 dancers or groups/teams remain.

The organizers of the Olympiad are obliged to provide accessible step descriptions/step sheets for each of the dances for the competition (this will be done by publishing the descriptions on the competition website www.rigaskauss.lv). Dancers must dance only according to these dance step sheets. Dance step descriptions from other sources are not valid for the competition.

Dance etiquette:

The use of chewing gums is prohibited.

No audio/verbal sounds/singing are allowed (except in the Show Team division). Lip syncing is allowed.

Competitors are not allowed to talk to other competitors, spectators or judges during the dance heat, otherwise you may not be called up for the next heat or may not be awarded a place in the finals.

Acrobatic movements are not allowed at any point in the dance (this includes the introduction and the 'ending pose' of the dance). Acrobatic movements are defined as:

Any movement in which both legs are higher than the competitor's waist height.

Any movement in which the competitor's weight is on one or both hands.

Any movement in which the competitor is sitting or lying on the floor.

Splits are not allowed.

Kicks are allowed, but they must not in any way interfere with or endanger other dancers on the dance floor.

(Note: Show Teams and Show Duos are exempt from acrobatic restrictions)

All dancers must follow dance floor etiquette. If you perform a move that could cause a collision with another dancer, you will not be called up for the next round or awarded a place in the final. The injured dancer will not be affected from a rules perspective. This also means that variations must follow the direction of the dance movement.

No hand-held accessories are permitted (except in the show team division).

Vulgar, seductive or crude dance moves are not allowed. Movements that are excessively flirtatious, humorous or comedic will disqualify the dancer from continuing to compete in subsequent heats or from qualifying for the finals.

Competitors' meeting:

It is the responsibility of each competitor to attend the meeting. Teams must have at least one member present at this meeting. It is called if necessary before the competition at the venue.

Responsibilities of competitors:

It is the responsibility of each competitor to ensure that they are fully familiar with the latest rules for their division. This includes the official dance description and costume rules.

Competitors must find and clarify the information for registration and briefings for themselves.

All competitors must be at the meeting point 10 minutes prior to their scheduled heat time.

All teams must be ready to compete at the scheduled time. Delays may result in a lower overall score.

All competitors are expected to behave themselves in a professional and appropriate manner. Anyone found to be acting unethically or unprofessionally may be disqualified from the competition.

Competitors who do not comply with the published rules will be disqualified.

Any inappropriate behavior, questions about the competitions, protests or disputes must be brought to the attention of the event organizers immediately. All decisions of the event organizers, competition coordinators, judges and scorers are final.

Judges:

During the competition, judges and other organizers may not, under any circumstances, disclose information about results or points to competitors or other visitors to the event. Judges and organizers are not prohibited from communicating with other competitors during the event, except when performing their duties.

The reason for the judges' meeting and the result will only be announced to the dancers involved if necessary. If the head judge deems an announcement necessary, it will only be made in a general form for the benefit/learning of all competitors.

By entering the “Riga Cup” competition, you agree to the following statement: 

“We undertake not to address the organizers of this event with any requests, demands and claims related to this event. We allow any video recording of the event to be reproduced, sold, subjected to copyright laws, exhibited, broadcast or distributed. We are aware of the physical risks of starting and participating in dance competitions and take full responsibility for any injuries or personal losses that this event may cause. We do not object to the processing of personal data insofar as it concerns the publication of the lists of competitors, the compilation of results and their publication.”

 

 

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