RULES
Rules - Latvian XI Linedance Olympiad "Rīgas kauss 2023"
The age group you are in is determined by your age on the day of the broadcast of the Latvian XI olympiad "Rīgas kauss 2023" (Jun 9-11, 2023). If you have a birthday on this days, you can move on to the next age group, but it is not mandatory.
Age groups and divisions of individual line dancers
· Rugrats: age 0-5 *
· Kids: age 6-9 **
· Primary: age 0-7
· Junior: age 8-10
· Youth: age 11-13
· Teen: age 14-17
· Open: age18+
· Crystal: age 26+
· Diamond: age 40+
· Gold: age 50+
· Gold+: age 65+
Rugrats
This division is for beginners up to 5 years of age. The emphasis is on pleasure and enjoyment of the dance and encouraging the youngest dancers to participate in the competition. Only one dance is offered in this division.
Kids
This division is for beginners aged 6 to 9. The emphasis is on pleasure and enjoyment of the dance and encouraging the youngest dancers to participate in the competition. Only one dance is offered in this division.
Social
In the Social Division, competitions take place in the following age groups:
Primary: 0-8g; 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 pleasure and enjoying the dance. Variations are not allowed and dancers must strictly adhere to the official description of the steps. Dance teachers are not allowed to participate in this division. For more than 3 consecutive years, dancers are not allowed to participate in this division (in the fourth year, dancers must move to the next division). Three dances are offered.
Newcomer
In the Newcomer Division, competitions take place in the following age groups:
Primary: 0-8g; 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 allowed and dancers must strictly adhere to the official description of the steps. Three dances are offered.
Novice
In the Novice Division, competitions take place in the following age groups:
Primary: 0-8g; 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 dancing line dance for more than one year or who have some previous dance experience. This division is also recommended as a starting point for dance teachers who have not previously competed. In this division, the emphasis is on the precise execution of basic steps and techniques. Minimal variations are allowed, but dancers may not make turns more than 360 degrees on one leg. Three dances are offered.
Intermediate
In the Intermediate Division, competitions take place in the following age groups:
Primary: 0-8g; 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 dance, who have previously participated in national or international line dance competitions. In this division, the emphasis is on the precise execution of basic steps and techniques, style-appropriate emotions. Variations are also allowed in this division, but dancers are not allowed to perform acrobatic tricks. Three dances are offered.
EXTRA
In the EXTRA division, dancers are not divided into age groups
The dancers of this division are dancers who compete in international line dance competitions in Advanced or higher-level groups. In this division, dancers are not divided into age groups and men and women dance together. Variations are allowed in this division, and dancers are allowed to perform acrobatic tricks (jumps, twine, etc.)
Summary of line dance rules
Dancers can dance one or any combination of the offered dances. Either way, the dancers have to dance all the dances to get an awarded place.
The beginning of the dance steps will be counted at the beginning of the dance so that the participants know when to start the dance.
The duration of the dance 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 description. You can use your arms, wrists, head and upper body as you like, but you cannot change any steps. They must be performed exactly as written in the official dance description. You will be awarded penalty points if you do not stick to the dance description. Variations are allowed in the third, fifth and subsequent odd walls. The variations should follow the direction of the dance movement of the basic steps, but the last 2 majors (2x4 or 2x3 (waltz)) should follow the basic steps. In the fourth, sixth and next walls of the couple you have to dance the basic steps with your emotions and style.
During the dance introductory music (before the start of the basic dance wall), movements within a radius of no more than one step are allowed.
In dances with a description of several parts (A-B-C), variations are not allowed when dancing each part for the first and second time. Only when dancing the relevant part for the third time, variations are allowed, but the last 2 majors (2x4 or 2x3 (waltz)) have to dance the basic steps.
Movements containing acrobatic elements, sitting or lying on the dance floor are not allowed, except for Show duets / Showcase Duo and Cabaret Team and Extra divisions individual dancers.
Exceptions to the rules on variations:
Social: Variations are not allowed in this division. Social dancers must dance in strict accordance with the official dance description.
Newcomer: Variations are not allowed in this division. Newcomer dancers must dance in strict accordance with the official dance description.
Novice: The variation rules apply to this division, but only minimal variations are allowed. Dancers are not allowed to make turns more than 360 degrees on one leg. Excessive variations in this division will be penalized with penalty points.
Groups
Duo
In the Duo division, competitions take place in the following age groups:
Junior: age 0-13; Teen: age 14-18; Open: age 18+; Senior: age 35+
The duo are two individual dancers - men, women or a mixed duo, who dance in any unconnected pattern. Hands and bodies can easily come into contact, but dancers must not connect to perform any movement. Before the competition, music will be announced, at which the duo will be able to prepare their own choreography and perform it during the competition.
Dancers can start performing their choreography whenever they want, it will not be included in the beginning of the dance.
No participant may dance in more than one duo during one competition.
Showcase Duo
In the Showcase Duo division, competitions take place in the following age groups:
Junior: age 0-13; Teen: age 14-18; Open: age 18+; Senior: age 35+
The duo has two individual dancers - men, women or a mixed duo. Dancers of this division are allowed grips, elements of pair dancing are allowed, there are no restrictions on movements, acrobatics are allowed. However, if movements that judges consider dangerous are used, dancers may be penalized.
Before the competition, music will be announced, at which the duo will be able to prepare their own choreography and perform it during the competition.
Dancers can start performing their choreography whenever they want, it will not be included in the beginning of the dance.
No participant may dance in more than one show duet during one competition
Quad
In the Quad division, competitions take place in the following age groups:
Junior: age 0-13; Teen: age 14-18; Open: age 18+; Senior: age 35+
If the dancers are dancing in quad and they correspond to different age groups, then they have to participate in the Open age group, or in case all the dancers are under 18 years old, then in the Teen age group.
A quad is four individual dancers, men, women, or any gender combination, dancing in any unconnected pattern.
Hands and bodies can be easily touched, but dancers cannot connect to perform a movement.
Before the competition, music will be announced, at which the quartets will be able to prepare their own choreography and perform it during the competition.
Dancers can start performing their choreography whenever they want, it will not be included in the beginning of the dance.
No competitor may dance in more than one quad during one competition.
Team divisions, age and summary of rules
Team age groups:
Junior: age 0- 17; Open: age 18+; Senior: age 35+, Gold: age 50+, Gold+: age 65+
· Junior (age 0 to 17) - team members are up to 17 years old; it is allowed that one of the team dancers is from another age group;
· Open (age 18 +) - team members are at least 18 years old; one of the team dancers is allowed to be under 18 years of age;
· Senior (age 35+) - team members are at least 35 years old, it is allowed that one of the team dancers is younger than 35 years;
· Gold (age 50+) - team members are at least 50 years old, it is allowed that one of the team dancers is younger than 50 years;
· Gold + (age 65+) - team members are at least 65 years old, it is allowed that one of the team dancers is younger than 65 years
Team Divisions:
• Country Classic Team
• Modern Line Team
• Standard Line Team
• Cabaret Team
Country Classic Team
There must be at least 6 dancers in the team, there is no limit to the maximum number of team members.
This division has all the same rules as the individual line dance divisions.
Before the competition, one dance will be chosen to be performed. Dancers have to dance the basic steps of the first two walls, variations can be placed on the third, fifth and all subsequent odd walls. During the basic walls, it is possible to change the pattern only by varying the size of the steps. Changing the steps, their direction is strictly forbidden. In the walls of variations, the variations do not necessarily follow the direction of the basic dance, in these walls dancers are also allowed to change the location.
All dances that will be selected for this division will be accompanied by country music.
Modern Line Team
There must be at least 6 dancers in the team, there is no limit to the maximum number of team members.
This division has all the same rules as the individual line dance divisions.
Before the competition, one dance will be chosen to be performed. Dancers have to dance the basic steps of the first two walls. Variations can be placed on the third, fifth and all subsequent odd 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 forbidden. In the walls of variations, the variations do not necessarily follow the direction of the basic dance, in these walls dancers are also allowed to change the location.
All the dances that will be chosen for this division will not be accompanied by country music
Standard Line Team
There must be at least 6 dancers in the team, there is no limit to the maximum number of team members.
The team must have at least 6 members, who are individual dancers who dance any combination of dances. Team members must not meet and connect to create drawings or initiate a turn or movement. Team performances can include strings(combinations) from line dances and pair dance styles. Lifting, lowering and weight-carrying contact are not permitted in standard team performances.
The teams of this division dance to music of their choice. Music must be at least 2 minutes and no more than 5 minutes long. The time is counted from the first notes to the last notes. Any arrival and departure music must be counted within the total time limit. If you exceed the time allowed, you will get a lower score in the final. At least 50% of the music used in a standard team performance must be country music (that is, it must have been in the country charts, its performers must be recognizable country singers or bands).
Cabaret Team
There must be at least 6 dancers in the team, there is no limit to the maximum number of team members.
The team consists of at least 6 participants, who are individual dancers who dance any combination of dances. Team members can meet and connect to create drawings or initiate a turn or movement. Team performances can include strings/combinations from line dances and pair dance styles. Lifting, lowering and weight-carrying contact are allowed in cabaret teams. Teams can use any dance style or a combination of them by choosing the theme and music of their choice. Cabaret / themed costumes are allowed. Audio / verbal sounds are allowed.
The teams of this division dance to music of their own choice. Music must be at least 2 minutes and no more than 5 minutes long. The time is counted from the first notes to the last notes. Any entry and exit music must be counted within the total time limit. If you exceed the time allowed, you will get a lower score in the final. Cabaret teams are allowed to play any style of music.
Costumes / appearance - for all divisions
Basic rules
· Men: must wear a cowboy hat in all dances except funky and novelty style dances. If the hat falls off during the dance and is not raised at the earliest opportunity, you will have penalty points.
· Women: Skirts and dresses must be worn with tights (skin colour) and "dance pants", i.e. clothing that restricts the visibility of the underwear. A cowboy hat is not mandatory, but it can be used if desired.
Common rules for men and women:
· All dancers are recommended to dance in country / western dance boots, except for non-country style dances, during which any other dance shoes may be worn, but country / western boots in non-country dance dances are not prohibited. If dancers wear any other style of footwear, they must be dance shoes with a heel height not exceeding 5 cm.
· Themed or formal costumes of any kind, masks are prohibited;
· Costumes must not have any names or advertisements of any kind;
· Tops without straps are prohibited;
· Transparent or leather-coloured material used in the dancer's costume and creating an unsafe view of the underwear or body that may confuse participants, judges or spectators is not allowed;
· The naked part of the body from the chest to the waist is not allowed;
· The neck must be fully exposed so that it is also visible from the sides and back (must not be covered with hair).
· The Team Cabaret Division and the Social Divisions are free from the costume rules, but any costume that may confuse the referees or spectators will be penalized with penalty points.
· If you are not sure if any part of your costume / look is compliant, check with the organizers before submitting the video.
General Regulations
Dancing culture:
The use of chewing gum is prohibited.
Audio / verbal sounds / singing are not allowed (except for the command cabaret division). Synchronous lip movement with the song is allowed
Acrobatic movements are not allowed at any moment in the dance (this also includes the introduction and the 'ending poses' of the dance). Acrobatic movements are defined as follows:
· any movement in which both legs are higher than the waist of the participant;
· any movement in which a participant weighs on one or both hands;
· any movement in which a participant sits or lies on the floor.
· Twine is not allowed.
· Kicks are allowed, but they must not in any way disturb or endanger other dancers on the dance floor.
(Note: Extra Division dancers, Cabaret teams and Showcase duos are free from acrobatic restrictions)
No hand-held individual accessories are allowed (except for the Cabaret division).
Vulgar, seductive or rude dance movements are not allowed. Movements that will be overly saturated with flirtation, humour and comedy will prevent the dancer from gaining a place in the final results.
Responsibilities of participants:
Each participant must make sure that they are fully acquainted with the latest regulations for their division. This includes the official dance description and costume rules.
All participants are expected to behave in a professional and appropriate manner. Anyone who acts unethically or unprofessionally may be disqualified from the competition.
If participants do not comply with the published rules, they will be disqualified.
To draw the attention of the event organizers to inappropriate behavior, questions about the competition, protests or disputes immediately. All decisions of the event organizers, competition coordinators, judges and scorers are final.
Judges:
During the competition, the judges and other organizers may not disclose information about the results or points to the participants of the competition or other visitors to the event under any circumstances.
The reason and result of the meeting of the judges will be announced only to the dancers involved, if necessary. If the Chief Judge considers that a statement is necessary, it will only be made in a general form so that all participants can benefit from it.
By participating in the Riga Cup Olympics, you agree with the following statement: “We undertake not to take any requests, claims against the organizers of this event. We allow any video of the event to be reproduced, sold, copyrighted, displayed, transmitted or distributed. We are aware of the physical risks of starting and competing in a dance competition and take full responsibility for any injuries or personal loss that this event may cause. We do not object to the processing of personal data as far as the publication of lists of participants, the compilation of results and their publication are concerned. "
