Rigas kauss 2027 - RULES

Pēdējās izmaiņas veiktas - 20.09.2026 10:07

The 15th Latvian Line Dance Olympics “Rīgas Kauss 2027” will be an event dedicated to every line dancer, featuring competitions in various divisions for solo dancers, couples, groups and teams. Participants will have the opportunity to attend workshops led by world-renowned choreographers and dancers, enjoy spectacular dance performances and an evening show, and share the dance floor with hundreds of fellow line dancers.

Rugrats

Age group

Age

Dance A

Rugrats

0–5

X

 

Kids

Age group

Age

Dance A

Kids

6

X

Kids1

7

X

Kids2

8–9

X

Kids3

10–12

X

 

Starter

Age group

Age

Dance A

Dance B

Dance C

Dance C*

Primary

0–4

X

X

X

 

Primary

5–6

X

X

X

 

Primary

7–10

X

X

X

 

Youth

10–13

X

X

X

 

Teen

14–17

X

X

X

 

Open

18+

X

X

X

 

Crystal

30+

X

X

 

X

Diamond

40+

X

X

 

X

Silver

50+

X

X

 

X

Gold

60+

X

X

 

X

Platinum

70+

X

X

 

X

 

Newcomer

Age group

Age

Dance A

Dance B

Dance C

Dance C*

Primary

0–4

X

X

X

 

Primary

5–6

X

X

X

 

Primary

7–10

X

X

X

 

Youth

10–13

X

X

X

 

Teen

14–17

X

X

X

 

Open

18+

X

X

X

 

Crystal

30+

X

X

 

X

Diamond

40+

X

X

 

X

Silver

50+

X

X

 

X

Gold

60+

X

X

 

X

Platinum

70+

X

X

 

X

 

Novice

Age group

Age

Dance A

Dance B

Dance C

Dance D

Dance D*

Primary

0–4

X

X

X

X

 

Primary

5–6

X

X

X

X

 

Primary

7–10

X

X

X

X

 

Youth

10–13

X

X

X

X

 

Teen

14–17

X

X

X

X

 

Open

18+

X

X

X

X

 

Crystal

30+

X

X

X

 

X

Diamond

40+

X

X

X

 

X

Silver

50+

X

X

X

 

X

Gold

60+

X

X

X

 

X

Platinum

70+

X

X

X

 

X

 

Intermediate

Age group

Age

Dance A

Dance B

Dance C

Dance D

Dance E

Dance E*

Primary

0–4

X

X

X

X

X

 

Primary

5–6

X

X

X

X

X

 

Primary

7–10

X

X

X

X

X

 

Youth

10–13

X

X

X

X

X

 

Teen

14–17

X

X

X

X

X

 

Open

18+

X

X

X

X

X

 

Crystal

30+

X

X

X

X

 

X

Diamond

40+

X

X

X

X

 

X

Silver

50+

X

X

X

X

 

X

Gold

60+

X

X

X

X

 

X

Platinum

70+

X

X

X

X

 

X

 

Advanced

Age group

Age

Dance A

Dance B

Dance C

Dance D

Dance E

Dance F

Primary

0–4

X

X

X

X

X

X

Primary

5–6

X

X

X

X

X

X

Primary

7–10

X

X

X

X

X

X

Youth

10–13

X

X

X

X

X

X

Teen

14–17

X

X

X

X

X

X

Open

18+

X

X

X

X

X

X

Crystal

30+

X

X

X

X

X

X

Diamond

40+

X

X

X

X

X

X

Silver

50+

X

X

X

X

X

X

Gold

60+

X

X

X

X

X

X

Platinum

70+

X

X

X

X

X

X

 

Highest Divisions (Qualification Must Be Earned from Lower Divisions)

Division

Age

Dance A

Dance B

Solo Medley

RisingStars

14–21

X

X

X

SuperStars

18+

X

X

X

SuperStars Plus

30+

X

X

X

Crown

40+

X

X

X

Crown Plus

55+

X

X

X

 

Showcase

Age group

Age

Dance A

Dance B

Dance C

Dance D

Dance E

Dance F

Youth

10–13

X

X

X

X

X

X

Teen

14–17

X

X

X

X

X

X

Open

18+

X

X

X

X

X

X

Crystal

30+

X

X

X

X

X

X

Diamond

40+

X

X

X

X

X

X

 

Honky Tonk

Age group

Age

Dance A

Dance B

Junior

0–17

X

X

Open

18+

X

X

Silver

50+

X

X

 

Part 2 · Solo division descriptions

Translation of the division descriptions on pages 4–5 of the supplied rules. The age categories below follow the descriptive text in the source.

Rugrats

This division is intended for beginner dancers up to 5 years of age. The emphasis is on fun, enjoyment of dancing and encouraging the youngest dancers to take part in competitions. Only one dance is offered in this division.

 

Kids

This division is intended for beginner dancers aged 6 to 12. The emphasis is on fun, enjoyment of dancing and encouraging young dancers to participate in competitions. Only one dance is offered. Dancers are divided into four separate age groups: 6, 7, 8–9 and 10–12 years.

A dancer may participate in the Kids division for no more than 3 years (regardless of age group). After that, the dancer must move to the next division, Starter.

If a dancer wins a group with 3 or more dancers, they must move to Starter in the next competition year.

If a dancer finishes second in a group of 6 or more dancers, they must move to Starter in the next competition year.

If a dancer finishes third in a group of 10 or more dancers, they must move to Starter in the next competition year.

 

Starter

Age categories: Primary: 0–4; Primary: 5–6; Primary: 7–10; Youth: 11–13; Teen: 14–17; Open: 18+; Crystal: 30+; Diamond: 40+; Silver: 50+; Gold: 60+; Platinum: 70+

This division is recommended for beginner dancers or dancers who have never competed before. The emphasis is on enjoyment and fun. Variations are permitted, and dancers must strictly follow the official step description. Three dances are offered.

If a dancer has any previous competition or performance experience in any dance genre (partner or solo dance) in previous dance seasons, they may not compete below the Newcomer level.

 

Newcomer

Age categories: Primary: 0–4; Primary: 5–6; Primary: 7–10; Youth: 11–13; Teen: 14–17; Open: 18+; Crystal: 30+; Diamond: 40+; Silver: 50+; Gold: 60+; Platinum: 70+

This division is recommended for beginners. Variations are not permitted, and dancers must strictly follow the official step description. Three dances are offered.

Starter and Newcomer are intended for beginners. If a dancer has already achieved several award-winning results (top 5 places) in other recognised dance competition systems (for example, Ballroom, WSDC, WCDF, GOLD, WDM, UCWDC, etc.), they should not compete in Newcomer, but at least at Novice level. Dance teachers of any dance school may not compete in these divisions. Dancers who regularly assist dance teachers are also strongly advised to start competing in Novice.

 

Novice

Age categories: Primary: 0–4; Primary: 5–6; Primary: 7–10; Youth: 11–13; Teen: 14–17; Open: 18+; Crystal: 30+; Diamond: 40+; Silver: 50+; Gold: 60+; Platinum: 70+

This division is recommended for dancers who have danced line dance for more than three years or have some previous dance experience. It is also recommended as a starting point for dance teachers who have not competed before. Emphasis is placed on precise execution of the basic steps and technique. Minimal variations are permitted. Four dances are offered.

 

Intermediate

Age categories: Primary: 0–4; Primary: 5–6; Primary: 7–10; Youth: 11–13; Teen: 14–17; Open: 18+; Crystal: 30+; Diamond: 40+; Silver: 50+; Gold: 60+; Platinum: 70+

This division is recommended for dancers with very good line dance skills who have previously participated in national or international line dance competitions. Emphasis is placed on precise execution of basic steps, technique, style and expression of emotion. Variations are permitted, but acrobatic tricks are not. Five dances are offered.

Intermediate is the last level a dancer may choose independently (self-graduate), even if they have not previously achieved the required number of wins that would otherwise determine promotion to the next level.

 

Advanced

Age categories: Primary: 0–4; Primary: 5–6; Primary: 7–10; Youth: 11–13; Teen: 14–17; Open: 18+; Crystal: 30+; Diamond: 40+; Silver: 50+; Gold: 60+; Platinum: 70+

This division is intended for experienced, technically highly developed line dancers who can execute complex choreography with high precision, a sense of rhythm and artistic expression. Dancers at this level regularly participate in national or international competitions and demonstrate consistent results at Intermediate level.

At Advanced level, emphasis is placed on high-quality technique, refined movement control and interpretation of choreography while preserving the style of each dance. Broader movement variations and expression are permitted, but unsafe elements are not. Six dances are offered (one of them is Funky for young dancers and Novelty for older dancers).

Unlike lower levels, promotion to Advanced cannot take place through self-graduation; it must be justified by competition results.

 

Honky Tonk

Honky Tonk is a line dance division dedicated to the classic country music style. Dances are selected to country music, with emphasis on rhythm, precise execution of basic steps and stylistically clean performance appropriate to country dance. No movement variations, stylisation or acrobatic elements are permitted.

Two dances are offered in this division, determined by UCWDC for each season and the same for all participants. Honky Tonk is available to dancers of any level. It is an opportunity for dancers who particularly appreciate country music and its rhythm to compete. This division often attracts dancers who wish to enjoy the competition atmosphere in a simpler format without performing technically complex choreography.

 

Showcase

The Showcase division is intended for experienced line dancers who compete in Intermediate or Advanced solo line dance divisions. Participation offers an opportunity to qualify for the highest levels: RisingStars, SuperStars or Crown. Dancers must perform their own choreography to the music of each Showcase dance (6 dances in total), creating a complete and clearly structured dance that follows the musical phrases precisely, for example verses and choruses, so that the dance has a clearly structured rhythm and narrative form.

If a dancer earns a qualifying win in Showcase, they must compete in the Advanced level of their corresponding solo line dance division in the following dance season.

UCWDC qualification divisions

As the solo divisions Newcomer, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Showcase, Honky Tonk, RisingStars, SuperStars, SuperStars Plus, Crown and Crown Plus are qualifying competitions for participation in the UCWDC World Championships, dancers in these divisions must also familiarise themselves with the detailed rules on the UCWDC website: https://ucwdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-UCWDC-Rules-Contest-Procedures-and-Scoring-Format-LINE-DANCE-1.pdf

 

Summary of solo line dance rules

For UCWDC World Championship qualifying divisions, the dance titles, step sheets (including movements, rhythm, counts and walls), choreographers’ names, music and videos for each solo line dance are published annually on the UCWDC website no later than two months before the date on which the dances begin to be used: https://ucwdc.org/line-dance/

If the video and step sheet conflict, the video version takes precedence (only videos published on the official UCWDC website).

Step sheets for these divisions and all other dances (including non-UCWDC qualifying divisions) will also be published on the event website: https://rigaskauss.lv/

The length of dances for individual line dancers will be 2–2.2 minutes.

Men and women dance in separate or combined heats but are judged separately. Exception: if there is only one participant in a Rugrats or Kids division, that participant may be combined with other dancers of the same age and division (boys with girls or girls with boys).

In all dances, dancers must behave respectfully on the dance floor and be attentive so as not to interfere with other participants.

When solo competitors are evenly spaced or arranged on the dance floor in relation to one another, each dancer's 'dance space' is established. Participants should maintain their position on the floor and follow the dance's flow of dance as specified in its basic step sheet. Variations must remain within the dancer's dance space.

 

Movement restrictions (except SuperStars, RisingStars and Crown divisions)

Acrobatic tricks, pirouettes, sitting or lying on the floor, splits, jumps and throws are prohibited unless they are included in the original choreography.

During the musical introduction (intro), dancers may express the mood of the music through movement but may not move in any direction.

Rugrats, Kids, Starter, Newcomer and Honky Tonk dancers must perform the basic dance without variations.

Solo competitors must position themselves on the floor so that they do not interfere with others and must begin the dance in the direction indicated by the verbal or non-verbal count-in.

Participants must observe the basic rules: (i) When first performing a wall, dancers must perform the 'vanilla' version — the full step sheet without variations. For ABC dances, each part (A, B and C) must be performed in its complete basic-wall version before variations are introduced. (ii) From the second wall onward, dancers in divisions where variations are permitted may perform variations, i.e. two measures (2×4 or 2×3) of the vanilla version without variations, followed by one or more measures of variations in their musical interpretation, and then one or more measures of the vanilla version again. Variations must match the flow of dance.

Solo line dance movement restrictions (unless specifically provided for in the step sheet): (i) Acrobatic elements, pirouettes, fouettés, sitting or lying on the floor, floor rolls, adagio turns, splits and lifts from a split-sitting position are prohibited except in SuperStars, RisingStars and Crown divisions. (ii) Jumps and throws are not permitted except at SuperStars, RisingStars, Crown and Advanced levels. (iii) Balance rotations in adagio may be performed only up to 360 degrees, except in SuperStars, RisingStars, Crown and Advanced, where rotations exceeding 360 degrees are permitted. (iv) During the musical introduction before the count-in, dancers may express the mood of the music through body movement but must remain in place and may not move in any direction. (v) Dances A and B in SuperStars, RisingStars and Crown follow the solo line dance rules.

 

Penalties and disqualification

If a dancer leaves the dance floor for any reason without being invited to do so, they may be disqualified from that dance; under the judging rules this means the dancer cannot receive a place in the overall ranking.

Dancers may receive penalties for breaches of the rules, including inappropriate costumes, failure to perform the basic steps, collisions with or pushing others on the dance floor, unacceptable behaviour (flirting, sexual harassment, aggression, etc.), or failure to follow the rhythm throughout the dance. Penalties may also be imposed after a dance for other circumstances, such as a dancer leaving the dance floor.

 

Costumes and accessories

Inappropriate, untidy or revealing costumes or accessories are not supported.

Costume requirements in all divisions except Rugrats, Kids, Honky Tonk, Starter and Newcomer: Men dancing line dances to country music must wear a traditional-style cowboy hat.

 

Dancers must wear traditional-style cowboy boots with a heel of at least 1 inch (2.54 cm), measured from the floor to the top of the heel. The heel may not taper from the heel to the sole. The boot shaft must be at least 7 inches (17.78 cm) high, measured from the heel to the top of the shaft. The top of the shaft may be folded down. Newcomer dancers are encouraged to wear boots, but they are not mandatory, except at the Country Dance World Championships, where boots are mandatory at all levels.

Juniors (children and youth) may not wear dance shoes with heels exceeding 1.5 inches (3.75 cm).

Country-style costumes are not mandatory for dances performed to non-country music.

Newcomer dancers are encouraged (but not required) to wear boots and, for men, traditional cowboy hats for all country dances, except at the World Championships, where these are mandatory at all levels.

Costumes must suit the dance style and country theme and be worn modestly and tastefully.

If the buttocks or any part of them may be visible while dancing, dance shorts must be worn (including when the costume has a bodysuit that does not completely cover the lower buttocks).

Honky Tonk participants may dance in clothing appropriate to their club (club attire).

Sponsor logos on costumes are permitted if no larger than 5 × 5 inches (12.7 × 12.7 cm) on each garment. Logos must be tasteful and unobtrusive.

The judges also assess the overall visual impression, including costume and choreography. Accordingly, the dancer’s visual presentation affects the final assessment in all dances.

SuperStars, SuperStars Plus, RisingStars, Crown and Crown Plus dancers who remove part of their costume during a performance (for example, a jacket or vest) must not leave that part on the dance floor where it may interfere with others. All removed costume pieces must be put back on after the performance.

 

Props

A prop is any object that is not a normal item of clothing.

Props are permitted in the RisingStars, SuperStars, SuperStars Plus, Crown and Crown Plus divisions.

Props must be portable and non-living and may only be brought onto and removed from the dance floor by the participant.

Participants must not touch spectators or event staff.

Time for preparing, bringing in, removing and taking away props must not exceed 1 minute.

Music must not be played during prop preparation (before the chosen dance begins).

A short repeated musical “reprise” section is permitted after the performance.

 

ProAm (Professional – Amateur)

Detailed rules are available on the UCWDC website: https://ucwdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-UCWDC-Rules-Contest-Procedures-and-Scoring-Format-PROAM-PROPRO.pdf

A dance couple consists of either a male amateur leader and his female professional partner, or a female amateur follower and her male professional partner.

Roles are determined by gender: man = leader; woman = follower. Only brief, momentary role changes are permitted (for example, a trick or a short combination in the choreography), but not the entire dance with reversed roles.

 

ProAm age groups

Age group

Age

Junior – Primary

Up to 9

Junior – Youth

10–13

Teen

14–17

Adult – Open

18+

Adult – Crystal

30+

Adult – Diamond

40+

Adult – Silver

50+

Adult – Gold

60+

Adult – Platinum

70+

Adult – Pearl

80+

 

ProAm divisions

Newcomer I – a division for complete beginners.

Newcomer II – for dancers with some competition experience; they must not start at a level lower than this.

Newcomer III.

Newcomer IV.

Novice – if a dancer has achieved a top-five placing in any international competition, or if the dancer is a dance teacher, they must compete at least in this division.

Intermediate.

Advanced.

 

ProAm competition format

The songs for each ProAm division will not be announced before the competition begins.

Dance duration: 1½ minutes.

If several heats of the same dance and division are held, a different song with a similar tempo must be played in each heat.

The basic rhythm and tempo of each dance are specified in the UCWDC rules (Article M).

To be included in the overall result, dancers must perform at least five dances: Two Step (mandatory); Waltz (mandatory); one Swing dance, either East Coast Swing (ECS) or West Coast Swing (WCS); and two more dances chosen from Polka, NightClub Two Step, Triple Two Step and Cha Cha.

You may choose to dance only the five required dances to have your result counted in the overall ranking. If you dance all eight, the system selects your best results. For example, if your ECS result is better than your WCS result, it will be counted in the overall ranking. Likewise, the system selects your best two of the other four dances. Dancing all eight dances gives you more opportunities to achieve a higher overall result because the judges can select the best performances.

 

ProAm costume rules (see UCWDC rules for complete requirements)

Leaders must wear traditional cowboy hats at all levels.

Cowboy boots must have pull straps, seams and a heel at least 1 inch (2.54 cm) high; the shaft must be at least 7 inches (17.78 cm) high from heel to top. Fashion heels are not permitted. Boots are not mandatory in Newcomer, except at UCWDC Worlds, where they are mandatory.

Newcomer IV, III and II costumes: glitter, rhinestones, beads, metal decorations or metallic threads/fibres in the costume are not permitted.

This restriction does not apply to jewellery and accessories, such as bracelets, necklaces, brooches, hat bands, hair combs, rings, earrings, belt buckles, etc.

Groups

Division

Age groups

Duo / Showcase Duo / Quad

Junior: 0–13; Teen: 14–18; Open: 18+; Adult Senior: 35+

Duo

A duo consists of two individual dancers—male, female or mixed—dancing in any unconnected formation. Hands and bodies may touch lightly, but dancers may not connect to perform a movement. Music will be announced before the competition; duos may prepare and perform their own choreography to it. Several duos will be on the dance floor simultaneously, so dance-floor etiquette must be observed. Dancers may begin their choreography whenever they wish; they will not be counted in at the beginning of the dance. No participant may dance in more than one duo during a single competition.

Showcase Duo

A showcase duo consists of two individual dancers—male, female or mixed. Holds and partner-dance elements are permitted; there are no movement restrictions and acrobatics are allowed. However, dancers may be penalised for movements that judges consider dangerous. Music will be announced before the competition; duos may prepare and perform their own choreography. Several duos will dance simultaneously, so dance-floor etiquette must be observed. Dancers may start whenever they wish; they will not be counted in at the beginning of the dance. No participant may dance in more than one showcase duo during a single competition.

Quad

If the four dancers belong to different age groups, they must compete in Open, or in Teen if all four dancers are under 18. A quad consists of four individual dancers of any gender combination, dancing in any unconnected formation. Hands and bodies may touch lightly, but dancers may not connect to perform a movement. Music will be announced before the competition; quads may prepare their own choreography. Several quads will dance simultaneously; dance-floor etiquette must be observed. Dancers may begin whenever they wish and will not be counted in at the beginning. No participant may dance in more than one quad during a single competition.

Team divisions, ages and summary of rules

Team age group

Age / average-age requirement

Primary

0–6; average age must not exceed 6

Junior

7–13; average age must not exceed 13

Teen

14–17; average age must be at least 14 and no more than 17

Open

18+; average age at least 18

Adult Senior

35+; average age at least 35

Gold

50+; average age at least 50

Gold+

65+; average age at least 65

The team age group is determined by adding the ages of all dancers and dividing by the number of dancers.

Team divisions: Country Classic Team; Modern Line Team; Standard Line Team; Show Team; ProLine Team (Starter, Newcomer). Teams are judged separately in two categories: Small teams (4–7 dancers) and Large teams (8 or more dancers).

Country Classic Team

One dance will be selected before the competition. Dancers must perform the basic steps on the first two walls. Variations may be introduced on the third, fifth and all subsequent odd-numbered walls, unless the step sheet states otherwise. During basic walls, formation changes are possible only by varying step size; changing steps or their direction is strictly prohibited. On variation walls, variations need not follow the direction of the basic dance and dancers may change formation. All dances selected for this division will be danced to country music. Several teams will be on the floor simultaneously, so dance-floor etiquette must be observed.

Modern Line Team

One dance will be selected before the competition. Dancers must perform the basic steps on the first two walls. Variations may be introduced on the third, fifth and all subsequent odd-numbered walls, unless the step sheet states otherwise. During basic walls, formation changes are possible only by varying step size; changing steps or their direction is strictly prohibited. On variation walls, variations need not follow the basic dance direction and dancers may change formation. All dances selected for this division will be danced to non-country music. Several teams will be on the floor simultaneously, so dance-floor etiquette must be observed.

Dancers must perform the first two walls exactly as written in the step sheet. Arms, hands, head and upper body may be used freely, but no steps may be changed; they must be performed exactly as written in the official step sheet. Penalty points will be awarded for failure to follow it. Variations are permitted on the third, fifth and subsequent odd-numbered walls. On the fourth, sixth and subsequent even-numbered walls, the basic steps must be danced with personal expression and style. The step sheet may specify different variation walls.

During basic walls, formation changes may be achieved only by varying step size; steps and their direction must not change. During variation walls, variations need not follow the basic dance direction and formation changes are permitted. Dancers must not interfere with others by entering their dance space. The final two musical phrases (2×4 or 2×3 for waltz) of variation walls must be danced using the basic steps.

For dances with multiple parts (A–B–C), variations are not permitted the first and second time each part is danced. Variations are permitted only from the third repetition of that part, with the final two musical phrases (2×4 or 2×3 for waltz) performed using the basic steps. TAGs and BRIDGEs must not be varied or changed and must be performed exactly as written. Any different variation permissions will be stated in the step sheet (e.g. for A/B/C parts, restarts or TAGs). Acrobatics, sitting or lying on the dance floor are prohibited in these teams.

Standard Line Team

A team must have at least four individual dancers performing any dance combination. Team members may not touch or connect to form patterns or initiate a turn or movement. Lifts, lowering movements and weight-bearing contact are not permitted. Teams dance to music of their own choice, lasting at least 2 and no more than 5 minutes, measured from the first to the last note; entrance and exit music counts towards the limit. Exceeding the time limit will result in a lower final placing. At least 50% of the music used must be country music (music that has appeared on country charts or is performed by recognised country singers or groups). Acrobatics, supporting the body on the hands, sitting or lying on the dance floor are prohibited.

Show Team

A team consists of at least four individual dancers performing any dance combination. Team members may touch and connect to form patterns or initiate turns or movements. Performances may combine line dance and partner-dance styles. Lifts, lowering movements and weight-bearing contact are permitted. Any dance style or combination may be used, with an appropriate theme and freely chosen music. Cabaret/themed costumes and audio/verbal sounds are permitted.

Teams dance to music of their own choice, lasting at least 2 and no more than 5 minutes, measured from the first to the last note. Entrance and exit music counts towards the time limit. Exceeding the permitted time will result in a lower final placing. Any style of music is permitted for Show Teams.

ProLine Team

A team must have at least four individual dancers who do not touch during the dance. ProLine teams perform three dances.

Division

Dance A

Dance B

Dance C

ProLine Starter Team

Solo Starter Dance A

Solo Starter Dance B

Dance of choice

ProLine Newcomer Team

Solo Newcomer Dance A

Solo Newcomer Dance B

Dance of choice

ProLine teams must dance strictly according to the step sheets. Variations and changes in dancers’ positions on the floor during the dance are not permitted. Arms, hands, head and upper body may be used freely, but no steps may be changed; they must be performed exactly as written in the official step sheets.

A leader may optionally dance with a ProLine team and will not be judged. The leader must stand in front of the team (not behind or in the middle). ProLine Starter teams may include dancers who do not compete individually in line dance or who compete no higher than Starter; 20% of dancers may be from Newcomer. ProLine Newcomer teams may include dancers who do not compete individually or who compete no higher than Newcomer; 20% may be from Novice. ProLine teams must have coordinated costumes and a shared visual appearance appropriate to the performance style.

General team rules

For divisions using their own chosen music/dance, team music must be sent to dj.geminiruta@gmail.com no later than one week before the competition, stating the team name and division. A backup copy must also be available at the competition. Delays due to unavailable music may result in team disqualification. The organisers will determine the order of team performances at random. Dramatised scenes, pantomime, singing and comedy performances are permitted for Show Teams but NOT for other teams.

Costumes – all divisions

Men: A cowboy hat must be worn in all dances except funky and novelty styles. If the hat falls off during a dance and is not picked up at the first opportunity, penalty points will be awarded.

Women: Skin-coloured tights and dance briefs must be worn with skirts and dresses; clothing must prevent underwear from being visible. A cowboy hat is optional for women.

For men and women: Country/western dance boots are recommended for all dances. Other dance shoes may be worn for non-country dances, although country/western boots are also permitted. Any other dance shoes must have heels no higher than 5 cm. Themed or formal costumes and masks of any kind are prohibited. No names or advertising may appear on costumes. Strapless tops are prohibited. Costumes must also be worn at the awards ceremony. If unsure whether a costume detail complies with the rules, ask at the competitors’ meeting or consult the organisers before competing.

General rules – competition procedure

An event schedule will be available to every competitor at the start of the Olympics. Competitors must report to the floor coordinator / be in the competitors’ assembly area 10 minutes before their scheduled appearance. The floor coordinator assigns each competitor’s place on the floor. Each competitor’s number is called twice; if the competitor is not on the floor ready to dance, they may be disqualified.

Competitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is fully responsible for them throughout the event. The adult must obtain all necessary information for the competitor in their care, including step sheets and costume rules.

If a division/group has many competitors, preliminary rounds will be held to determine who advances to the final. Preliminary rounds will be held in all divisions with nine or more competitors. Some dancers from each preliminary round will be called to the next round until no more than seven dancers or groups/teams remain.

The organisers must make the step sheets for all competition dances available by publishing them on www.rigaskauss.lv. Dancers must perform according to these step sheets only.

Dance-floor conduct

Chewing gum is prohibited. Audio/verbal sounds and singing are not permitted (except in the team cabaret division). Lip-syncing to the song is permitted. Competitors may not talk to other competitors, spectators or judges during competition dances; otherwise, they may not be called for the next round or may not be awarded a place in the final.

Acrobatic movements are prohibited at any point in a dance, including the introduction and final poses. Acrobatic movements are defined as: (1) any movement in which both feet are above the dancer’s waist height; (2) any movement in which the dancer’s weight is supported on one or both hands; (3) any movement in which the dancer sits or lies on the floor. Splits are prohibited. Kicks are permitted, provided they do not interfere with or endanger other dancers. Show Teams and Showcase Duos are exempt from the acrobatic restrictions.

All dancers must observe dance-floor etiquette. If a movement creates a risk of collision with another competitor, the dancer may not be called for the next round or awarded a place in the final. The affected competitor will not be penalised under the rules. Variations must also follow the direction of dance movement. Separate hand-held accessories are not permitted (except in the Show Team division). Vulgar, seductive or crude movements are prohibited. Movements excessively emphasising flirtation, humour or comedy may prevent a dancer from continuing to subsequent rounds or receiving a final placing.

Competitors’ meeting

Each competitor is responsible for attending the competitors’ meeting. At least one member of each team must attend. The meeting is convened as necessary at the venue before the competition.

Competitors’ responsibilities

Each competitor must ensure they are fully familiar with the latest rules for their division, including the official step sheet and costume rules. Competitors are responsible for finding out about registration and meetings. All teams must be ready to compete at the scheduled time; delays may result in a lower overall placing.

All competitors are expected to behave professionally and appropriately. Anyone behaving unethically or unprofessionally may be disqualified. Competitors who fail to comply with the published rules will be disqualified. Inappropriate behaviour, competition questions, protests or disputes must be brought to the organisers’ attention immediately. All decisions of the organisers, competition coordinators, judges and scorers are final.

Judges

During the competition, judges and other organisers must not disclose information about results or scores to competitors or other attendees under any circumstances. Judges and organisers may communicate with participants during the event except while carrying out their duties. The reason for and outcome of a judges’ meeting will be communicated only to the dancers concerned, if necessary. If the head judge considers an announcement necessary, it will be made only in general terms so that all participants can learn from it.

Participation agreement

By participating in the “Rīgas Kauss” competition, you agree to the following statement: “We undertake not to bring any requests, claims or demands against the organisers of this event in connection with the event. We permit any video recording of the event to be reproduced, sold, made subject to copyright, exhibited, broadcast or distributed. We acknowledge the physical risks of competing in dance competitions and participating in dances and accept full responsibility for any injuries or personal losses that may arise from this event. We do not object to the processing of personal data insofar as it concerns the publication of competitor lists, compilation of results and their publication.”