Andris Ozoliņš
Senior Dance & Community Events Specialist
testlay Solutions Ltd
Years of Dance Instruction
Adults Introduced to Kizomba & Salsa
Baltic Coastal Towns Covered
Regular Beachside Rhythms Participants
The Story Behind the Dance
How one person built a thriving community of dancers across Latvia
Finding the Passion
Back in 2008, Andris was working as a fitness coordinator in central Rīga when he first encountered kizomba. It wasn't love at first sight — it was more like discovering something he didn't know he needed. The intimate, connection-based approach to dance clicked with him immediately. What started as curiosity turned into genuine passion, and within a few years, he'd made the transition from general fitness instruction to specializing exclusively in dance.
A Gap Worth Filling
Around 2012, Andris realized something important. There weren't many welcoming, judgment-free dance spaces for people over 45. Most dance communities skewed younger, and mature adults felt out of place. That's when he decided to focus entirely on this demographic. The response was immediate and overwhelming — people were hungry for this. They wanted to learn, to move, to connect with others without feeling self-conscious about their age or experience level.
The Beachside Rhythms Breakthrough
In 2015, everything accelerated. Andris organized the first seasonal 'Beachside Rhythms' series in Jūrmala — casual, outdoor dance socials with proper instruction but a relaxed vibe. What started as an experiment with about 50 people grew to over 400 regular participants within just a few years. The success wasn't because of fancy marketing. It was because he understood what dancers at that age actually wanted: good teaching, genuine community, and no pressure to be perfect.
Expanding Across the Coast
His reputation grew beyond Jūrmala. By 2017, he'd started conducting workshops in Liepāja's cultural centers, bringing themed dance nights and structured salsa training to Latvia's west coast. Meanwhile, Rīga remained his home base, where he'd organize regular kizomba gatherings and salsa socials throughout the year. The pattern was consistent — show up, teach well, build community, listen to what people actually want.
Education & Credentials
Andris holds a degree from the Latvian Academy of Culture's Dance Studies program (2008). He's pursued advanced certifications in kizomba and contemporary salsa from instructors across Europe — including intensive programs in Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands. But his real education comes from 16 years of working directly with dancers, learning what works and what doesn't, understanding the fears people bring to the dance floor, and figuring out how to make them feel confident.
Why This Work Matters
What drives Andris is witnessing the transformation that social dance brings. He's seen people who were isolated become part of genuine friendships. He's watched people's confidence grow week after week. He's observed how movement and music can improve fitness, mental health, and overall quality of life in ways that generic exercise programs never could. That's why he's meticulous about the guides and resources he creates — every recommendation comes from real experience working with real dancers across Latvia's Baltic towns.
Areas of Expertise
What Andris specializes in across Latvia's dance community
Featured Guides & Resources
Guides Andris has written on weekend dance meetups and community gatherings
Getting Started with Kizomba — A Beginner's Guide to Rīga's Dance Halls
Everything you need to know about stepping into Rīga's kizomba community for the first time. Covers what to expect, what to wear, how to approach partners, and where the best beginner-friendly socials actually happen.
Read the GuideBeachside Dance Socials in Jūrmala — What to Expect & How to Prepare
A complete walkthrough of the seasonal Beachside Rhythms series. Learn about the atmosphere, skill levels welcome, what to bring, and why summer dancing on the Baltic coast is genuinely transformative.
Read the GuideSalsa Techniques That Actually Help You Connect on the Dance Floor
Beyond the basic steps. Andris breaks down the connection, musicality, and partner awareness elements that make salsa dancing feel effortless. Practical, immediately applicable techniques.
Read the GuideLiepāja's Themed Dance Nights — The Fusion Scene on Latvia's West Coast
Explore the unique dance culture happening in Liepāja. From themed nights mixing multiple styles to the intimate community that's built around them, this guide captures the energy of west coast dance socials.
Read the GuideExplore All Weekend Dance Meetups & Guides
Browse the complete collection of guides on kizomba and salsa gatherings in Rīga, beachside dance socials in Jūrmala, themed dance nights in Liepāja, and more. Everything you need to connect through movement across Latvia's Baltic coastal towns.
View All Guides