Words vs. No Words: Can Gymnastics Music Have Lyrics?
Yes. Rhythmic gymnastics music can include vocals and words under the current FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics Code of Points 2025–2028.
But there is an important distinction: "music with words" is not the same as unrestricted spoken audio.
The current FIG rules focus on whether the soundtrack has a recognizable musical character and whether its content respects ethical norms. They also address spoken words, non-musical sounds, and inappropriate themes.
For coaches and gymnasts, this means that the right question is no longer simply "Are lyrics allowed?" A better question is:
"Does this track comply with FIG music rules, and does the vocal content actually work for the routine?"
This guide explains the current rules and how to choose between music with lyrics and instrumental music for a rhythmic gymnastics routine.
Quick Answer
Are Lyrics Allowed in Rhythmic Gymnastics?
Yes. The current FIG Code does not establish a general prohibition on music with lyrics. However, the music must comply with FIG requirements concerning musical character and ethical content. Music that does not conform to the rules can receive a 0.30-point Artistry penalty.
| Question | Quick answer |
|---|---|
| Can rhythmic gymnastics music have lyrics? | Yes |
| Is instrumental music required? | No |
| Are vocals allowed? | Yes, subject to FIG music rules |
| Is spoken dialogue automatically music? | No |
| Are a cappella and rap recognized? | They may qualify as recognizable musical genres |
| Can inappropriate lyrics be penalized? | Yes |
| FIG limit on routines with lyrics? | The current 2025–2028 Code does not state the old-style seasonal limit |
| Penalty for not conforming | 0.30 points |
Source: FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics Code of Points 2025–2028, Artistry — Music.
1. What Does the Current FIG Code Actually Say?
This is an area where older information can create confusion.
Rules concerning vocals in rhythmic gymnastics have changed across different Code of Points cycles. Therefore, advice found in older articles, videos, forums, or coaching materials may not describe the current rules.
For the 2025–2028 cycle, coaches should use the current FIG Code of Points rather than relying on previous rules.
The current official Code is listed by World Gymnastics as the RG Code of Points 2025–2028, valid from April 1, 2025.
The current approach focuses on the nature and content of the music rather than simply treating the presence of words as the deciding factor.
2. Lyrics vs. Spoken Words: What Is the Difference?
A human voice in a soundtrack does not automatically make it acceptable musical material. FIG distinguishes recognizable music from spoken material that lacks musical character.
This is especially relevant when a track contains:
The important distinction is whether the vocal material is functioning as part of recognizable music.
The Code specifically recognizes that forms such as a cappella and rap can have a musical character even when conventional melodic instrumental accompaniment is absent.
A practical way to think about it
The exact competition soundtrack should therefore be evaluated under the current FIG Code rather than assuming that any recorded voice is permitted.
3. What Lyrics Should You Avoid?
Even when vocals are musically acceptable, what the words say matters. FIG requires music to respect ethical norms.
The Code identifies examples of inappropriate content including:
- swearing
- dirty talk
- violence
- discrimination
Music that fails to conform to the music norms is subject to a 0.30-point penalty.
Always check the complete lyrics
Do not select a song only because:
- “The chorus is clean.”
- “The gymnast doesn't understand the language.”
- “The problematic part is difficult to hear.”
- “The radio version sounds okay.”
Before using a vocal track, review the lyrics of the exact version and exact edit that will be used for competition.
4. Be Careful With Songs in Languages You Don't Speak
This is particularly relevant in an international sport.
A coach may love the character of a French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Russian, Portuguese, or other-language song without knowing exactly what the lyrics mean.
"Musical suitability and lyrical suitability are two separate questions."
Before building a competition routine around a foreign-language track:
- Find the complete lyrics.
- Obtain a reliable translation if necessary.
- Check the exact section being used.
- Identify explicit or ethically inappropriate material.
- Recheck the final edited competition version.
Do not assume that a beautiful melody means the lyrical content is appropriate.
5. Words or No Words: Which Is Better for a Routine?
FIG does not establish one as artistically superior. Both vocal and instrumental music can support a strong rhythmic gymnastics composition. The decision should be based on the gymnast and the choreography.
Music with words
- Can provide an immediate character
- Lyrics may reinforce an idea or emotion
- Voice can create memorable musical accents
- Requires checking lyrical content
- Words can compete with choreography if poorly chosen
- Can work strongly for a gymnast who connects naturally with the song
Instrumental music
- Can leave interpretation more open
- Musical structure carries the narrative
- Instruments can provide clear accents and contrasts
- Avoids lyrical-content concerns
- May allow movement to become the primary storytelling element
- Can work strongly for abstract or highly movement-led compositions
These are creative considerations, not separate FIG scoring rules.
6. Don't Choose a Song Only Because the Lyrics Tell a Story
Lyrics can make a concept immediately understandable. But rhythmic gymnastics is not simply acting out the words of a song.
FIG describes music as helping establish the structure, tempo, guiding idea, and emotion of a composition. Movement and apparatus work should correlate with musical accents and phrases.
Therefore, a strong vocal track still needs usable musical structure.
Listen beyond the lyrics. Ask:
- Does the track have clear musical phrases?
- Are there usable accents?
- Does the intensity change?
- Does the rhythm support the planned movement?
- Can the apparatus respond to the music?
- Is there enough contrast to develop the composition?
- Does the music suit the gymnast’s age, technical level, and artistic qualities?
A meaningful lyric cannot compensate for music that gives the choreographer little to work with.
7. Avoid Choreographing Every Word Literally
When using vocal music, there can be a temptation to translate every lyric directly into a gesture.
Occasional connections between a word and movement can support the concept, but a routine built entirely around literal gestures can lose its relationship with the broader musical structure.
The FIG Artistry framework places emphasis on the relationship between movement and musical phrases, accents, tempo, character, and dynamic changes, not merely individual words.
A useful hierarchy is:
In other words, lyrics can enrich the interpretation, but they do not replace musicality.
8. Can You Cut a Song With Lyrics to 1:30?
Yes, but vocal tracks often require more careful editing than instrumental music.
For FIG senior and junior individual exercises, the routine duration is 1:15–1:30. The challenge is therefore not simply reducing a three- or four-minute song to 90 seconds.
The shortened version still needs to sound musically coherent.
Common problems when editing songs with lyrics
A better editing principle
Don't ask:
"How do we make this song exactly 1:30?"
Ask:
"How do we create a complete 1:15–1:30 competition composition from this material?"
9. The Ending Is Especially Important
Under FIG Artistry rules, the relationship between music and movement continues through the final moment of the exercise.
The current Code lists a 0.30-point penalty for lack of harmony between music and movement at the end of the exercise.
For music with lyrics, the ending deserves particular attention. Ideally, the final:
...should feel intentionally connected. Avoid ending simply because the audio file has reached the required duration.
10. What About Sound Effects, Dialogue, and Movie Quotes?
This is where music selection becomes more complicated. A cinematic track might contain: spoken dialogue, breathing, screams, environmental sounds, sirens, engine sounds, or movie samples.
These elements should not automatically be treated as equivalent to ordinary song lyrics.
The FIG Code addresses music that lacks a typical musical character and specifically regulates music norms. Music that does not conform can receive a 0.30-point penalty.
If a soundtrack relies heavily on dialogue or non-musical sound effects, coaches should check the current Code carefully before using it.
A Practical Vocal Music Test
Before choosing music with words, check:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can rhythmic gymnastics music have words in 2025–2028?
Yes. The current FIG Code does not impose a general ban on lyrics. Music must nevertheless comply with FIG requirements concerning musical character and ethical content.
How many routines with words can a rhythmic gymnast have?
Be careful with older information on this question. The current FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics Code of Points 2025–2028 does not state the former type of seasonal numerical restriction on exercises with words. Coaches should follow the current Code and any additional rules applicable to their federation, level, or competition.
Can rhythmic gymnastics music have vocals without words?
Yes. The presence of a human voice is not itself prohibited. The relevant FIG considerations include musical character and compliance with music norms.
Can I use rap for rhythmic gymnastics?
The FIG Code recognizes rap in its discussion of recognizable musical genres. The specific track must still satisfy the other applicable music and ethical requirements.
Can I use spoken dialogue in rhythmic gymnastics music?
Do not assume that spoken dialogue is treated the same as sung lyrics. FIG distinguishes recognizable musical material from spoken words without appropriate musical character. A dialogue-heavy soundtrack should therefore be checked carefully against the current Code.
Can I use a song with swear words if I edit them out?
The final competition music must comply with FIG ethical requirements. If editing a track, review the actual final audio file rather than relying on the content of the original or another version.
Do lyrics have to match the choreography?
FIG requires the choreography to relate to the music through its structure, phrases, accents, tempo, character, and other musical elements. This is broader than literally illustrating individual lyrics.
Important: FIG Rules and Copyright Are Different Questions
A track being permitted under FIG rules does not automatically mean that it is cleared for competition use. These are two separate checks:
- FIG / competition rules: Is the music appropriate for the exercise?
- Rights / licensing: Do you have the appropriate rights for the intended use?
Both should be considered before committing to competition music.
Sources
- Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG / World Gymnastics). Rhythmic Gymnastics Code of Points 2025–2028, version valid from April 1, 2025.
- World Gymnastics Official Rules repository — Rhythmic Gymnastics.
- FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics Code of Points 2025–2028 — Artistry penalty table.