COVID PROTOCOLS 2022

Updated 12/21/21

Our current protocols for RIFF Dallas 2022 have been updated. We will require a negative COVID test from each person attending the festival. This test must be taken within 48 hours of the event. With the current numbers rising, we feel that testing is our best source of information to keep everyone as safe as possible.

Also, we WILL require masks at RIFF Dallas 2022. For our concert, masks will be used at the Eisemann Center. The only exception is when the performers take the stage. At that time, they may remove their masks.

If you purchased a concert ticket that includes a meet and greet with the guest artists, we will require masks for that event also.

If you are an unregistered person that is attending one of our extra events (the cutting contest for instance), you will need to wear a mask.

Masks must be worn that cover both the mouth and nose.

This area will be updated as any details change.

COVID INFO

Enhanced RIFF Dallas Staff Training with COVID-19 specific content. Staff will receive information and will be trained in matters of COVID-19 exposure and protocols.

Essentially Together

Before you even come to RIFF Dallas, let’s work together to minimize risk:

• Protect yourself and others by:

  * Washing your hands often
  * Avoiding contact with people who are sick
  * Putting distance between yourself and others outside of your home as RIFF approaches
  * Don’t come if you are ill

• Follow travel guidelines set forth by your state and airline

Daily Protocols with the ever changing status of COVID-19, we will re-evaluate closer to the time of the event for specifics on mask wearing guidelines. Everyone’s safety and health are first and foremost in our minds. Therefore, we will have daily temperature checks and we will require all attendees to fill out a pre-screening form online.

INFO & QUESTIONS ABOUT RIFF DALLAS & THE RENAISSANCE HOTEL IN DALLAS

Will my dancer have to be tested to be able to attend RIFF Dallas?

Testing will be re-evaluated closer to time of the event,

What will opening day look like?

We will have social distance requirements in the lobby area. If you are dropping off by car, staff members will be available to assist dancers. We will send out communication in the days prior to the festival detailing all procedures and any updates to arrival times and schedules. We are grateful for your patience and support.

What will closing day look like?

We will be hosting a Closing Ceremony that is open to the public and will require masks for the event. If you are unable to attend, we will live stream the Cutting Contest and Closing

Will there be transportation offered from the airport?

No, you will need to arrange for your own transportation. We recommend utilizing Uber services.

Will dancers and staff be required to wear masks during RIFF Dallas?

Keeping our dancers safe is paramount. All attendees must come with their own face masks and a decision on mask guidelines will be provided before the event begins. We will have some disposables to use in case something happens to their personal masks, but we ask that you come with multiple masks.

How big are Tracs at RIFF Dallas this year?

We are fortunate enough to have very large ballrooms for all of our classes that will allow for social distancing. Class sizes will be limited and we anticipate that tracs will sell out.

What are your procedures for staff?

All staff will complete a health screening and undergo routine temperature checks. In the event that a RIFF Dallas staff member develops symptoms, they will be quarantined immediately and will seek medical attention.

What if a dancer is showing symptoms of COVID-19 or any other illness?

We will isolate and quarantine any dancer or staff exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms. They will be assessed by medical professionals and if appropriate, be sent home.

What are your procedures for food service and dining?

We will be working with the hotel to develop dining options and will have more information closer to the event.

Will attendees be allowed to visit the onsite Starbucks and gift/snack shop?

We are anticipating that these will be open and available.

Are you restricting attendance from any “hot spots” around the country?

At this time, we have decided not to restrict specific states within our country as this is a constantly changing situation.

What about visitors to RIFF?

RIFF Dallas will enforce a NO VISITOR policy in the classrooms as usual. We will encourage everyone to take pictures and videos throughout the week. We will also be photographing and videoing during the week and will compile a video that will be available after the camp. Please give us a few weeks to put it together.

What additional safety measures are you putting in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?

• Limiting group sizes and requiring masks when distancing is not possible.

• Adjusting schedules to modify large group programming.

• Additional hand sanitizer outside of classrooms.

• Signage posted to reinforce important behaviors.

• Daily temperature checks in addition to our regular health screenings.

• Added education about safe hygiene practices.

  Do you or the hotel plan on prescreening people coming into the hotel or requiring pre-tests?

  We will be pre-screening attendees through a questionnaire. We will also require temperature checks upon arrival. We are asking attendees to restrict their exposure for 2 weeks prior to RIFF Dallas by limiting the number of people they come into contact with.

  Have all of the teachers still agreed to come so far?

  Yes, at this time all teachers are still coming. In the event that one is unable to attend, a replacement will be provided.

  Will the attendees still be able to have the “RIFF Dallas” experience with all of these restrictions?

  Yes! We are working very diligently to ensure a safe AND enjoyable experience that will provide valuable growth as a tap dancer.

  What happens if my dancer develops symptoms?

  They will be quarantined and their parents/guardians will be notified immediately.

  If the festival were to get cancelled prior to the event, what is the policy for tuition?

  If we have to cancel due to hotel guidelines or city/state requirements, our policy will be to offer a refund minus 3% (for processing fees) or credit for RIFF Dallas 2022 (minus 3%). The application fee of $25 is non-refundable.

  Why can’t I get a refund if I am unable to attend after I register?

  This year, more than ever, is much more difficult when it comes to refunds/credits. Since we are strictly limiting the number of attendees in person, we will be unable to fill your spot at the last minute, and our costs are based upon the number of attendees in Dallas.

  MY MESSAGE TO ALL OF THE RIFF FAMILY

  The classes will be exceptional, and the ability to bond with others will still be there. We will also have festival activities to take part in. I am working very hard to develop creative ways that we can still have a festival that everyone can love while still operating in a responsible manner. I am personally excited about getting together with our tap family.

  I created RIFF Dallas to bring together and share the knowledge of our masters and the dancers that trained under them. I’ve dreamed for years about sharing as much tap dancing as possible with our great city of Dallas while providing an opportunity for us to come together, grow, and develop relationships that will last a lifetime. These memories and experiences will change and grow who they are as tap dancers and I hope will have a most positive and meaningful impact on their tap dancing.

  I welcome all questions and concerns. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

  Malana Murphy

REFUNDS/CREDITS

No refunds will be given. Please select your trac and events wisely. In the event of state/city/hotel closure, the following can/will occur:

Tuition will be refunded minus a 3% processing fee

OR

Credit will be issued (minus 3% processing fee) for RIFF Dallas 2021

If you choose to not attend RIFF Dallas, and the event is still ongoing, no refunds/ cancellations will be allowed or issued.

In the event that you become sick during the event, we are unable to offer any credits or refunds.

Some of our reviews…

Tap dance comes and goes in the public interest, but behind the scenes, it churns and bubbles and sends out sparks. Every once in a while, those sparks ignite into an entire show. Such was the case on Jan. 14 at the Wyly Theatre, where the Dallas-based Rhythm in Fusion Festival: Tapn2tap unleashed a stunning variety of dance styles. Everything made an appearance from a torrent of sound to a little pitter-patter, from scraping the floor with a foot to parking high on tiptoe, to choreographed ensembles to freewheeling improvised solos.

— Margaret Putnam, Theater Jones

“I can’t wait!”

I just saw the faculty list! It's amazing and I can't wait! So so excited.

— S.B. 2016 festival attendee

“...felt like home...”

Hey there, Malana!  We can't sleep!  We're up talking about the weekend! We wanted to stay - it really felt like home with you, and your crew!  We are also very grateful to have met you, and the wonderful people of RIFF.

— A.K. parent of festival attendee

Bringing the best of tap dancing to the feet of Dallas