We are excited to present the RIFF Tap Challenge, a tap competition designed especially for tap dancers!
This competition was created so that tap dancers could be heard and evaluated by a knowledgable set of tap professionals as judges. Presented during the RIFF Dallas Tap Festival, RTC will give tap dancers quality feedback along with amazing scholarships!
Friday, January 16th, 2026
Bank of America Theater at The Eisemann Center, Richardson, Texas
REGISTRATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 15TH
Judges Choice
During the RIFF Tap Challenge, 3 dancers will re-compete in front of an all-star RIFF panel. One dancer will be chosen as the Judges Choice and will perform in the TAPN2TAP Concert on Sunday, January 18th!
Details
3 judge panel with professional judging and critiques
4 age divisions
Numeric scoring with 4 levels of placement: Gold, High Gold, Platinum, and The RIFF Pick!
Competition will be in the Bank of America Theater at the Eisemann Center.
Floor mics on the stage will ensure that all tap dancers will be heard!
Ultimate Challenge
Improvisational solo category for dancers wanting the ultimate challenge. Dancers will draw for a jazz standard from a pre-selected list disclosed at the beginning of the competition and will compete for the title of the Ultimate Challenge!
Rules & Regulations
Time Limits
Solos 3 minutes
Duet/Trios 3 minutes
Groups 4 minutes
Age Divisions
Mini: 8 and under
Youth: 9-12
Teen: 13-17
Adult: 18 +
Scoring
Gold: 260-279
High Gold: 280-287
Platinum: 288-294
The RIFF Pick!: 295-300
Judging Criteria
Musicality: 30 points
Technique: 30 points
Execution of Choreography: 20 points
Overall Impressions: 20 points
Judges will use decimals to help prevent ties. All decisions are final.
Awards
With 2-3 entries per division: 1st place will be awarded
With 4-5 entries per division: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places will be awarded
With 6+ entries per division: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places will be awarded
Special Awards
At the judges discretion, there will also be specialty awards given that may include: The Swing Award, In The Groove Award, In The Pocket Award, Swag & Style Award, The Fit Award, Personality Plus Award, and the top specialty award, The Clean and Crystal Clear Award.
Scholarship Awards
We are excited to announce that we will have scholarships to partnering festivals as well as RIFF Dallas Tap Festival and the MiNi Shed Tap Camp.
The Tap Off
The top 3 dancers will re-compete in front of a prestigious panel of RIFF judges who will select one of the dancers to perform in the TAPN2TAP Concert.
Music
All music must be uploaded by January 1st. Please keep in mind the tap limits. This is a family friendly event, please only use music appropriate for all audiences. RTC reserves the right to ask for modifications and to contact you if we have any concerns.
Fees
Solos: $150
Duet/Trio: $80 per dancer
Groups: $50 per dancer
Registration fee includes the inaugural RT Challenge T-shirt!
Solos: Registration fee is $20
Duet/Trio: Registration fee is $15 per dancer
Groups: Registration fee is $10 per dancer
REFUND POLICY - All sales are final and are non-transferable.
Safety Disclaimer
RT Challenge, under the umbrella company of RIFF Dallas, LLC,, along with the hosting facility are not responsible for any kind of damage, loss, or injury sustained at the event. Dancers and/or their parent/legal guardian must sign a hold harmless agreement prior to competing.
FAQ’s
Do you have to be registered at RIFF Dallas Tap Festival to compete at the RIFF Tap Challenge?
No, the RIFF Tap Challenge is a separate event from the tap festival. We highly recommend taking classes at RIFF, but it is not a requirement to compete.
What is your refund policy?
All sales are final and are not transferable.
Where will the competition take place?
The RIFF Tap Challenge will be held in the Bank of America Theater at the Eisemann Center. The audience is open seating and free to watch the competition.
How will I get my scores and critiques?
All scores and critiques will be provided at the end of the RIFF Dallas Tap Festival and can be emailed out or handed out on Monday afternoon.
Is there a deadline to register?
All registrations must be completed by December 1st, 2025. In the event that the competition sells out, we will post on our website and on social media.
Does this event take the place of the RIFF Dallas Student Showcase?
No, this is a seperate event from the festival. RIFF Dallas will still have the Student Showcase on Saturday, January 17th.
Can I use props?
Only handheld props are allowed. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Is there a limit as to how many dances I can compete?
The only restriction is that a dancer cannot have more than two solos. Their highest scoring solo will be considered for placement but both solos will be adjudicated.