Dance Company Managers

Last Updated: 8.18.2022 at 1:00 p.m.

A Note on Equity

As you think through safety for you, your space, co-workers, and audiences while you practice, teach, manage spaces and even perform again, consider that these practices and regulations do not affect everyone equally, and that efforts should also be made to create equity among peers as well as the people attending events and lessons. Building regulatory measures for safety from the spread of COVID-19 has required the implementation of tracing protocols, data gathering, health screenings and behavioral guidelines, and these measures are being deployed in contexts where there already exist other systems of surveillance and security that disproportionately affect people along lines of disability, race, immigration status, and gender. Furthermore, during a health care crisis just as the one we are living through, access to vaccination, stable housing, testing, employment, reliable information, and even personal protective equipment has been more challenging in working class communities of color.  What this could mean to your organization is that while COVID-19 safety is a priority, you and your coworkers should manage to navigate how each regulation affects people from various social backgrounds differently. 

Protocols around whether a person is vaccinated, on what type of documentation they carry, or how their employment networks are informed during tracing processes, while addressing efforts to control the spread of a virus, carry a variety of biases that fall on racial and class lines, potentially making your spaces more difficult and indeed less safe for disabled people, working class folk, people of color, and non-citizens. Sharing disability status, or it becoming known due to surveillance, can be quite punitive. For this reason, providing accessibility accommodations, even if not requested, supports disabled folks who do not feel safe openly identifying. What you can do to address this systemic bias is to adapt regulations to make space for the needs and requests of the people you work with and your audiences. For example, valid and important concerns about data gathering might arise from immigrant folk in your working community, and you’ll need to adapt those regulations in ways that honor those concerns. You might need to speak with directly affected folk about what other systems of care, tracing and travel safety you can set up that are informed by their needs and concerns. Before thinking about security or law enforcement support for de-escalation needs that might arise, you should look into other alternative ways of upholding your space regulations and meeting de-escalation needs. Directly affected communities can perhaps point to wants that you should consider when training staff and co-workers. 

A safer space is not made through a proclamation of safety or welcoming, but through listening and adaptation processes that involve the wellbeing of people that are affected by an issue. As you review these guidelines and different scenarios, consider their implementation as opportunities to create listening space for directly affected communities and to adapt to their needs and concerns. You’ll have a stronger sense of unity, and ultimately, safety, this way.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

For a condensed version of these Standard Recommendations, including all Mandates and a consolidated list of Best Practices, please visit our General Summary page. 

  1. Cultural Sector Response to lifting of Vaccine and Mask Mandates
  2. Previous Government Mandates and Updates
  3. Classifications
  4. Masking
  5. Vaccines
  6. Testing, Screening, Tracking
  7. Physical Distancing
  8. Visitor Management 
  9. Communication and Signage
  10. Hygiene, Cleaning & Disinfection
  11. Return-to-Work Guidance
  12. Commerce
  13. Performing, Touring, and International Travel
  14. Make a Plan

1. Cultural Sector Response to Lifting of Vaccine and Mask Mandates (March 2022)

NYC continues to navigate the ongoing pandemic with its variants, surges, and over time, its receding levels. The cultural economy, and in particular the live performing arts, are at the front lines of this struggle. Just as Key to NYC required an implementation period, moving away from Key to NYC is a process as well. This document is an attempt to provide guidance and additional references for various parts of the cultural sector. 

GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS ACROSS GENRES

Government recommendations

With Governor Hochul’s lifting of mask mandates, and Mayor Adams’ suspension of the Key to NYC vaccine rules, the sector is moving forward with safe and considered protocols scaffolded as appropriate to the activity in each part of the sector. It should be noted that “New York State’s Department of Health continues to strongly recommend mask-wearing in all public indoor settings as an added layer of protection, even when not required. And children 2 – 5 years old who remain ineligible for vaccination must wear a proper-fitting mask.” The cultural community considers itself a partner to the city’s efforts to steer the city toward a safe, healthy and vibrant future.  

Unions 

Much of the sector employs union workers, and those unions safety requirements will continue to take precedence. In the absence of union protections, arts and culture workers need crucial baseline safety protocols–particularly if their work involves close and sustained physical proximity, as in dance and many performing arts. The safety of public-facing staff, many of whom returned to work with the assurance of safety measures, must also be considered. 

Equity Concerns

COVID safety is also an equity issue as it has had a disproportionate impact on communities of color, disabled people, immigrants, and other historically under-resourced communities, and the cultural sector’s response to continuing safety protocols must reflect the needs and interests of these key members of the sector. For more on equity and mandates, review equity guidance from Dance/NYC and Gibney’s Reopening Dance in NYC Digital Toolkit below. 

Flexibility

We will continue to communicate with our partners in government and ask both the administration and the cultural sector to remember the need for flexibility. The public health crisis continues to morph, and both the virus and our tools to combat it are continually shifting. Safety measures cannot be turned on and off overnight. Plans for safe reopening must be continually updated. So we ask that all parties stay in communication and work together to keep everyone safe so we can all enjoy culture together! 

GENRE SPECIFIC GUIDANCE

Theater

For theater, the Broadway League announced that it would adopt a “mask optional” policy for the month of July. Audience members are still encouraged to wear masks in theaters. Audience masking protocols for August and beyond will be evaluated on a monthly basis and will be announced in mid-July. Most theaters are no longer checking vaccination status.

In the off and off off Broadway world, the Alliance of Resident Theaters of NY (A.R.T./NY) has released a statement providing the guidance that all shows currently in production and rehearsal will maintain mask and vaccine requirements. Dance/NYC and Gibney offer their continually updated guidance in its toolkit for Reopening Dance in NYC. Performing arts unions are continuing with their current protocols, requiring these safety measures be provided to their working members. 

Dance

Dance/NYC and Gibney have collaborated on a Reopening Toolkit for the dance sector which continues to be updated as conditions change. 

ACCESSIBILITY: 

For a comprehensive guide to making events more accessible for those who are able to attend in-person, check out “Access Suggestions for Public Events,” created by disability justice based performance project Sins Invalid.

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2. Previous Government Mandates

KEY TO NYC:

Businesses including indoor dining, indoor fitness (includes dance and other fitness studios), and indoor entertainment (includes theaters and performance venues) are no longer required by the City to check for proof of vaccination for entry. The city has designated that cultural institutions can determine their own policies regarding masking and vaccination. 

Key to NYC Workplace Vaccination Requirement: All private-sector employers in NYC must see proof of vaccination from their employees.  . Those employers are required to sign and publicly post an affirmation that they’re complying with the mandate. Also included are rideshare drivers, people who rent space in a coworking office, and therapists who visit clients in their home. The City may fine employers $1,000+ for violations. Visit this City Vaccine Workplace Requirement webpage to learn more about complying with the mandate. Learn more about what employers need to know about the NYC Vaccine Mandate. 

For reference – Key to NYC requirements that were in effect August 2021 through March 2022:

ll people over the age of 5 are required to show proof of two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by or authorized for emergency use by the FDA or WHO (except for those 18 years and older who received the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine) for indoor dining, indoor fitness (includes dance and other fitness studios), and indoor entertainment (includes theaters and performance venues). The mayor also announced 5-11-year-old children are required to get vaccinated to participate in high-risk extracurricular activities. These activities include sports, band, orchestra, and dance. These requirements also mean that employees working at these locations must be fully vaccinated. People 18 and older are also required to show identification along with their proof of vaccination.

Resources on vaccines and the Key to NYC program can be found on the Vaccines page of this website. Responsible Parties should be prepared to, at any time, adjust and adapt between various levels of danger zones in the event of positive cases within the organization, an increase in COVID cases in the area, and/or the emergence of new COVID variants of concern.

NY HERO Act:

The New York HERO Act, which designated COVID-19 as an airborne infectious disease that presents a serious risk of harm to public health, is no longer in effect. Private sector employers are still required to have an Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plan (the “Plan”), but are no longer required to implement the Plan at this time. Employers can adopt a model safety plan as crafted by the New York State Department of Labor, or develop their own safety plan in compliance with the previous HERO Act standards. 

MASK REQUIREMENTS AND UPDATES

CDC:

Check your COVID-19 Community Level on the CDC website to find whether your area is considered low-, medium-, or high-risk for COVID-19, and recommendations for masking. Health officials emphasized that people should still wear face coverings if they wish or if they are personally at high risk, and spaces/venues/organizations may choose to require masks at their own discretion. 

NEW YORK STATE AND CITY:

While state- and city-wide masking mandates have largely been lifted, businesses, local governments, and counties can choose to implement mask mandates. Mandates or recommendations on the local level supersede state mandates. 

Masks are still required in hospitals, nursing homes, shelters, public transportation, and related entities.

New York State and the State’s Department of Health continue to strongly recommend mask-wearing in all public indoor settings as an added layer of protection, even when not required. Unvaccinated individuals continue to be responsible for wearing masks, in accordance with federal CDC guidance. Learn about the best KN95 masks for COVID protection.

INDUSTRY UNION GUIDANCE:

For up-to-date requirements and recommendations for those working within a unionized sector; or to be referenced as Best Practices:

Please note:

Due to changes to NYS COVID-19 Restrictions and New York Forward Industry Guidance, some of the below recommendations have been archived or labeled as a best practice for general maintenance of public health within the workplace. The archived sections are still included within the content of these Standard Recommendations for reference and as a resource should a business wish to continue to abide by archived guidance.

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3. Classifications

Dance company managers, note that your activities are likely considered moderate or high risk unless you are a soloist or a manager of a soloist dance company. The “type of dance risk” will vary based on the actual activities you plan to engage in and when you plan to engage in them, e.g.: individual or distanced group activities; organized no/low-contact group activities for specific, consistent groups; organized no/low-contact group activities for public groups; local performances and/or showings; and/or touring engagements of multiple performances and/or showings requiring travel. 

If you are a dance company manager that is unionized or has unionized members, be sure to review and integrate union guidance, type of work classification, and specific regulations into your plans and protocols.

  • Reference the most updated version of the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society’s (SDC) guidelines.
  • Reference SAG-AFTRA’s “Safety First” resources and The COVID-19 Return to Work Agreement, which are the outcome of unprecedented coordination and solidarity between the Directors Guild of America (DGA), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) and the Basic Crafts, and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), created in collaboration with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to develop science-based protocols to minimize the risk of transmission, and designed with the unique work environments of film and television production in mind. 

Dance company managers, consider establishing a pod, bubble, or cohort system by doing the following:

  • Invest in a “bubbling” model for internal groups, like your dance company or staff, which allows a group of select individuals to interact mask-free due to established rules (eg. living together, no interaction with anyone outside of your bubble, etc.), medical protocols, tests and vigilance. A presiding authority is required to decide what the rules, protocols, and vigilance measures should be for your bubble. 
  • Implement a cohort model for internal groups, like your dance company or staff:
    • Use a survey to transparently explain the working cohort approach, expected participation, and any implications of opting out, as well as requesting comfort level ratings, questions, and concerns.
      • With members’ feedback, collectively finalize and agree on your cohort approach, with options to revisit it at any time or for members to opt-out without financial repercussion at any time.
    • A working cohort approach may look like:
      • Requiring a COVID test 14 days before returning to work.
      • Requiring 100% participation in self-quarantine for the 14 days of quarantine, before returning to work.
      • Confirming COVID test results, when available, with all cohort members.
        • Privacy note: Due to the HIPAA Privacy Rule, your HR department or another internal point of contact cannot legally save or track detailed personal test information; they can merely track the date and “pass/fail.” If individuals are not comfortable sharing a screenshot or paper trail of test results, consider having them provide this information over an unrecorded, password-protected zoom meeting (visually, without a paper trail or verbally).
      • An agreement to not increase each cohort member’s social bubble throughout rehearsals/performances and/or an agreement to get additional testing or quarantine in the instance that social interaction increases.
      • An agreement around travel to and from rehearsals/performances that could be in the form of intentional studio and venue selection based on proximity, investing in a stipend for (and encouraging) non-public transit, and/or training around how to use public transportation in the safest manner possible, coupled with travel slated during non-peak hours.
      • Requiring testing every two (2) weeks to ensure continued safety among the cohort.
      • In some instances, this approach may allow for partnering and dancing with contact, however, masks should remain on at all times.
    • A cohort is a group of select individuals within a larger group of individuals who are kept together to engage in their activity through scheduling measures that promote consistent separation of one cohort from another and therefore control interaction.
  • Adjust your business model to create a cohort model for external groups, like dance classes and client rental bookings:
    • Note that when the individuals are not your employees, the cohort model will need to be more lenient and focused on your internal management and on-site health screenings as opposed to the individual testing, quarantining, and travel decisions of external parties.
    • The following are ways you could internally lead with the goal of reducing exposure:
      • Instead of drop-in classes offered to the public at large, make multiple dance class sessions available for sign up over a specific time period on different days or staggered within the same day.
      • Instead of ad hoc rentals offered to the public at large, prioritize larger-scale rental commitments like lockouts, space partnerships, those with clients who have consistent space needs over a specific time period, and/or one (1) rental client per day.
    • A cohort is a group of select individuals within a larger group of individuals who are kept together to engage in their activity through scheduling measures that promote consistent separation of one cohort from another and therefore control interaction.

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)

In 2020-2021, businesses were able to use their NAICS number (a 2-6 digit number) to identify their industry’s open/closed/restricted status based on statewide COVID-19 closures and protocol. As of July 2022 there are no longer restrictions on businesses In New York State, but it is recommended that businesses know their NAICS number for both general use and in the event of potential industry-wide closures or restrictions in the future.

  • If you do not know your industry number (NAICS number), which is anywhere from two (2) to six (6) digits long, you can determine it here. Search a keyword related to your business in the top search bar on the left side of the page.
  • Please note that if your organization aligns with multiple industries, there may be more than one industry classification that is relevant.

Relevant NAICS codes:

  • NAICS 711120 – Dance Company
  • NAICS 561110 – Office Administrative Services
  • NAICS 711510 – Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers
  • NAICS 711310 – Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities
  • NAICS 711320 – Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events without Facilities 
  • NAICS 711219 – Other Spectator Sports

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4. Masking

While state- and city-wide masking mandates have largely been lifted (including in public schools and most public spaces), businesses, local governments, and counties can choose to implement mask mandates. Mandates or recommendations on the local level supersede state mandates. 

Masks are still required in hospitals, nursing homes, shelters, public transportation, and related entities in New York City.

New York State and the State’s Department of Health continue to strongly recommend mask-wearing (and six feet of physical distancing) in all public indoor settings as an added layer of protection, even when not required and regardless of vaccination status. Children 2 – 5 years old who remain ineligible for vaccination must wear a proper-fitting mask.

Responsible Parties may require that employees and patrons/dancers/teachers/audience members are permitted entry into the studio, theater, or performing arts center only if they wear an acceptable face covering, provided that they are over the age of two (2) years and able to medically tolerate such covering. 

  • Any mask requirements that businesses choose to implement must adhere to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act).

The CDC recommends wearing a mask with the best fit, protection, and comfort for the individual. Loosely woven cloth products provide the least protection, layered finely-woven products offer more protection, well-fitting disposable surgical masks and KN95s offer even more protection, and well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators (including N95s) offer the highest level of protection.

Acceptable face coverings for COVID-19 include, but are not limited to, cloth-based face coverings and disposable masks appropriate for exercise that cover both the mouth and nose. Learn about the CDC’s Guide to Masks.

  • Bandanas, buffs, masks with vents, or gaiters are not acceptable face coverings for dancers’ use in studios, theaters, or performing arts centers.
  • However, cloth, disposable, or other homemade face coverings are not acceptable face coverings for workplace activities that typically require a higher degree of protection for personal protective equipment (PPE) due to the nature of the work. For those activities, N95 respirators or other PPE used under existing industry standards should continue to be used, in accordance with OSHA guidelines. Learn about the best KN95 masks for COVID protection.
  • The CDC offers additional ways you can improve how your mask protects you.
  • For individuals who are unable to medically tolerate an acceptable face covering, Responsible Parties must ensure that such individuals wear a face shield at all times. However, the CDC “does not currently recommend use of face shields as a [sufficient] substitute for masks.”
  • Unvaccinated individuals continue to be responsible for wearing masks, in accordance with federal CDC guidance. 

Face coverings must be cleaned or replaced after use and may not be shared. Please consult the CDC guidance for additional information on cloth face coverings and other types of PPE, as well as instructions on use and cleaning.

  • Responsible Parties must advise employees and patrons/dancers/teachers/audience to regularly clean or replace their face coverings if they become wet or soiled.

Individuals may choose or be required to wear their face coverings during dance activity of any kind—performances (inclusive of any group activity with an audience like fully produced shows, informal shows, open rehearsals, practice sessions, dance battles, dance jams, etc.) classes, and rehearsals. When wearing such coverings interferes with necessary aspects such as hair, makeup, or wardrobe, performers may temporarily remove their face coverings and should don them as soon as possible. 

The following exceptions are permitted for all employees and patrons/dancers/teachers/audience members:

  • Individuals may be temporarily permitted to remove face coverings while eating or drinking, so long as they maintain six (6) feet of distance from other individuals.
  • Individuals may be temporarily permitted to remove face coverings in aquatic settings (e.g. pool, individual shower).
  • Individuals may be temporarily permitted to remove face coverings if they are working solo in a designated space (so long as there is adequate ventilation and room turnover time before the next individual enters the studio) or if the individuals in the space are cohabitating. 

Responsible Parties may further ensure individuals not participating in dance activities (e.g. teachers, audience members) wear acceptable face coverings when they are less than six (6) feet from other individuals, unless a physical barrier is present. Additionally, employees may be asked to wear face coverings anytime they interact with patrons/dancers/teachers/audience members, regardless of physical distance.

  • If you are a solo dancer or dance worker, you may be permitted to rehearse and train without a mask, as long as you are the only individual in the space with the doors closed and windows open. Be sure to confirm with the Responsible Party/Parties.

Responsible Parties should always have masks available for the public.

In addition to the necessary PPE as required for certain workplace activities, Responsible Parties must procure, fashion, or otherwise obtain acceptable face coverings, and provide such coverings to their employees while at work at no cost to the employee. Responsible Parties should have an adequate supply of face coverings, masks, and other required PPE on hand should an employee need a replacement, or should a patron/dancer/teacher/audience member be in need. 

Responsible Parties must train workers on how to adequately don, doff, clean (as applicable), and discard PPE, including, but not limited to, acceptable face coverings.

Dance company managers, communicate these considerations for dancers who wear masks:

  • A mask will make it harder to breathe during exercise initially and dancers should self-monitor for symptoms of light-headedness, dizziness, numbness or tingling, and shortness of breath 
    • Monitor the intensity of your class/workout as you get used to wearing a mask during exercise.
    • Your body will adapt over a few weeks to wearing a mask 
    • If you start to feel dizzy, imbalanced, or over-fatigued, stop your activity and rest. 
  • You may require multiple masks to get through the day. 
  • If your mask becomes saturated with moisture from breathing or sweat you need to change into a dry mask. A wet mask is less efficient than a dry mask at filtering bacteria and viruses. 
  • Disposable masks should be worn only once and then replaced with a fresh mask. 
  • All reusable masks should be cleaned ideally in a washer with hot water and soap and then dried in a dryer before next use.

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5. Vaccines

For more information, please check out our VACCINES specific page.

Though no longer mandated by the city (except for the still-mandated private sector Workplace Vaccination Requirement), Responsible Parties may choose to continue following the vaccination policies outlined in the former Key to NYC Pass Program to maximize health and safety in their spaces. This program required that all people over the age of 5 show proof of two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by or authorized for emergency use by the FDA or WHO (except for those 18 years and older who received the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine) for indoor dining, indoor fitness (includes dance and other fitness studios), and indoor entertainment (includes theaters and performance venues). 5-11-year-old children were also required to get vaccinated to participate in high-risk extracurricular activities, including sports, band, orchestra, and dance. These requirements also meant that employees working at these locations must be fully vaccinated. People 18 and older were required to show identification along with their proof of vaccination.

Key to NYC Workplace Vaccination Requirement: All private-sector employers in NYC must see proof of full vaccination from their employees. Those employers are required to sign and publicly post an affirmation that they’re complying with the mandate. Also included are rideshare drivers, people who rent space in a coworking office, and therapists who visit clients in their home. The City may fine employers $1,000+ for violations. Visit this City Vaccine Workplace Requirement webpage to learn more about complying with the mandate. Learn more about what employers need to know about the NYC Vaccine Mandate. 

Proof of vaccination

Proof of vaccination may include:

Excelsior Pass is a digital ecosystem that enables individuals to store digital proof of test results and/or vaccine status and businesses and venues to verify these items without accessing personal health data. Learn more and download the app on the New York Forward website. In considering the use of Excelsior Pass, account for the many data privacy and legitimate concerns from immigrant communities all over New York.

NYC COVID Safe App is part of the “Key to NYC Pass” initiative to provide proof of vaccination. Many New York City employers, businesses, and venues are requiring verification of immunization or weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test for their workforce and patrons. Use this app to store and present the necessary documentation to verify that you have met these requirements. The documentation you upload into this app is not shared with anyone and stays on your phone only.

More information on COVID-19 Vaccines can be found here:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html

https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/

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6. Testing, Screening, Tracking

6a. Testing

For a comprehensive list of testing resources, please refer to our Vaccines and Testing page.

Responsible Parties may require proof of a negative Rapid (antigen) or PCR (molecular) test to enter a facility, studio, venue, performance space, etc. (may be in addition to or instead of requiring proof of vaccination).

  • While more accurate, PCR tests often take longer to give a result. Responsible Parties may request a negative PCR test from anywhere between the previous 24-72 hours, knowing that the more recent, the more accurate the test will be.
  • While generally less accurate, antigen (also called “rapid”) tests give results more quickly, usually within 15 minutes of taking the test. Responsible Parties may request a negative antigen test anywhere from immediately (testing done on-side) up to 24 hours prior to an event, knowing that the more recent, the more accurate the test will be. 

The following are recommendations for dance company managers who are setting up a regular testing protocol:

  • Require COVID-19 tests for any dancers, dance workers, office-based workers, staff, and/or faculty on a predetermined basis (for example, every two (2) to four (4) weeks).
  • Reiterate that COVID-19 testing is free, confidential, and available at various locations. 
  • Create an accountability plan for test monitoring, which may look like sending a screenshot of confirmed test results to your point of contact or HR department, sending an email confirming test results, reporting on test results verbally, showing test results in person, showing test results while on a video conference, or a combination of any of these methods based on individual comfort level.

CDC Recommendations for People with COVID-19 and COVID-19 Close Contacts (updated as of August 2022):

If you tested positive for COVID-19 or have mild symptoms and are waiting for test results:

  • Isolate. Stay at home for at least 5 days.
  • Wear a mask, stay in a separate room from other people, and use a separate bathroom if you can.
  • Do not travel for 10 days.
  • If you can’t wear a mask, stay home and away from other people for 10 days.
  • Contact your healthcare provider to discuss your test results and available treatment options.

At day 6 if symptoms are improving and you have no fever without fever-reducing medication for 24 hours:

  • You can leave isolation.
  • Keep wearing a mask around other people for 5 more days.

If your symptoms are not improving and/or you still have fever:

  • Continue to stay home until 24 hours after your fever stops without using fever-reducing medication and your symptoms have improved.

After you feel completely better, keep wearing a mask around other people at home and in public through day 10.

If you have you been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19:

  • Quarantine: If you are not up to date with COVID-19 vaccines or haven’t had COVID-19 in the past 90 days, stay home and away from other people for at least 5 days. Avoid travel through day 10. If you are up to date or had COVID-19 in the past 90 days you do not have to quarantine.
  • Wear a mask around other people for 10 days.
  • Watch for symptoms of COVID-19 for 10 days.
  • Get tested on or after day 5 or if you have symptoms. People who had COVID-19 in the past 90 days should only get tested if they develop symptoms.

Consider maintaining a frequently updated resource list for testing and healthcare, including a list of free or low-cost testing services. Should a person screen positive for COVID-19, they should be provided with this resource list. 

To dance company managers whose companies do not have health insurance: Remind all company members that COVID-19 testing is free, confidential, and available at various locations. For those seeking health insurance, consider directing them to:

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6b. Screening

Dance company managers, please consider conducting health screenings prior to any indoor or outdoor activities/gatherings, and understand that Responsible Parties may also require more than one (1) per day (e.g. if you exit and re-enter the facility).

Dance company managers conducting health screenings independently or in addition to a facility, consider doing so in a flexible, equitable, and highly confidential manner:

  • Follow guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regarding confidentiality of medical records from health checks.
  • Keep the HIPAA Privacy Rule in mind and use only pass/fail to denote results on health screening questionnaires and/or temperature checks, and do not save or share personal health information.
  • Prevent stigma and discrimination by making health screenings as private as possible.
    • Do not make determinations of risk based on race or country of origin, and be sure to maintain the confidentiality of each individual’s medical status and history.
    • Do not make determinations of access to your space based on willingness or unwillingness of people to share documentation of their health status or other work/exposure conditions with you in writing or forms. 
  • Offer the choice to complete a daily health screening (questionnaire and/or temperature screening) either in person or virtually.
  • If implementing in-person health checks:
    • Conduct them safely and respectfully.
    • Use social distancing, barrier or partition controls, or personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect the screener. 
    • Complete the health checks in a way that helps maintain social distancing guidelines, such as providing multiple screening entries into the building.

To all dance company managers: Communicate in advance what members are required to disclose in daily health screenings and temperature checks and what happens if someone contracts COVID-19. Identify the Responsible Parties’ central point of contact for your dancers. This point of contact may vary by activity, location, shift or day; they are responsible for receiving and attesting to having reviewed all health screening questionnaires, and for receiving information from patrons/dancers/teachers/audience members who later experience COVID-19-related symptoms.

Dance company managers, encourage all dancers to self-monitor their symptoms. This may include but is not limited to:

  • Checking for fever > 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, shortness of breath twice a day 
  • Daily review of other symptoms that could be related, e.g. sore throat, congestion, headache, muscle and joint pain, chills, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, loss of sense of smell, pink eye 

Anyone who develops symptoms should leave immediately, seek care from their physician, and isolate.

If you are a dance company manager conducting health screenings independently or in addition to a facility, keep the HIPAA Privacy Rule in mind and use only pass/fail to denote results on health screening questionnaires and/or temperature checks, and do not save or share personal health information.

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6c. Tracking

Explain contact tracing procedures that come into place when someone from the group is infected, which can include where data is stored, how it is used, how long it is maintained. If possible, propose ways to notify other employers or other spaces in ways that are anonymous, or that don’t require personal data about a member’s families, addresses, etc.

To all dance company managers, understand your insurance and potential liability issues should a member of your company or someone working with your company contract COVID-19:

  • Consult with your insurance broker to determine if your general liability policy covers COVID-19.
  • Know that it would be difficult, but not impossible, for the contraction of COVID-19 to be traced to your venue or company.
  • Let those employees covered by Worker’s Compensation Insurance know whether or not it covers them in the instance of COVID-19.
  • Regardless, in any instance of exposure to a confirmed case of COVID-19, you need to be ready to prove that all proper health and safety protocols were planned, clearly communicated, and implemented.

If you are a dance company manager who is considered a Responsible Party, consider an app to support the logs you must retain for tracing and tracking purposes: 

  • When considering tracing apps, inquire into their data security and how data is disposed of after it’s no longer of use. 

If you are a dance company manager conducting performances, consider your ability to foster a safe environment with screening, tracing, and tracking capability for all dancers and audiences by using the following:

  • Tickets and RSVPs, with all necessary contact information, required for attendance
  • On-site staff to manually collect necessary information to the best of their ability
  • A “sign-in” for the public when performing in a public space to capture necessary information to the best of your ability

Proceed with all of the above with the full understanding and transparency that you are not going to be able to enforce full public participation and/or cannot ensure with certainty the complete safety of your dancers and the public this way.

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7. Physical Distancing

7a. General Best Practices

Responsible Parties may ensure that a distance of at least six (6) feet is maintained among individuals, including employees and patrons/dancers/teachers/audience members, at all times, unless safety or the main activity requires a shorter distance (e.g. moving equipment, using an elevator, attending to a medical emergency). It is recommended that exercise or dance activity always allow for at least six (6) feet of distance between individuals, with 8–12 feet recommended when dance activity occurs within a confined space, for maximum safety. 

Take accessibility into account when modifying space layouts for social-distancing purposes:

  • Ensure wheelchair-accessible entrances to the venue, in addition to accessible bathroom facilities. 
  • Ensure the space remains in the same configuration for vision-impaired or blind people.
  • If you operate out of an older building not up to ADA codes, have explicit facility info (e.g. note any steps to doorways, restroom details such as railing positions, etc.) available on both your website and in your venue, as well as contact information for accessibility needs and/or questions.

Clarify and specify (in contracts, etc.) your facility’s right to monitor the activity and space during any on-site activities, to ensure adherence to safety protocols.

Consider providing a separate, designated holding space whenever necessary for non-dance activity (e.g. media shoots, equipment storage, auditions, green room, dancers office space) to promote increased social distancing and designated spaces for dance and non-dance activity.

If you are a dance company that offers performances, create clear ingress and egress plans specific to your space in order to maintain physical distance. For instance, the venue could manage ingress/egress the same way flights do so as to clear space for patrons to enter and exit safely. 

  • Further train staff to manage crowds during emergency situations to mitigate the potential risk of COVID-19 contagion while individuals exit the venue. An emergency egress plan must be devised in coordination with the venue’s Fire Safety Official. You must have a plan posted at entry and exit points with instructions on how to exit during an emergency situation while maintaining at least six (6) feet of physical distance.

Be sure to maintain social distancing and wear an acceptable face covering when conducting any media or press interviews, as is expected as part of the NYS DOH’s “Media Production Guidance.”

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7b. Dance Activity Best Practices

Dance company managers, encourage dance company members to arrive with dance clothes or costumes on or under street clothes to avoid communal gatherings in dressing rooms, locker rooms, and bathrooms.

Dance company managers, do not linger on site and use the “get in, dance, get out” approach, as coined by Ausdance NSW, for all on-site dance activity.

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7c. Enclosed Spaces

“Enclosed Spaces” are meant to encompass spaces without external ventilation such as windows and may include restrooms, elevators, locker rooms, dressing rooms, and some studio spaces.

If you are a dance company manager who operates their own space, consider designating a specific restroom stall or facility for the dance company’s exclusive use.

Dance company managers, make company dancers aware of the increased risk of exposure that comes with regularly using shared and/or enclosed spaces like elevators and restrooms. Avoid them when possible, and when this is not possible, be sure to have PPE and practice thorough hand hygiene.

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8. Visitor Management

To dance company managers whose companies typically have on-site audiences:

  • Be sure to enforce all guidelines that apply to anyone entering the studio, theater, or performing arts center (e.g. mask wearing, health screening, social distancing, etc.).
  • Further, consider doing the following:
    • Prohibit on-site audiences for informal gatherings like showings and open rehearsals.
    • Use virtual streaming as an alternative to reach audiences.
    • If welcoming on-site audiences, consider arranging any fixed or flexible audience seating so that individuals remain six (6) feet apart in all directions, are avoiding paths of airflow, and are located in a large open space with high ceilings, windows, and/or adequate HVAC and circulation requirements.

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9. Communication and Signage

If you are a dance company manager with space, consider the following cheat sheet of the top items to communicate with the public, in addition to anything mandated by state or local guidance: (some bullet points elaborated below)
  • Your reopening plan and safety protocols
  • Contact information for your reopening point of contact, site safety manager, and accessibility needs contact
  • A disclaimer providing a basic health risk reminder and liability release
  • The Code of Conduct for everyone participating in on-site activity
  • The plan or policy for addressing those (employees or public) who refuse to comply with NYS guidance and/or the facility safety protocols, and the whistleblower procedure for directing such concerns and instances
  • The specific cleaning and disinfectant products you are using throughout your studio, theater, and/or performing arts center to avoid any allergic or anaphylactic reactions

Dance company managers, craft an “Exposure to COVID-19 disclaimer” and an associated “Code of Conduct” to accompany any and all communications around your reopening plans and dance activities of any kind.

Dance company managers, communicate a “whistleblowing” method for dancers to share if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable, or if they see someone not complying with health and safety measures that allow for real-time reports and ongoing, anonymous reports/surveys.

Dance company managers, when communicating about your reopening publicly, consider streamlining your messages, such as:

  • What you are doing to keep audiences safe
  • What you are doing to keep company members safe
  • What your specific policies and procedures are for [PARTICULAR AUDIENCE]:
    • Resident Dance Company
    • Visitors/Renters
    • Staff
    • Faculty
    • Audiences
    • Etc.
  • Further, tailor all digital communication whenever possible to provide the recipient as much clarity on what exactly is expected of them, as well as when and why such expectations apply.

Dance company managers, it is highly recommended that you establish a written agreement with company dancers, staff, and all regular, new, and as-needed faculty, dance teachers, collaborators, and other independent contractors to ensure that your reopening plans, safety protocols, as well as lists of points of contact, site safety managers, and company liaisons have been received, reviewed, and agreed upon by all.

  • Include an option to sign and date in agreement with the caveat that the employee or employer can revisit and request changes to the agreement at any time.
  • Include an option to sign, date and opt out of the agreement; provide what the implications or compromise will be (repositioned within a staff department in need of support, provided a new role during this interim period, asked to lead or build out virtual dance activities, engaged with a hybrid in-person and remote activity, etc.), ideally without loss of payment, job, or original pre-COVID position.
  • In the instance of a significant (more than 50%) lack of consensus, your reopening plans should be revisited and amended to ensure the safety and security of your faculty, dance teachers, collaborators, and other independent contractors to the best of your ability.
Dance company managers, consider digital and, if relevant, on-site signage related to your specific public reopening protocols, disclaimers, and/or codes of conduct to ensure transparency among everyone who engages with your company.
  • Further ensure that dancers or dance students with lived experience of disability fully understand the health risks and COVID safety measures and consent to participating in rehearsal, class, and/or performance with the knowledge they can withdraw, as desired, at any point.
Dance company managers, ensure all COVID-19 information and reopening protocols are communicated clearly and accessibly, whether written or spoken:
  • For all digital communication to your dance community (e.g. via Facebook or in your e-newsletter), ensure images are verbally described in the image’s caption and ensure that information can be read via screen readers (e.g. avoid screenshots of Twitter posts).
  • Review Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to further your digital accessibility measures.
  • Depending on student/staff/parent cohorts, consider providing ASL interpretation of health updates, Braille versions of key signage and a COVID safe badge, and Easy Read versions of all or select COVID-related communications to support those who are deaf/hard of hearing, those who are blind/vision-impaired, or those with intellectual disability.
  • For spoken communication to people with companions, ensure communication is directed straight to the person and not their companion.

Dance company managers, ask for and/or follow the protocols provided to you by other Responsible Parties (studios, theaters, performing arts centers, performance venues, outdoor spaces, etc.). Each may vary. If you are not comfortable with a Responsible Party’s safety measures or lack thereof, consider discussing this with the Responsible Party, reconsidering your engagement or establishing increased safety measures for your dance company.

Dance company managers, be aware that limited on-site staffing across studios, theaters, and performing arts centers may mean a more limited capacity around production elements and support.

If you are a dance company manager with space, consider communicating (e.g. on your website, in rental agreements, in class and space confirmation emails) what cleaning and disinfectant products you are using to avoid any allergic or anaphylactic reactions.

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10. Hygiene, Cleaning & Disinfection

If you are a dance company manager who uses various spaces, consider having additional hand sanitizer for company members’ use, though all Responsible Parties (e.g. studios, theaters, and/or performing arts centers) should and are required to have hygiene, cleaning, and disinfectant supplies readily on site.

Consider hosting advance, digital training on COVID-19 safety including hand and respiratory hygiene, PPE protocols and access, and cleaning and disinfection protocols and procedures. Promote ongoing, regular training sessions. Example resources include: 

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10a. Air Handling Systems

Dance company managers, keep in mind that having classes and/or rehearsals performed within an indoor location(s) has the following airflow implications:

  • Exercising indoors can pose a greater risk of transmission than exercising outdoors for multiple reasons, including less airflow and being in an enclosed space.
  • Sharing the same air for longer than 150 minutes over a 24-hour period increases the chances of exposure and infection. 
  • The following are additional measures you can take:
    • Maximizing fresh air intake:
    • Open windows when possible.
    • Keep doors open when possible.
    • Consider adding fans in windows for increased fresh airflow.
    • Position fans to direct air in a single direction.
    • When possible, airflow should be directed above head level to prevent air blowing directly from one person into another.
    • Dance company managers, be mindful of the air-conditioning and/or fan direction within your space, and minimize the number of dancers lined up in that airflow path.
    • Change all HVAC filters to at least MERV – 13 filters. Consider changing HVAC filters on a more regular and/or frequent basis.
    • Change HVAC settings to a higher percentage of fresh air intake where applicable.
    • Clean HVAC systems regularly.
    • Change settings on AC units to fresh air intake when possible.
    • Leave adequate time between studio users to have the air completely recirculate (i.e., staggered scheduling).
    • When possible, split up groups so there are fewer people sharing space at any given time. Always follow CDC- and state-required capacity requirements. 
    • Consider air purifiers and filters for rooms that do not have any windows, though they have not been tested and proven to filter out COVID-19.
    • If fans are being used, make sure they are being cleaned regularly with products registered by the EPA as effective to kill COVID-19.
    • Confirm exhaust fans in bathrooms are running all the time and at a minimum 1.0 cfm/sf.
    • For additional advice, consult with an Industrial Hygienist for your specific space.

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11. Return-to-Work Guidance

Dance company managers, consider these steps to accommodate a comfortable transition back to the indoor or outdoor studio/theater:

  • Establish clear communication and safety agreements and protocols with all company members about re-entry to the field.
  • Offer collective and anonymous methods of gathering feedback and comfort level from your dancers prior to reopening and on an ongoing basis.
  • Share any communication provided to you by the studio(s), theater(s), or performing arts center(s) you are working with.
  • Be flexible as you schedule dance activity (keeping travel safety in mind) and projects, residencies, performances, and tours (keeping commitments to a minimum in this time of great uncertainty).
  • Explore and integrate virtual/digital processes into your company’s workflow as an ongoing accessibility practice and/or backup measure in the instance of 1) another lockdown and/or 2) some dancers opting out of indoor dance activity due to safety concerns.
  • Create a general “Dance Company Plan for Indoor Activity” for all indoor dance activities and measures the company agrees to abide by, in addition to the venue/Responsible Party’s safety measures.
  • Create a general “Dance Company Plan for Outdoor Activity” for all outdoor dance activities and measures the company agrees to abide by, in addition to the venue/Responsible Party’s safety measures. Provisions can include:
    • Temperature and weather-related parameters
    • Water and bio-break policy:  including additional time to access facilities that may be further away than if in a studio setting
    • Accessibility of outdoor space, facilities, and environment
    • Game plan for handling potential interactions with the public (if rehearsing in a public outdoor space) 

Dance company managers, consider the timing of your end goal:

  • Does it make sense to bring dancers back into the studios to help condition them if safe performance cannot happen until months later?
  • How will you make space to recondition dancers’ endurance and strength after such an extended and unusual layoff? 
    • Since dancers have had to condition in smaller spaces, on different floor surfaces, and/or with varied instruction, a company should offer an appropriate and graded progression of a minimum of four to six (4–-6) weeks, depending on the activity and dance genre, for the dancers to return to full dancing. 

Dance company managers, consider phased-in dance activity:

  • Quarantine for a set amount of time before resuming regular rehearsal/training activity to establish a cohort.
  • Assign a dance company liaison to coordinate advance needs and protocols with the studio, theater, or performing arts center(s) at which you are training and rehearsing, and clearly relay information to the dance company. 
  • Prioritize any solo, duet, or trio repertoire prior to resuming group repertoire, as much as possible
  • Integrate digital media for streamed teaching or performance, as much as possible.
  • Resume live performance or showings with live audiences as your final phase of re-entry.
  • See Dance/USA’s “Return to Dancing & Training Considerations” for a more detailed example of a phased reopening approach for dance activity. (Published May 2020)

Dance company managers, consider a phased-in approach for your company members:

  • Phases One to Three (Weeks 0–6) are characterized by the re-acquisition of skill and increase in strength and endurance. 
  • Phases Four and Five (Weeks 7 plus) are characterized by the reintroduction of more complex skills and increased intensity and duration of training.
  • Review these phases and strategies in further detail, as presented in Performance Medicine’s Return to Dance Safely for a simple yet effective way to apply scientific loading principles and research so that your dancer(s) can return to dance in a safe and sustainable way.

Dance company managers, consider equitable options for those dancers who may not feel safe returning to in-person dance. E.g.:

  • Have a conversation about their desire to be furloughed so that they may collect unemployment compensation and not have the obligation of work for the time being, or to be kept on payroll and temporarily reassigned.
  • Have a conversation about how their role can temporarily shift until they feel comfortable to safely return.
  • Temporarily assign them to an exclusively remote dancer role (e.g. live-streamed dance training or repertory development, etc.).
  • Temporarily assign them to remotely support reopening plans.
  • Temporarily assign them to remote administrative duties or to a team in need of additional support.
  • Encourage remote professional development activity, mentoring, or shadowing of colleagues working in other areas of interest.
  • Deploy them remotely as a company representative and information gatherer across field-wide calls, meetings, conversations, panels, webinars, etc.

If you are a dance company manager with a Human Resources staff or department, consider empowering these staff in your reopening efforts, especially when it comes to:

  • managing health screenings, logs, testing data, tracing communications, and other confidential information, etc, and
  • assisting with clear intercompany/staff communication and updates. 

If you are a dance company manager without a Human Resources staff or department, consider doing the following:

  • Nominate a leader within the company or another staff member to manage health screenings, logs, testing data, tracing communications, and other confidential information, as well as assist with clear intercompany/staff communication and updates. Make sure to compensate this staff or company member for these additional tasks, if they fall outside their typical workload.
  • Take on and prioritize the responsibility of managing health screenings, logs, testing data, tracing communications, and other confidential information, as well clear intercompany/staff communication and updates yourself.
  • Note that workers might have different concerns about confidential information, especially when they don’t hold citizenship in this country. Laws about how health and financial status affects residency and citizenship can change between government administrations, so we suggest communicating how confidential information in your company will be made anonymous and/or disposed of when not needed anymore (after 2-3 weeks of the record of an event).  

All dance company managers should review, edit, and implement safe workforce policies and procedures around workday schedules, remote time, lunch breaks, sick leave policy, and benefits. In addition to general cleaning and training, all dance company managers should consider placing their on-site “essential” workers in customer service training, de-escalation training, and COVID-19 management training. As you consider de-escalation training, look to training that offers an anti-oppressive lens, which could mean that they don’t rely on calling police or other law enforcement agencies. 

Consider reviewing and providing de-escalation training for your frontline, on-site staff. Some resources include:

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12. Commerce

Dance company managers, be sure to consistently use facilities’ digital pre-registration, pre-space booking, and pre-ticket reservations to book class, sign up for space, and/or buy tickets.

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13. Performing, Touring, and International Travel

The following are recommendations for dance company managers pursuing performances or festivals:

  • Define what “safe” interaction means in performance for your dance company, based on individual comfort levels, agreements, the implementation of any bubbling, pod, or cohort model, and how many artists or groups are being presented.
  • Create an agreement with the venue or festival, who is the Responsible Party in this instance, on what their safety protocols and support will be, along with any additional measures your dance company wishes to and will independently enforce.
  • Openly communicate this agreement, overall expectations, timelines, planning, rehearsal length, and performance precautions with your dance company.
  • Limit public interaction during on-site classes or rehearsals leading up to the performance (taped-off or otherwise marked areas for dancers, staff to enforce distance requests, etc.).
  • Determine whether or not a live audience is allowed, based on the size and nature of the space and its ability to accommodate both the performers and the public/audience members safely.
  • Determine how to navigate public interaction during the performance (taped-off or otherwise marked areas for audience, staff to enforce distance requests, etc.), keeping in mind that it is best practice to maintain at least six (6) feet of distance from the public at all times.
  • Create an understudy or change of repertory plan in the instance that a member of the dance company is confirmed to have COVID-19 or is experiencing symptoms near or around the performance date.

If you are a dance company performing via live streaming without a live audience, consider separate agreements for live streaming apart from a standard performance/tour fee and further determine any conditions regarding the use of the live stream content.

The following are recommendations for dance company managers who coordinate dancer travel to and from rehearsals, class, and/or performances:

  • Utilize various rehearsal locations in proximity to where your dancers live and may therefore be able to walk and/or bike to.
  • Invest in your dancers’ transportation or transportation stipends for non-public transit.
  • Conduct a training around how to use public transportation in the safest manner possible, coupled with strategically scheduling classes, rehearsals, and other dance activity so that dancers can avoid public transit during peak hours.

TOURING: Note state, national, and international travel restrictions and updates. The following are recommendations as you plan future touring engagements:

  • Pre-Tour Planning
    • Assess and discuss dancers’ comfort in resuming touring.
    • Outline a plan for how you will manage a lack or loss of consensus around touring:
      • How will you accommodate those who opt out of touring without forcing them to tour or jeopardizing their position or employment?
      • At what level of consensus will you reconsider the touring engagement altogether?
      • What is your “last-minute” plan of action (repertory adjustments, double casts, contract stipulations with the presenter, cancellation policies, travel insurance, etc.), should travel restrictions change, or should a member of the company need to opt out due to having a confirmed case of COVID-19, experiencing related symptoms, and/or having been exposed to someone with COVID-19?
    • Budget for increased touring expenses to cover the need for travel insurance, last-minute cancellations, more expensive but safer travel accommodations, single housing for all, etc.
    • Confirm that all persons on the tour will not be impacted by visa or local rules; check everyone’s status thoroughly. Consider this also when moving within the US and crossing state lines if you have folk with different immigration statuses in your company. 
    • Before company wide conversations about consensus occur, speak with members of your company who are undocumented or need specific accommodations to move across state lines. 
    • Update tech riders to require that presenters supply their protocols for cleaning, backstage, and company/audience safety before any agreement is arranged.
      • Companies should review the presenter’s protocols together and negotiate requirements to meet dancers’ satisfaction before signing contracts.
    • Create a touring plan memo that outlines all aspects of the tour in advance for dissemination, review, clarification, concerns, and questions. Your memo might include the following areas: Pre-Tour Planning, Rehearsal to Prepare for Travel, Travel Days, Protocols of the City/Country of Performances, International Restrictions & Contact with Embassies, Housing, On-Tour Activities, and Conditions with Presenters
    • If members of your company need it because of their immigration status, assist them and other members with citizenship privilege to form accompaniment practices when touring, ie: traveling in pairs, knowing emergency contacts for immigration emergencies, having a list of IDs needed for tour activities. 
  • Rehearsal to Prepare for Travel
    • Incorporate all local protocols, for those involved in the tour, within rehearsals.
    • Come to an agreement about additional company or any intra-company protocols, and meet to discuss tour plans and protocols.
    • Understand and acknowledge that at a moment’s notice the gig might fall through.
    • Seek a consistent local studio, campus space, or even a performance venue on the tour for the company’s use, and seek exclusive use whenever possible.
  • Travel Days
    • Plan on providing PPE to company members throughout all travel days and the duration of the tour.
    • Minimize exposure risks en route to airports as much as possible (e.g. use private cars).
    • Check airlines’ cleaning protocols and seating protocols (Frommers.com).
    • For local travel, ask the presenter to supply vehicles that will minimize exposure risks (e.g. vehicles with windows that open, charter buses, or vans).
  • Protocols of the City/Country of Performances
    • Track virus and protocols within the tour location(s) for one (1) month prior to travel.
    • During this time, communicate with the presenter about protocol differences and any additional concerns or safety measures you want to discuss.
    • Prior to departure, come to an agreement with the presenter about audience protocols, any pre- or post-show activity, classes, publicity calls, etc. 
      • Wherever possible, opt for non-performance activity to be virtual.
    • Be aware of and build in any quarantine restrictions, or anticipated/potential quarantine restrictions, both upon arrival and upon return.
  • International Restrictions & Contact with Embassies
    • Contact the nearest embassy in the U.S. to get clear information about restrictions, and get the name of a contact with the appropriate embassy.
    • Contact the U.S. Consular Office in the country of the tour to let them know of your tour and travel dates.
    • Check with every company member about citizenship status, visa status, etc., to make sure there will not be complications coming or going (e.g. international dancers leaving the U.S. to perform and not being allowed back in the U.S.).
    • If members of your company need it because of their immigration status, assist them and other members with citizenship privilege to form accompaniment practices when touring, ie: traveling in pairs, knowing emergency contacts for immigration emergencies, having a list of IDs needed for tour activities.
  • Housing
  • Work with the presenter and company to ensure that the housing is safe for all.
    • Whenever possible, arrange for housing that is “pod” friendly. Hotel housing would need to be five (5) stars to ensure quality.
  • Ensure everyone has a single room, or, if dancers are comfortable sharing a room with another dancer and have formed a “mini-pod” with that dancer, double rooms are acceptable.
  • Aim for housing that is a short distance, ideally walking distance, from the performance venue and/or any rehearsal venues.
  • Bring extra hygiene, cleaning, and disinfectant supplies. 
  • On-Tour Activities
  • Avoid any independent, local vehicular travel and stick to the travel provided as part of the tour.
  • Confirm the ability to have food delivered to the venue or housing, if desired.
  • Establish protocols for all company members regarding post on-tour work hours (e.g. dining out protocol, socializing protocol) to ensure everyone’s safety.
  • Continue daily health screenings and temperature checks of company members, regardless if the presenter or tour city/country requires this.
  • Conditions with Presenters
  • Clarify upon entering the venue that the venue, stage crew, and company are in agreement with protocols.
  • If possible, clarify that your company and crew members have their own data gathering system and how long you will have that available to presenters or venues in case contact tracing is needed or there is a confirmed COVID case in your group. It’s best not to replicate data gathering outside your group, especially if there are undocumented or non-citizen members in your team. 
  • Enforce clear mask policies:
    • Masks should always be worn by the crew.
    • Masks should always be worn by the dancers with the exception of performing, unless the presenter and company have a different agreement.
    • Audience mask protocols should follow local guidelines, but the presenter and company must be in agreement and adjust protocols as needed.
  • Limit backstage access to only the dancers and crew.
  • Ensure your contract includes a contact tracing clause, which requires both parties to update one another on confirmed COVID cases or symptoms for at least two (2) weeks after the final performance.
  • Uphold local guidelines related to venue seating, but negotiate stricter seating protocols as needed.
  • Task the company with managing the disinfecting/cleaning of props and costumes.
  • Task the crew with managing the disinfecting/cleaning of the theater, stage, backstage, and dressing rooms.
  • Restrict the use of the dressing room(s) to the company exclusively.
  • Close the green room and have company food delivered to the dressing room(s).
  • Open the venue’s freights, windows, and doors to allow for ventilation and air circulation prior to and following all performances, with presenter staff monitoring theater access.

Dance company managers, in the instance that there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 among the company mid-residency or tour, consider doing the following:

  • Immediately notify your company contact person and the contact person of the residency/tour location.
  • Further support the company members, who may be isolated and/or in quarantine for up to 10-14 days. E.g.:
    • Coordinate food, laundry service, additional per diem, and any other support possible for the company members isolating and quarantining away from home.
    • Cancel or postpone all dance activity throughout the duration of the isolation and quarantine period.

Be aware of and communicate these current requirements for international travel (as of August 2022):

The following rules apply, as per the CDC’s International Travel Requirements:

  • U.S Citizens, U.S. Nationals, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, and Immigrants traveling internationally to the USA
    • no vaccine requirement to re-enter the U.S.
  • Non-U.S. Citizens, Non-U.S. Immigrants:
    • You must be fully vaccinated to travel to the United States by plane if you are a non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa). Only limited exceptions apply.

The CDC strongly recommends that you do not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is still the best way to protect yourself from severe disease, slow the spread of COVID-19, and reduce the number of new variants. People who are not fully vaccinated should follow additional recommendations before, during, and after travel.

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14. Make a Plan

Dance company managers, a suggested step-by-step process to craft your reopening plans is as follows:

  • Confirm how your business is classified (see Section 3: Classifications: NAICS) and keep this in mind when crafting your plans and proceeding with reopening.
  • Reminder: If you don’t know your industry number (NAICS), you can find it here
  • Read the Standard Recommendations for Dance for an understanding of reasonable fieldwide expectations at this time.
  • Copy and paste the Standard Recommendations for Dance onto your branded letterhead.
  • Leave as is and/or remove only the items that are not relevant to your business model.
  • Copy and paste all applicable Dance Field Scenarios for your business model onto your branded letterhead.
  • Review all suggestions within the Dance Field Scenarios and remove, add to, edit, and/or tailor them based on your specific dance studio and business model.
  • Copy and paste all of your edited, tailored Dance Field Scenarios into the respective Sections and Subsections of the Standard Recommendations for Dance to create one (1) tailored plan.
  • Rename your tailored document or the Standard Recommendations for Dance + relevant Dance Field Scenario(s) to create your reopening plan.
    • Example: SLMDances Reopening Plan, as of [DATE]
  • Complete a safety plan template based on your reopening plan. Reminder: The New York HERO Act, which designated COVID-19 as an airborne infectious disease that presents a serious risk of harm to public health, is no longer in effect. Private sector employers are still required to have an Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plan (the “Plan”), but are no longer required to implement the Plan at this time. Employers can adopt a model safety plan as crafted by the New York State Department of Labor during the HERO Act, or the New York State Department of Health (DOH) NY Forward Safety Plan Template.
  • Compile your package of reopening plans:
    • Your Completed Safety Plan (see above; either the NYS DOL HERO Act Safety Plan, or the NYS DOH NY Forward Safety Plan).
    • Your Reopening Plan based on the Standard Recommendations and Dance Field Scenarios.
    • Any resources, supplementary materials, or articles that are particularly relevant.
  • Disseminate your package of reopening plans, noting that they are subject to change:
    • Digitally share with all dancers, dance workers, dance faculty/teachers, staff, collaborators, renters, Board, etc.
    • Post the package of reopening materials throughout your space.
    • Consider posting on your website for greater transparency across the field.
    • Keep a printed copy on hand for use in the instance of an inspection.
  • Implement your plan and lean on our other resource pages:
    • Posters and Templates for samples and templates
    • News Archive for an archive of news and updates
    • FAQ for answers to common questions
    • Glossary for definitions and acronyms
    • Resources for more detailed information
  • Update your plan periodically based on the:
  • Re-disseminate, re-post, and re-implement each new iteration of your plans.

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