Folklorama 2016 - Classes Begin June 7th

FOLKLORAMA 2016 

Join us for our 3^rd year of the United Kingdom Pavilion, sponsored by MSDSA

Dates:  Sun Aug 7^th – Sat Aug 13^th 2016

Dancers taking part in Folklorama must be available to perform all 7 nights of the festival.

Folklorama practices will be held Tuesday evenings beginning Tues June 7^th, 2016

REGISTRATION DEADLINE MONDAY JUNE 6^th 2016

Canada Feile 2016 Information

Dear Dancers & Parents,

      We are very excited for our 1^st CRN Canada Feile on Saturday, May 28^th 2016.   Competing dancers and parents should read through all the information provided so they are well informed for the competitions on Saturday.   Best wishes to all dancers competing on Saturday! The dancers have all worked very hard and we know they will do their best and make us all proud of their individual accomplishments.

Dancers, family, and friends are welcome to attend and we encourage our non-competing dancers to come out and support us for our 1^st Canada Feile.

For those attending we remind you we are welcoming dancers, parents, instructors, and adjudicators from Ireland and the U.S.A .  For many of our attendees this is the first visit to Canada and we encourage parents and dancers to make sure everyone feels welcome and is well looked after.  Please do your best to show a warm welcome to our visitors!

Our instructors and coordinators are extremely busy preparing for the feile so we ask you to please be mindful of the workload and assist as best you can by limiting questions to only those absolutely necessary.   Please review all the information included in this email before contacting us with your questions as most of the answers will be provided already.

Attached Information

1)      Canada Feile Schedule – please note schedule is approximate and competitors are encourage to be ready well in advance of their schedule competition time. 

2)      Volunteer Schedule – if you have questions regarding volunteer schedule please contact Tracy tbalagus@mts.net

3)      Canada Feile – Registration and General Competition Information

4)      Workshop Schedule – Sunday, May 29^th Workshop Information

5)      Event Program

Feile Information

Date – Saturday, May 28^th 2016

Location – Canad Inns Club Regent Casino Hotel, 1415 Regent Ave. West, Winnipeg

Schedule – please see attached “Canada Feile Schedule 2016”

Start Time: Line-up 8: 30 a.m, Competition starts 9:00 a.m

Adjudicator: Ms. Ann English ADCRN

General Admission: $5 per person 

CRN non-registered dancers: $3

Open Platform dancers: $6

* please note this is in US Funds, exchange will be calculated the day of the feile based on current rates

T-Shirts

 For dancers who’ve ordered T-Shirts they can be picked up at check-in the day of the feile.  There will be a few extra t-shirts available for sale but supplies are limited

Workshops

Sunday, May 29^th

Location – Canad Inns Club Regent Casino Hotel, 1415 Regent Ave. West, Winnipeg

Schedule – Please see attached “Workshop Schedule”

Dancers should wear suitable dance attire and bring all required shoes as well as a water bottle.  Parents are not permitted to view workshops.

Costumes

Solo costumes are not permitted in Bungrad or Ullmhuchan levels with the exception of dancers over 18.  Solo costumes may be worn in Meanghrad, Ardghrad, and Craobhghrad levels by dancers of any age

All school costumes are registered with CRN so please wear appropriate school costumes.

• Performance – Black with cummerbund & cuffs
• General – Green Skirt & Black Bodysuit
• Please make sure costume items are secure as dancer will be disqualified if items fall off.  If a costume piece falls off, dancers are required to stop dancing, pick up the item and return back to their position to wait until competition is over.

Dance Shoes

·         Shoes should be well fitting, clean, and polished.  Ill-fitting shoes will affect a dancer’s placement.

·         Absolutely no elastic in shoes (hard or soft). Use proper hard shoe or soft shoe laces only.

·         Double knot all laces and secure buckles on hard shoes.  Untied laces will result in disqualification.  If a dancer’s lace becomes untied, dancers should return to their position to wait until the competition is over.

Wigs

Wigs are optional for CRN Feile’s,

Full, Bun, or Pony tail wigs are acceptable

• Team dances should coordinate their style of wigs
• Please make sure costume items are secure as dancer will be disqualified if items fall off.

Tights / Socks

CRN Rule, dancers 20 and over must wear black tight

• Poodle socks for all dancers under 20
• Dancers under 20 may wear poodle socks or tights, however we prefer dancers wear socks as it shows off footwork better than tights
• Team dancers must coordinate socks or tights
• If you are under 20 and you wish to wear tights please verify with your instructor prior to competition
• Make sure your socks are newer, clean, white, and well fitting.  Sock glue is essential as dancers will lose points if socks fall down during competition

Make-Up

MSD & CRN discourage the use of heavy make-up, spray tan, etc. especially with younger dancers. There are no stage lights at Feile’s so heavy make-up is not necessary.  Light or no make-up is acceptable. 

CRN General Feile Information & Regulations

• Be dressed and ready to compete at least 30 minutes prior to competition time as there can be long line ups at check in, especially during earlier competitions.
• Absolutely no changing in competition room or in hallways.  All dancers must change in dancer’s room (or wherever directed by the Feile).  Change rooms are not co-ed and male dancers must stay in area designed for them.
• No practicing in hallways, hotel lobby, etc.  Practicing is permitted in the dancer’s change room if a practice room is not designated
• Dancers must be in full costume for results to receive their prize.  If you are not in costume including footwear, you will not be allowed on the stage / podium.
• Dancers who impede another competition on stage will result in disciplinary action being taken 1^st offence – written warning  2^nd offence – immediate suspension for a period of time
• Dancers who fall while competition in a solo competition will not be penalized and will be allowed the opportunity to compete again at a later time. 
• Dancers who are injured will not be allowed to compete.
• There must be complete silence in the hall during competitions
• Absolutely no photography or video during competitions.  Photographs are acceptable during results ONLY
• The use of cell phones is not permitted during competitions, mobile phones much be switched to silence at all times in the hall
• At no time should dancers or parents approach the adjudicator or scrutineers
• Dancers & Parents should not discuss results or adjudicators decisions at feiles

CRN Grading System

All dancers start with 100 points for each dance in a championship competition (Awards & Championships are 200 -300)

• No grades apply to children up to the age of 6
• Merit Award –dance who achieves a mark of 50 – 64 points.
• Under 50 no prize is awarded

In Bungrad, Ullmhuchan, and Meangrad, whenever the number of competitors is less than seven the winner will not advance unless specified by the adjudicator.  This will be announced during results.  If a competitor wins a graded dance three times, with three or more competitors in the competition at the time of winning, that dancer moves on to the next grade in that dance

• MSD will keep track of dancer’s results
• Results are posted on CRN’s website

Unless dancers are competing in an champion

Results & Award Ceremonies

Typically schools will group together for the reading of results.  Photos are permitted but dancers & parents are reminded not to be intrusive with their photography.

Dancers will need to stay for results in order to receive their medals.  Results “Award” times for levels & team competitions are listed on the schedule and are approximate. 

• Dancers must be in costume with shoes to accept awards and stand on podium
• Dancers  and parents are reminded to accept the results of the adjudicator without question or upset.  Absolutely no sad faces or tears allowed!
• If you are cheering for your school’s dancers, please keep in mind you should cheer equally for other dancers / school’s results.
• Parents are asked NOT to place pressure on dancers or instructors.  Please do not show disappointment if dancers do not place and keep in mind you must set the example and offer guidance to assist dancers who may be dealing with their own disappointment.
• Dancers & Parents are also reminded to accept achievements with grace and dignity and not “show off” when they place well.

Instructor availability is limited during competitions as all CRN Teachers must volunteer for the Feile.  Please be mindful of instructor’s time at Feile.  If you have important questions, feel free to ask your Instructors, but keep in mind our time is limited and we have a responsibility to CRN and the other dancers competing.

Annual Recital Information

Our 69th Annual Recital takes place tomorrow!

69th Annual Recital Information    
Thursday, May 26th, 2016
Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange (3rd Floor Portage Place)
Dancer Arrival Time 6:00 PM
Performance Time  7:00  – 10:00 PM

Tickets are still available and may be purchased at the door on Thursday.
To reserve tickets ahead of time (recommended)  please email info@mcconnelldancers.com


CHECK IN
Dancers will need to check in at the performer entrance door at the West end of the lobby.  Parents should accompany dancers under 12 for check-in.  Parents are not permitted in the back stage or dressing room area due to issues of space and privacy.  If you have concerns for your younger child, please contact us.
Check in opens 1 hr before Recital 6:00 PM
Please note, due to another booking at PTE we will not have access to the theatre and dressings rooms until 6:00 PM.  With only 1 hour for check-in we will be very pressed to get dancers ready for a 7:00 PM performance time.   Please assist us in keeping to our schedule by;
1) Arriving on time
2) All Beginner, Novice, and Preliminary dancers are asked to arrive in costume wearing socks, with wig & make-up applied.  There is restroom in the lobby for parents to change dancers prior to check-in (arrive earlier than 6:00 PM if you plan to change your dancer at PTE) .  Please have dancers fully ready and in costume for check-in at 6:00 PM

RECITAL PICK-UPS
Please allow 15  minutes after the recital is over before you pick up dancers at the performer entrance.  Children under 12 will not be excused without a parent.  If someone other than a parent/guardian (as per your registration form) will be picking your child up, please let the check -in volunteer know.

DRESSING ROOMS    
The dressing room is co-ed due to venue constraints.  Parents are not allowed in dressing rooms due to limitations of space and privacy issues.

COSTUMES
Beginner, Novice, Preliminary Dancers MUST arrive in costume, wearing  socks with wigs and make-up applied.
*Novice, Preliminary, Intermediate, Adult should dancers bringing a basket or box (preferably collapsible) clearly labeled with their name to keep their hard shoes and costume accessories.
*Make sure all shoes/costume pieces and garment bags are clearly labeled with first and last name for dressing room and backstage help.

MAKE-UP
Make-up is recommended for all dancers as stage lighting washes out natural colour and makes performers look pale. All make-up should be applied prior to check in.
FULL STAGE MAKE-UP is suggested for all dancers at recital.  Full stage make-up is applied heavier than daily use make-up.
MAKE-UP RECOMMENDATIONS
• Foundation (to match skin tone) and powder to prevent shine
• Eye-shadow (brown, beige, copper shades)
• Mascara (brown or black) ,
• Blush (pink)
• Lip Stick
• Dancers wearing poodle socks should cover up unsightly bruises on legs and knees with foundation and make-up.
• Nail Polish is not allowed for performances and should be removed at home. Jewellery (rings, bracelets, earrings) may not be worn for performances with the exception of wedding rings and medical alert bracelets

PERSONAL ITEMS
• Deodorant should be worn by all Novice, Preliminary, Intermediate, Adult and Advanced dancers. Crowded dressings rooms can get extremely smelly when filled with sweaty dancers and can rapidly become unpleasant for all concerned.
• Please assist us by making sure dancers are clean and freshly washed for performances.
• It is important that all developing female and adult dancers wear maximum support bras and /or sports bras while dancing, to prevent bounce and injury.
• Dress shields should be used by all dancers, regardless of age. Dress shields help prevent odour and stains from sweating when pinned in the underarms of costumes. Removable / washable dress shields are available at sewing and fabric stores in the city.

IRISH DANCE WIGS
All dancers should arrive with wigs on.  Dressing-room volunteers do not have time to assist dancers apply wigs.

IRISH DANCE SHOES
Soft & Hard Shoes should be cleaned prior to the performance and polished so they shine.
• All dancers (with the exception of beginners) should have a folding dance box to keep their shoes and water bottles organized back stage

SOCKS & TIGHTS
Poodle socks should be clean and bright white.  If you use your poodle socks for practice and they are looking grey, please bleach them or purchase a new pair before the performance.
• Sock Glue will be provided to all dancers courtesy of MSDSA.
• Dancers who would prefer not to share sock glue for hygiene reasons may choose to purchase their own bottle
Tights (Performance Division & Adult) must be Mondor brand (no exceptions) and free from runs or holes.  We recommend you have an extra pair handy in case they run at the show.

PARENT INFORMATION
Parents are not allowed in dressing rooms due to limitations of space and privacy issues.
Please arrive on time as dancers need time to change, warm –up, and practice with their group.
Generally, there are line up’s at check in and check out, so please be understanding with your check in volunteer.  It is essential for our dancer’s safety that all precautions are taken when working with large groups of children at events open to the public.  Recitals can run late, so your patience is necessary should there be delays at pick up at the dressing room.

SNACKS & DRINKS
ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD OR DRINKS IN THE THEATRE
Please send your child with adequate healthy snacks and drinks clear liquids only.   Dancers who bring sodas, juices, or drinks which may stain costumes will not be allowed to drink them in the dressing room.
Avoid sticky or messy snacks as dancers will not be allowed to eat them back stage or in the dressing room.
Snacks to avoid –  Flavoured potato chips, buttered popcorn, chocolate bars, Danishes & pastries, chocolate covered granola bars, gum, juices, sodas, sugared or sweet candy.
• Please send nut free snacks as we do have students with serious anaphylactic allergies.

Best wishes to all our dancers for a great performance at our 69th Annual Recital.
We know you’ll make us all very proud!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us

Thank you,

Mon May 23rd Classes - As Scheduled

Just a remider there will be regular classes as scheduled on Monday, May 23rd (Victoria Day).  We understand not all dancers may be able to attend due to long weekend activities, however since this is our last practice berfore recital we ask that everyone do their best to attend.

Movie Night Fundraiser

Dear Dancers/Parents:

As we end our 2015-2016 season is sadly coming to an end, we would like to celebrate all of our accomplishments this year as a school!

We will be holding a Movie Night Fundraiser in support of the Performance Division's upcoming trips to Peru and Calgary this summer! All students and parents are welcome to attend this event on Saturday, June 4th from 5:00 - 8:00 in the evening. For $5.00 at the door, you will receive a slice of either pepperoni or cheese pizza, a juice box, cookies, and entrance to the new Disney film, "Zootopia"!

This evening will be a slumber-party theme so we encourage all participants to come in their jammies (stuffies, blankets, and pillows are encouraged!) There will also be a canteen available with popcorn and other snacks available for purchase. 

A sign-up sheet for this event will be at the studio beginning on Monday, May 16th. Please register in advance, but pay at the door! There will be lots of fun games and activities, as well as a quarter-toss for a basket of prizes! Parents, siblings, and friends are encouraged to come, but dancers can attend on their own as there will be lots of supervision!

Help celebrate the end of a great season with of McConnell School of Dance and support the Performance Division's upcoming travels!

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Hilary (hilarybalagus@gmail.com)

Thanks, and we hope to see you there!

The Performance Division. 

Competitive Classes - Sat May 14th, 2016

 Due to our recital in Brandon on Saturday, May 14^th, 2016 all competitive classes will finish at 1:00 PM.  There will be no Ardghrad practice on Saturday, May 14^th (including Ardghrad Teams).

Competitive Division - Raffle Fundrasier

McConnell School of Dance

Stock Your Summer Raffle 2016

We are getting set to kick-off our spring raffle as our competitive division fundraiser. 

Every competitive dancer must participate in the fundraiser, both Winnipeg and Brandon dancers.  There are several requirements:

1.     Each dancer must provide a $25 gift card to the Liquor Mart, or equivalent cash value

2.     Each dancer is required to sell 1 booklet of  3/5$ tickets

3.     Each family will also be provided 1 booklet of $2 single tickets, that they are asked to sell

Each booklet has approximately 60 tickets.  The booklets are made up of either single tickets for $2 each or a group 3 tickets for $5. 

            3 tickets for $5                        – each booklet is worth $100

            Single $2 ticket           - each booklet is worth $120

Each dancer will be provided with 1 booklet:  1 booklet with 3/$5 tickets.  Each family will be provided with 1 booklet with single $2 tickets.

Our raffle draw day is our Canada Feile Day, May 28, 2016, towards the end of the competition day.  All tickets and monies must be turned in by Saturday, May 21, if necessary, the final collection day will be Thursday May 26, at the recital.

Someone will be at the Winnipeg Studio with extra books to distribute and accepting collections every Saturday from 10:30 – 12:30pm ish.  Brandon dancers, please email if you require additional booklets, and they will be sent out to you on Saturdays.

If you have any questions, please contact:

            Kristin Legault                                                            Lisa Berezowski

            kristinlegault@shaw.ca                                  Berezow@shaw.ca