Spring Break - March 26th to April 1st, 2018

Spring Break - March 26th to April 1st, 2018

A reminder, there will be no classes Monday March 26^th to Sunday, April 1^st, 2018 due to Spring Break. 

Classes will resume the week of Monday, April 2^nd, 2018.

St. Patrick's Fest' 2018

St. Patrick’s Fest 2018

Well done to all our dancers on their wonderful performances at St. Patrick’s Fest’ 2018!   We are very proud of the dancers hard work and accomplishments  and we thank our teachers for their hard work and creative efforts with their students.

Many thanks to our MSDSA Board of Directors and Performance Division parents and family members who volunteer their time in organizing  the departments for St. Patrick’s Fest’ (Tickets, Admissions, Kitchen, Bar, Silent Auction, Finance, Set-up/ Tear Down, Children’s activities)   It takes a great deal of planning to put on an event like St. Patrick’s Fest’ and we couldn’t do it without the support of our instructors, parents, and dance family members. 

Thanks to our General Division parents who always turn out to volunteer and support our events, we very much appreciate all you do for the Student’s Association activities!

St. Patrick’s Fest’ 2018 was a definite success with a sold out crowd and great support from our dance families in selling ticket and prompting the event.  Our efforts to include other Irish cultural groups such as the traditional musicians from Flatland Ceili Band, Irish Myst Choir, and Comhaltas Set dancers are appreciated within the community and the event is a great way to bring us all together to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

The funds raised from St. Patrick’s Fest’ will go towards our sponsorship of the United Kingdom Pavilion this year and we hope you will all join us for Folklorama at RBC Convention Centre (Aug 12 – 18^th, 2018)

If you haven’t seen the St. Patrick’s Fest’ photos on social media (Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook) please check them out!

Thank you,

Competitive Division - Lesson Schedule Reminder

Competitive Division - Lesson Schedule Reminder

A reminder of our class schedule for the next two weeks;

Monday, March 18^th 2018

6:00 – 7:00 PM  Bunghrad / Ullmhuchan

7:00 – 8:00 PM  Meanghrad

Thursday, March 22^nd, 2018

8:00 – 9:30  Ardghrad / Craobhghrad

Saturday, March 24^th, 2018

9::30 – 11:00 PM    Ardghrad / Craobhghrad

11:00 – 11:30 PM   O13 Teams

11:30 – 12:00 PM  Trad Set Dances – Level 3, 4, 5

12:00 –  1:00  PM   Meanghrad

 1:00 –   1:30  PM   U13 Teams

 1:30  –  2:30  PM   Ullmhuchan / Bunghrad

Spring Break – No Classes

Tuesday  March 26^th

Thursday March 29^th

Saturday March 31^st

Classes resume on Monday, April 2^nd, 2018

Solo Lessons

Solo lessons in preparation for Canada Feile and Worlds will be posted via Sign Up Genius soon!

St. Patrick's Performance Information

St. Patrick’s Performance Information

Please read through the email below as there is important information for all dancers and parents regarding our St. Patrick’s Day Performances on Saturday, March 17^th, 2018

No Classes Saturday, March 17^th for General Division

Location:  290 Dubuc Street (Holy Cross Gym)

Doors Open 5:30 PM – until 1:00 AM

Arrival Time for General Division Dancers: 5:00 – 5:15 PM

General Division Show #1  7:00 PM   - Beginner, Novice, Preliminary, Intermediate, Adult

General Division Show #2  8:45 PM  - Beginner, Novice, Preliminary, Intermediate, Adult

General Division Show #3 10:15 PM – Preliminary, Intermediate, Adult

• Please note, dancers are asked to arrive at 5:15 PM for a rehearsal prior to the entertainment starting.  Please do your best to arrive on time for the rehearsal.
• Parents are welcome to wait in the lobby until doors open at 5:30 PM or return later to enjoy the evening.

Tickets

*Dancers and performers  are free.  For those who may have family or friends attending tickets can be purchased in advance by calling Allison (290-3106) or Julie (995-5174)

Tickets - $15 (Adults) & $10 (Children 12 & under) 

*Children under 2 are free

• Tickets are available for purchase at the door the night of the event so let your friends know they can show up and purchase tickets as long as they give the dancers name at the door

March 17^th, 2018  Entertainment Schedule

Emcee – Skylar Bouchard

5:30 - 6:00 PM	Doors Open
6:00 - 6:45 PM	Humours of Whiskey & McConnell Performance Division
6:45 - 7:00 PM	Irish Myst Choir
7:00 - 7:30 PM	McConnell General Division
7:30 - 8:00 PM	Flatland Ceili Band
8:00 - 8:15 PM	Traicy Robertson
8:15 - 8:45 PM	Comhaltas Set Dancers
8:45 - 9:00 PM	McConnell General Division
9:00 -  9:45 PM	Humours of Whiskey & McConnell Performance Division
9:45 - 10:15 PM	Tom McDermott
10:15 - 11:00 PM	McConnell General & Performance Division
11:00 - close	Open session or taped music

Apologies in advance if we are running  bit late or have slight adjustments in the schedule due to media requirements or set up / sound checks.

ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

Irish Food & Drink available for purchase from 5:30 PM

Bar: 5:30 – until close                          

Amazing Silent Auction Prizes

DANCER ARRIVAL   

Please try not to arrive late as volunteers in the dressing room are limited and dancers will be practicing their routines prior to the show.  

•          All Dancers will need to check in and out of Dressing Room (located in the entrance way, up the stairs to the right or the gym doors.)

•      Parents are not permitted in dressing room due to privacy issues and limited pace. 

•          Dancers should arrive in socks (or tights, if applicable) with wigs and make-up applied

If you run into difficulties and are running late, please text 2014-793-8557

DANCER PICK-UP 

General Division dancers may go into main hall between performances but will need to return to the dressing room 30 minutes prior to the next show.

Please allow 15 + minutes after the show before you pick your child up at dressing room door.

Children under 12 will not be permitted into main hall 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 permitted in dressing rooms due to limitations of space and privacy issues.  

•          Parents with younger children who are shy or insecure are welcome to accompany their child into the dressing room until they feel comfortable on their own.

•          If you or your child is uncomfortable with dressing room assistants changing your child we encourage you to bring your dancer to the venue in costume. Dancers who arrive in costume should bring a change of clothes if they wish to enter the main hall after the performance

COSTUMES

•          Dancers PLEASE arrive in socks (or tights, if applicable) with wigs and make-up applied as instructors do not have time to look after this for all children performing in the show.  

•          Dancers should not wear costumes in the main hall as they are subject to spills and can get stained or damaged. 

•          We recommend all dancers bring a change of clothing to wear before or after the show.

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 at home, before the performance and not in dressing room or at venue.  

FULL STAGE MAKE-UP is recommended for all dancers at St. Patrick’s Fest’.  Full stage make-up is applied heavier than daily use make-up.

GENERAL DIVISION 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 - brighter (red)

•          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 everyone concerned. 

•          Please assist us by making sure dancers are clean and freshly washed for performances and lessons.

•          It is important that female dancers wear maximum support bras and /or sports bras while dancing, to prevent bounce and injury.

•          Younger dancers may prefer to wear light undershirts (from home) to avoid embarrassment in dressing rooms which sometimes contain mixed crowd with multiple performers involved.

•          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   

Wigs are optional for our younger General Division dancers.  All dancers should arrive with wigs applied.  Dancers who do not wear wigs are asked to tie their hair back off their face and curl, if possible.

IRISH DANCE SHOES  

Soft & Hard Shoes should be cleaned prior to the performance and polished so they shine.   

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.  We will have extra socks for purchase at the event, if dancers forget their socks.

•          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 dancers) 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 permitted into main hall until doors open at 5:30 PM unless they are volunteers for set up.

•          Parents are not permitted in dressing rooms due to limitations of space and privacy issues.  

•          Please arrive early or 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.  Performances of this nature may run late, so your patience is necessary should there be delays in the performance or in pick up at the dressing room after the show.  

•          We recommend parents send their children with a book or game to occupy their time in the dressing room.

SNACKS & DRINKS

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.   Remember, dancers burn a lot of energy on stage, so extra snacks are recommended.   Please send nut free snacks as we do have students with serious allergies.  

VOLUNTEERS

Our St. Patrick’s Fest’ Fundraiser would not be possible without the hard work of dancer & parent volunteers.  This is a great opportunity for our dancers to showcase their hard work to parents, family, and friends. We thank our Performance Division Executive, MSDSA Board of Directors and our Performance Division family members who volunteer their time to help run this event.

Thank you for your cooperation in adhering to the guidelines above and making our St. Patrick’s Fest Fundraiser a successful event for our dancers!  Our dancers & instructors have worked very hard and we wish everyone the best for the upcoming performances at St. Patrick’s 2017

General Division Costume Update

Dear Dancers & Parents,

As we are approaching the 1^st  General Division performance for the season (St. Patrick’s Fest’ – Saturday March 17^th, 2018) we are sending out a reminder of costumes items required for all  dancers performing. 

Please see your level below, to insure you have all the required items if you are performing at St. Patrick’s Fest or Recital (Wednesday May 30^th, 2018)

If you haven’t confirmed your participation at St. Patrick’s Fest with your instructor yet, please do so this week or email info@mcconnelldancers.com

If you have any questions, please let us know!

New Costumes

If you’ve ordered a new costume this year, Jocelyn will have your costume ready for pick up at the studio on Saturday March 10^th and Wednesday March 14^th, 2018.

Please try on costume to make sure fit is good, prior to taking home.  If there are issues with costume fitting, please speak with Jocelyn immediate so costume can be altered by St. Patrick’s Fest.

Payment is due by  pick up.

Please note;

• Payment for seamstress fees is to Jocelyn Grant (cheque or cash)
• Payment for materials is to McConnell School of Dance (credit card / cheque / cash)
• *If you wish for us to apply the material fees to your credit card on file, please email randy@mcconnelldanceres.com  Payment must for materials must be received prior to costume pick up.
• Payments for seamstress fees cannot be combine with materials

Costume Fees

Beginner Skirt - $30 Seamstress / $15 Materials

Beginner Vest - $45 Seamstress / $15 Materials

Novice Black Dress - $150 Seamstress / $40 Materials

Preliminary / Intermediate / Advanced / Adult Sleeveless Dress - $200 Seamstress /  $40 Materials

GENERAL DIVISION COSTUMES

Irish dance wigs are optional for all General Division Dancers.

Beginner

Females

Black Skirt, Green Vest, White Blouse, White Poodle Socks, Spankies / Dance Briefs

Required Shoes - Irish Soft Shoes or Black Ballet Slippers

1) Black Skirt - $30 Seamstress,  $15 Materials

2) Green Velvet Vest - $45 Seamstress, $20 Materials

·Payment for seamstress should be given directly to Jocelyn Grant.  (cash or cheque)

·Payment for material  to McConnell School of Dance (cash, cheque, credit card)

3) Long Sleeve White Blouse - Purchased by the parent from Old Navy <a href="http://www.oldnavy.ca/products/girls-uniform-shirts.jsp">http://www.oldnavy.ca/products/girls-uniform-shirts.jsp</a>

4) White Poodle Socks - Available at the studio $12 each, order on line from Irish dance supply stores, or pick up at Unique Ireland on Pembina Hwy.

5) Black Spankies / Dance Briefs - A necessary item for all dancers.  Purchase by the parent from dance supply or retail outlet.

Males

Black Dress Pants (preferably without pockets) - Purchased by the parent.  Please make sure pants are hemmed to the correct length for dancing

Black Dress Socks - Purchased by the parent

White Dress Shirt - Purchased by the parent

Green Vest - Ordered from School Seamstress $45 Dressmaking, $20 Materials

Green Tie - Ordered from School Seamstress $15 Seamstress

Novice

Females

New Black & Green Dress, Poodle Socks, Black Spankies/Dance Briefs.

Required shoes - Black soft shoes and Hard Shoes

1) Black & Green Dress  - $150 Seamstress & $40 Materials

·Payment for seamstress should be given directly to Jocelyn Grant.  (cash or cheque)

·Payment for material  to McConnell School of Dance (cash, cheque, credit card.

2) White Poodle Socks - Available at the studio $12 each, order on line from Irish dance supply stores, or pick up at Unique Ireland on Pembina Hwy.

3) Black Spankies / Dance Briefs - A necessary item for all dancers.  Purchase by the parent from dance supply or retail outlet.

Males

Black Dress Pants (preferably without pockets) - Purchased by the parent.  Please make sure pants are hemmed to the correct length for dancing

Black Dress Socks - Purchased by the parent

White Dress Shirt - Purchased by the parent

Black Vest - Ordered from School Seamstress $45 Dressmaking, $20 Materials

Tie - Ordered from School Seamstress $15 Seamstress

Preliminary / Intermediate / Advanced

Females

Black Sleeveless Dress, Poodle Socks, Black Spankies/Dance Briefs.

Dancers who wish to participate in Folklorama will also require a cummerbund and cuffs.

Advanced level dancers also have the option to purchase a solo dress.  All solo dresses must be approved by your teacher, prior to purchase or order.

Required shoes - Black soft shoes and Hard Shoes

1) Black Sleeveless Dress  - $200 Seamstress & $40 Materials

·Payment for seamstress should be given directly to Jocelyn Grant.  (cash or cheque)

·Payment for material  to McConnell School of Dance (cash, cheque, credit card.

2) White Poodle Socks - Available at the studio $12 each, order on line from Irish dance supply stores, or pick up at Unique Ireland on Pembina Hwy.

3) Black Spankies / Dance Briefs - A necessary item for all dancers.  Purchase by the dancer from dance supply or retail outlet.

Males

Black Dress Pants (preferably without pockets) - Purchased by the dancer.  Please make sure pants are hemmed to the correct length for dancing

Black Dress Socks - Purchased by the dancer

Black Dress Shirt - Purchased by the dancer

Adult Levels

Females

Please note, Adult dancers will have the option to use the School Costume (Black Sleeveless Dress) OR Black Skirt & T-Shirt for performances this year due to changes to our school costume next season. 

Black Sleeveless Dress,  Black Tights, Black Spankies/Dance Briefs

                                                        OR

Black Skirt, Black T-Shirt, Black Tights, Black Spankies / Dance Briefs

Advanced level dancers also have the option to purchase a solo dress.  All solo dresses must be approved by your teacher, prior to purchase or order.

Required shoes - Black soft shoes and Hard Shoes

1) Black Sleeveless Dress  - $200 Seamstress & $40 Materials

·Payment for seamstress should be given directly to Jocelyn Grant.  (cash or cheque)

·Payment for material  to McConnell School of Dance (cash, cheque, credit card.

2) Black Tights- Mondor brand, available at dance stores

3) Black Spankies / Dance Briefs - A necessary item for all dancers.  Purchase by the parent from dance supply or retail outlet.

Males

Black Dress Pants (preferably without pockets) - Purchased by the dancer.  Please make sure pants are hemmed to the correct length for dancing

Black Dress Socks - Purchased by the dancer

Black Dress Shirt - Purchased by the dancer