MSDSA - Value Village Fundraiser

MSDSA - Value Village Fundraiser

The Value Village Fundraiser will take place on Saturday, October 20 at the Pembina Location again. If you are planning to contribute to the drop off, please let Jackie Naphin jackiederkson@hotmail.com  know approximately how many garbage bags or boxes you are bringing so I can know what and who to expect. If you don’t let me know, I won’t know if I should wait for you there.

Drop off time is 1130-1230,  we only get an hour window this time round as it is hard to staff someone to be at the back for 2-3 hours.

Try to be prompt and on time for the drop off.

Ensure you come all the way to the back of the store to a big overhead door. I will be the for the whole hour.

A reminder of our rates:

• 15 cents per pound for soft goods which include: clothing, boots, shoes, accessories, bags, knapsacks and household linens
• 5 cents per pound for books and media items like VHS, records, tapes, CDs etc. No encyclopedias or library books please
• 5 cents per pound for housewares: kitchen and décor items, games, toys puzzles.
• New!!!!  5 cents per item for large items with one side measuring over 18” or 45cm. 
• No furniture please

Ask your neighbors, family and friends to help save for your dancers dance school fundraiser!!

The Pancake Breakfast is scheduled for November 18 from 8-10 at the Pembina Location. Save the date and tickets will be for sale later in October beginning November!

Brandon Division - Shoe Swap

Dear Brandon Division Dancers & Parents,

Please feel welcome to bring your 2nd hand Irish dance shoes to class tomorrow for a Brandon Division shoe swap / sale!  

This is a great opportunity for dancers who are looking for an economical option for Irish dance shoes or for dancers who wish to sell the shoes they've outgrown.

We encourage parents to come into the studio tomorrow to see what's available (in the waiting room) so they don't miss out on the opportunity for 2nd hand items.

We will schedule a costume swap later in the season!

If you have any questions, please let us know.

Brandon Division - Schedule Update

Dear Brandon Division Dancers and Parents,

We've made a few adjustments to our schedule this season to better accommodate our dancers.

5:30 - 6:30 PM  Beginner & Novice Classes

6:30 - 7:00 PM  U18 Competitive Level 1 & 2

7:00 - 8:00 PM  Intermediate & Advanced Classes

8:00 - 8:30 PM  Competitive Level 3 & 4

8:30 - 9:00 PM  O18 Competitive Level 1 & 2 

9:00 - 10:00 PM Adult

If you have any questions, please let us know!

Thank you,

Shayleen McConnell Finucan

Competitive Division - Schedule Update

Dear Competitive & Performance Division Dancers & Parents,

We have made adjustments to the schedule for Competitive Classes on Thursdays to accommodate dancers better;

 

• We have added a Ceili / Teams class from 7:30 - 8:00 PM 
• Ardghrad / Craobhgrad Class is now 8:30 - 10:00 PM (1.5 hrs)
• Set Dances class is now scheduled for 8:00 - 8:30 PM

Performance Division dancers are asked to register for at least 1 Ceili / Team class.

Competitive Division dancers who wish to participate in teams have the option to enrol in 1 or both Team classes.

If you wish to make adjustments to your enrolment as a result of our schedule change, please email info@mcconnelldancers.com

Thank you,

Shayleen

McConnell School of Dance

32 Barberry Rd Wpg MB R2J2G9

Tel (204) 793-8557

info@mcconnelldancers.com

Competitive Division - Regionals Apparel

Dear Competitive Division Dancers & Parents,

Regional Apparel orders are now being offered.  It’s another quick turn around on these!   

Orders are due by Thursday, September 21st, 2018

T-SHIRTS: YS, YM, YL, AS, AM, AL, AXL, AXXL*, AXXXL*    $2.50 extra for XXL & XXXL sizes

T-Shirts are $15.00 US, plus Paypal and currency exchange fees. 

Apparel fees will be added to Regional invoices.

Please email us your size by Thursday, September 21st.

Thank you,

McConnell School of Dance

CRN Lanyard Orders

CRN Lanyard Orders

The fall order for dancer’s lanyards has arrived!  The next order for lanyards will be in the spring of 2019.

Deadline: September 20th, 2018

Fee: $30 (Canadian)

• Dancers who wish to order lanyards from CRN should confirm by emailing info@mcconnelldancers.com no later than Thursday, September 20th, 2018

What is a CRN Lanyard?

CRN Lanyards are used to identify competitors with Irish Dance organization, CRN Cumann Rince Náisiúnta, in Dublin Ireland.

Lanyards can be used from year to year and do not need to be re-ordered unless they are lost.

Do you need a CRN Lanyard?

Competing dancers do not require CRN Lanyards, they are optional for all.

Dancers who have CRN Lanyards do not need to pay admission into competitions.  Generally admission fees are $3 - $5 / competition.

Should you order a CRN Lanyard?

If you do not wish to compete, you do not require a lanyard.

If you only intend in competing at the Canada Feile, it may not be worth your while to order a lanyard. 

If you wish to compete in several competitions during the season or know you will be competing for years ahead, you would save admission fees and it may be worth ordering a lanyard.

If you have any questions please let u know!

Thank you,

Shayleen McConnell Finucan (TMCRN)

MSDSA - Show & Save Fundraiser

MSDSA

McConnell School of Dance Student's Association

MSDSA is a non-profit corporation, established to assist all students with McConnell School of Dance. Membership is free to all students and dependant on yearly registration with McConnell School of Dance.

Mandate: To promote and preserve Celtic culture, dance, and to assist students and parents enrolled with McConnell School of Dance.

 

Membership: Students hold yearly membership with MSDSA upon registration with McConnell School of Dance.  Dancers under 18 years of age may have one parent/guardian representative and vote.

General MSDSA Fundraising

Funds raised for the General Division go towards group expenses such as the Jackie White Lyon's Scholarship, MSDSA supplies, studio water cooler & water supply, etc.   Yearly fundraisers may include "Mom's Pantry Product" Sales, Plant Sale Fundraisers,  Raffles and Draws.

 

Show & Save Fundraiser

Performance Division Audition Information

Performance Division Audition Information

Tuesday, September 11th, 2018

5:30 - 7:30 PM 13 & Under

7:30 - 9:30 PM 14 & Over

Performance Division dancers will be assessed through an audition process which includes basic technique, steps, choreography, and stage presence.  

• Auditions will be held the 1st class and dancers will be placed in their team at that time.

• Dancers will be informed of the soft shoe / hard shoe technique and choreography classes they will need to attend at the audition.  In most cases, dancers will attend multiple technique classes to be determined by their individual needs.

• Dancers technique classes may change during the season, depending on their skills and progress throughout the year.

Dancer’s need not worry about the auditions but we do encourage everyone to go through their dances & technique at home, prior to tomorrow’s audition so we can properly assess the current level.

Performance Division Contract

All dancers and parents (under 18 dancers) will need to sign the 2018 - 2019 Contract for Performance Division.  Contracts will be handed out at the auditions and dancers will take them home to go over with their parents.  

• We ask all parents or dancers to bring the signed contracts in to the Performance Division Parent’s Meeting (Sept 18th, 7:30 PM)

Performance Division Parents Meeting

• Tuesday, September 18th 7:30 - 8:00 PM

We ask all dancers and parents of under 18 dancers to please attend our 1st Parent’s Meeting where we will discuss details of the season, costumes, and more.

We look forward to seeing dancers at the auditions tomorrow!

Thank you,

Shayleen McConnell Finucan (TMCRN)

2018 - 2019 Fall Season Registration

Dear Dancer and Parents,
 
We hope everyone had a wonderful summer!   We’ve had an exciting and busy summer at McConnell School of Dance.  

• Thee McConnell dancers competed at the CRN World Open Irish Dance Championships in Killarney, Ireland in June and we are so proud of their hard work and accomplishments.  Congratulations to Maclean Boyd (placed 5th Over 23 Mens) and Bailey Cumming (placed 11th Under 14 Ladies)
• Our 5th Annual United Kingdom Pavilion was a great success with a new venue (RBC Convention Centre) and a brand new show.  Many thanks to the hard working volunteers who help run the pavilion, and our dancers & musicians for their great work on stage.

Our 2018 – 2019 Fall Registration is now open and we are very excited to launch our NEW website and Student Portal where families can register for classes, update their contact information, and pay their account balances.

With our new website and portal system, all dancers will need to register on-line in order to gain access and register for classes.  Once your registration has been processed, you will receive an email with Student Portal Login information and another with login information to the member’s area of our website.  All dancers must register on-line prior to the start of classes and we recommend returning dancers register as soon as possible as our classes are limited in size.

Registration information including schedule, policies, and fees can be found at the following link;

http://www.mcconnelldancers.com/Registration

Please review all policies for the class you are registering as details change from season to season. 

Classes begin the week of September 10th - 15th, 2018.  If you have any questions, please contact us!

Thank you,

Shayleen McConnell Finucan

McConnell School of Dance

32 Barberry Rd Wpg MB R2J2G9

Tel (204) 793-8557

info@mcconnelldancers.com

2018 Folklorama Dancer Information

2018 FOLKLORAMA DANCER INFORMATION

Best wishes to all our dancers performing at the United Kingdom Pavilion 2018!

We are very fortunate to have an amazing core of chair volunteers run each department of the United Kingdom Pavilion, many of whom are parents and family members from Performance Division.  Thank you to all our Folklorama chairs and directors for their hard work over the past few months and many thanks to those who will be volunteering during the week of the pavilion.  If you haven't already signed up, we can really use your support!  If you have friends or family who would be willing to volunteer, please forward the link below so they can sign up on-line.

SIGN UP ON LINE.  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080949acac2ea4fe3-united
 
Please see below for information on Dancer's performing at Folklorama Aug 12th - 18th, 208
 
If you have questions please contact us!   info@mcconnelldancers.com
 
DRESS REHEARSAL - Sunday, August 12th 2018

2:00 - 5:00 PM RBC Convention Centre - 3rd Floor All dancers need to attend the dress rehearsal.  Please bring all costume pieces, box for backstage, full make up, and hair in a half ponytail.

 
United Kingdom Pavilion Show Times

• SUN 6:45, 8:15, 9:45 pm
• MON 6:45, 8:15, 9:45 pm
• TUE  6:45, 8:15, 9:45 pm
• WED 6:45, 8:15, 9:45 pm
• THU  6:45, 8:15, 9:45 pm
• FRI   6:45, 8:15, 9:45 pm
• SAT  5:15, 6:45, 8:15, 9:45

All dancers perform in every show, except our youngest dancers (Shannon, Sean, and Tharyn) who will not need to perform in the 9:45 PM shows.
 
DANCER ARRIVAL & PICK UP

Arrival Time - A minimum of 1 hour prior to show time - Dancers should arrive through the VIP Entrance (Look for VIP Entrance Sign on the 2nd floor) 
 
Check In- Located at the VIP & Performance Entrance.  All dancers will need to check in & out.  Please let Check-In Volunteer know if someone other than a parent / guardian will be picking children up.
 
*         For parents who a re volunteering, the Volunteer Check-In is conveniently located at the same entrance at Dancer Check-In.
 
*         Please note , due to Folklorama regulations parents & family will not be allowed into the hall until pavilion opening time each night (unless they are volunteers).
 
Pick Up Times
Dancers should be picked up 15 minutes after their last show Dancer s can be checked out in between shows for quick visits with family however they will need to be in the dressing 30 minutes before each show.
 
*         Please note, there is a very limited amount of time in between shows and we recommend dancers (especially younger children) stay in the dressing room where they can rest , eat, and get ready for their next performance.
 
 
DRESSING ROOMS
Located on the 4nd Floor (dancers please use stairs near BAR in main hall.  Due to the numerous costume all dancers will have change back stage, during the show.  We ask all female dancers to plea se wear a body suit (white, nude, or black) at all times, for privacy.  Back stage area will be co-ed
 
*         Dancers must bring a change of clothes to wear in the dressing room, in between shows as they cannot eat in their costumes.
 
*         Instructors will be in the dressing room to look after dancers in between shows for those who are volunteering at the pavilion.
 
 
 
MAKE-UP
Make-up is required 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 required  - Full stage make-up is applied heavier than daily use make-up.
Foundation (to match skin tone) and powder to prevent shine Eye-sha dow (brown, beige, copper shades) Mascara (brown or black) , Blush (pink) Lip S tick Nail Polish is not allowed for performances and should be removed at home. Jewellery (rings, bracelets, earrings) may not be worn for performances wit h 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 pe rformances.
It is important that all developing female and adult dancers wear maximum support bras and /or sports bras while dancing, to prevent bounce a nd injury. Younger dancers may prefer to wear light undershirts (from home) to avoid embarrassment in dressing rooms which sometimes contain mixed crowd w ith 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.

DANCERS HAIR
Wigs will not be used for at Folklorama.
All dancers should arrive with their hair as displayed in the photo .
Please use clear Ponytail holders or ones that match closely to the color of hair

 

DANCE SHOES
Shoes should be cleaned prior to the performance an d polished so they shine.
 
SOCKS & TIGHTS
Poodle socks are not required for Folklorama Tights -  Mondor 70 Denier brand 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 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.
 
*         We recommend parents send their children with a book or game to occupy their time in the dressing room.
 
DANCER MEALS
All dancers are asked to maintain healthy eating habits during the week of Folklorama.  Please avoid junk food, drink lots of water, and eat small, healthy meals.  It's a long week and if dancers do not take car e of themselves they will show on stage or get sick and will be unable to dance.  Parents, please assist us in making sure dancers stay healthy for the week!
Light, healthy snacks (fruit, veggies, cold cuts, bread, and treats ) will be provided for all performers in their dressing room.
 
*         Dancers will receive a pavilion food at the end of the evening Meal choices are limited to what is available as our kitchen may not have all items available at the end of the night.

*         Dancers will receive 1 soft drink per night (available at the Bar)
 
SNACKS & DRINKS
Dancers burn a lot of energy with all of the performance at Folklor ama and will need nourishment often.  If you send your child with  drinks please insure they are clear liquids only in a sealed water bottle.   Dancers who bring sodas, juices, or drinks which may st ain 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, c hocolate 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 allergies.
 
*         Remember, there is healthy food for all performers!
 

If you have any questions, please let us know!

Thank you, 
 

McConnell School of Dance

32 Barberry Rd Wpg MB R2J2G9

Tel (204) 793-8557

info@mcconnelldancers.com