MSD - CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Wishing our dancers and their families a Happy Christmas and all the best for the holiday season!

McConnell School of Dance will be closed from December 23rd to January 6th.  Classes resume Monday, January 6th, 2020.

We hope everyone enjoys the break and we look forward to seeing you all at Irish dance classes in 2020!

Thank You,

MSD - CHRISTMAS PARTY

 MCCONNELL IRISH DANCE - DANCER CHRISTMAS PARTY

All Dancers, all ages, are invited to our McConnell Irish Dance Christmas Party on Saturday, December 21st (12:00 - 2:00 pm) at the studio.  If you haven't confirmed your attendance, it's not too late!  Please email info@mcconnelldancers.com

• Please bring a snack or sweet treat to share. There will be games, a Christmas Céilí and an Irish Theme Movie.
• PIZZA & DRINKS -  MSDSA will be providing pizza and a drink for all. 
• Please let us know if dancers have any food allergies in advance.

R.S.V.P. -  info@mcconnelldancers.com

Please note, due to the Christmas Party, classes on Saturday, December 21st for Recreational and Competitive Divisions will be held from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm fro ALL LEVELS & DIVISIONS

 

McConnell School of Dance

NO CLASSES - SAT NOV 30th, 2019

A reminder there will be no Recreational or Competitive Division classes on Saturday, November 30th, 2019 as our school will be busy organising the Canadian Open Championships.

If you're not competing, please consider coming down to the Hilton Winnipeg Airport & Suites to see the competitions and support our competing dancers.  It's a great experience for all Irish dancers and spectators are welcome.

 

McConnell School of Dance

CANADIAN OPEN IRISH DANCE CHAMPIONSHIP

McConnell School of Dance is delighted to host the FIRST Canadian Open Championship in Winnipeg on Nov 30th, 2019, with 3 adjudicators from Ireland coming in to judge the competitions and championships.

Dancers compete in 5 Solo Levels of CRN  Bunghrád, Ullmhúchán, Meanghrád, Árdghrád, and Craobhghrád, Teams, and Traditional Sets.

The Championship competitions will have 3 Adjudicators judging and Árdghrád will have the RARE opportunity to achieve Craobhghrád (Champion) Level.  We're hoping to see some new champions for the school at the competitions, so you won't want to miss seeing our dancers compete in this round of competitions!

• Competitions are offered for all ages and abilities, including adult students.
• All dancers from Recreational, Competitive, and Performance Divisions are welcome to compete in our Open Platform Irish dance competition.

This is a great opportunity for our Irish dancers to take part in an Irish Dance competition without the burden and expense of travel.

We encourage ALL of our students to give it a try, even if it's just a dance or two!   

It is a huge undertaking to bring in our 3 adjudicators and in order to make this event a success so we can do it every year, WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!   

Please consider entering the competitions or coming out to watch as a spectator.  For more information and to register, please visit the link below.  

CANADIAN OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

• We ask all dancers (including competitive division) to please register by no later than Friday, Nov 15th, 2019
• Canadian Open Championship Apparel orders will be announced soon.

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

Thank you,

Shayleen McConnell Finucan (TMCRN)

McConnell School of Dance

DIGITAL FEIS - NEW FOR THIS SEASON!

DIGITAL FEIS - NEW THIS SEASON

Digital Feis is an on-line organisation offering dancers the opportunity to compete and advance levels without the burden of travel. Videos are submitted by the school and dancers register for private video taping sessions where solo dances are rehearsed, taped, and submitted for adjudication. Digital Feis provides feedback, placement, and medals to competing dancers and all results count towards their CRN Levels or just for fun! 

Although a digital competition can not compare to the experience gained from competing against other dancers at a feis, it's a very good option for dancers who are unable to travel and still wish to compete and advance with CRN Levels.

Digital Feis is open to all dancers, in Recreational, Competitive, and Performance Divisions.  

DIGITAL FEIS COMPETITION DATES

• November Digital Feis — November 17, 2019  (Taping Date - Sun Nov 3rd, 2019)
• January Digital Feis — February 8, 2020 (Taping Date - Sun Feb 2nd, 2020)
• March Digital Feis — April 4, 2020 (Taping Date - Sun March 22nd, 2020)
• May Digital Feis — June 4, 2020 (Taping Date - Sun May 10th, 2020)

Additional taping dates have been added on Wednesday evenings (Wpg) and Monday evenings (Brandon)

DIGITAL FEIS FEES

• Solo Entry - $10 with medal (USD) / per dance
• Team Entry - $5 with medal (USD) / per dance

VIDEO SUMISSION FEES

$25 (plus tax) per dancer

DIGITAL FEIS VIDEO TAPING SESSIONS

• 30 minutes (1 - 2 dances) $35 (plus tax)
• 60 minutes (3 - 4 dances) $70 (plus tax)

Sessions will consist of a maximum of 10 minutes rehearsal per dance, plus 10 minutes taping.  A maximum of 2 recordings permitted by Digital Feis.  

MORE ON DIGITAL FEIS

SIGN UP FOR DIGITAL FEIS

BRANDON DIVISION - DATES TO REMEMBER UPDATE

Brandon Division - Annual Recital & Potluck

Due to recent changes to our Canada Feile 2020 Date, we are going to re-scheduled the Brandon Division Annual Recital & Potluck.  Please update your calendars;

• Brandon Recital & Potluck - Monday, April 20th, 2020
• Canada Feile - Sunday, May 24th, 2020

Additional Dates to Remember

• Canadian Open Championship - Saturday, November 30th
• Winnipeg Annual Recital - Sunday, May 31st 

If you have any questions, please let us know!

Thank you,

COMPETITIVE SURVEYS & TRAVEL FEES

COMPETITIVE DIVISION 2019 - 2020 SURVEYS & TRAVEL FEES

Thank you to all Competitive Division dancers who have completed their 2019 - 2020 Competitive Division Competition Surveys.  If you have not yet completed your survey, please do so at the link below.

CLICK HERE FOR SURVEY

With the majority of survey's now complete, we are able to set a tentative budget for the fees required to cover the costs of instructors travel to our 2019 - 2020 major competitions (Regionals, Nationals, Irish Open, & Worlds).

• All dancers competing in one, or any number of the major competitions will be responsible to cover their equal share of the total instructor travel fees.  For further details, please refer to our Competitive Division Policies on the website  http://www.mcconnelldancers.com/competitive-division

As we have a significant number of "undecided" for our major competitions, we need to allow flexibility in determining the total travel fees for the season.  With this in mind, we will apply 2 payments for the travel fees during the season.  

1. First instalment -  $300 will be applied to the registration for all dancers who compete at Regionals, Nationals, Irish Open, and Worlds. The first instalment fee will be applied to the entry fees for the first major competition of the season dancers compete in. 

1. Final payment - Will be applied to the entry fees for Canada Feile and the amount will be determined once all dancers have confirmed their participation and travel expenses are finalised. 

Based on this year's estimated travel expenses and the dancer's who've indicated they will be, or are considering competing in any of the major competitions, the fees will rage from a total of $350 - $600.

• Fees are per dancer, up to a maximum of 2 per family.

1. For those competing at USA or North Leinster Regionals, your 1st instalment will be added to your entry fees.
2. For those competing in the Qualifying Round at the Canada Open Championships, your 1st instalment will be added to your Canada Open Championship entry fees.
3. For those competing at North American Nationals, your 1st instalment will be added your entry fees for Nationals
4. For those competing at Irish Open, your 1st instalment will be added to your entry fees for Irish Open.

There is no refund on Travel Fees and dancers who attend Regionals, Qualifiers, Irish Open, or Nationals are required to pay the FULL FEE regardless of which competitions they attend.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

Thank you,

Shayleen McConnell Finucan (TMCRN)

McConnell School of Dance

CRN USA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

CRN USA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Entries for the CRN USA Regional Championships are due this week and teachers are busy working on registrations for our dancers going to Schaumburg, Illinois on October 12th - 13th, 2019.

To view the CRN USA Regional Syllabus, please click on the link below

https://media.wix.com/ugd/ca6ad4_bd50297720844d8889c95774789dc034.pdf

To purchase Regionals Apparel and Entry Passes click on the link below

https://www.crn-northamerica.org/shop?cid=43313762-fb0d-4a71-be67-d97f19a43bb3&utm_campaign=ee61b3b7-da20-473e-ab5d-025b550d559e&utm_medium=mail&utm_source=so

If you have not confirmed your participation at the CRN USA Regionals yet and you would like to attend, please do so IMMEDIATELY by emailing info@mcconnelldancers.com

Hotel Rooms 

Currently the hotel block for rooms is full and we would like to know how many of our families still require a hotel room for the weekend.  Please email info@mcconnelldancers.com if you need a hotel room ASAP

If there are any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

COSTUME & SHOE SWAP

McConnell Irish Dance - 2nd Hand Costume & Shoe Swap

Date: Saturday September 28th, 2019
Time: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Are you looking to sell 2nd hand?

Soft shoes, hard shoes, current class costumes, solo dresses, wigs, McConnell School of Dance school clothing.

Are you looking to purchase these 2nd hand items?

McConnell Irish Dance will be hosting Costume & Shoe swap where families can sell or purchase 2nd hand Irish dance supplies.

• Sellers are responsible for selling their own product for the duration of the sale.  If sellers cannot attend it is your responsibility to find someone to sell your product for you.
• Sellers are responsible for pricing their own 2nd hand items. If you uncertain of what to price your items for, do some research on the internet for dance supplies of the same make and condition and base your prices on what other's are selling similar items for.  There is a wealth of 2nd hand dance supplies already on the internet.
• Sellers are responsible for suppling their own float.  McConnell School of Dance and/or MSDSA will not be able to provide change.
• Please DO NOT bring any products to sell to the studio before 2:15 pm on the day of the sale.  Studio B will be open at this time for sellers to set up before the sale commences at 2:30pm.
• All items must go home with you after the sale.  
• Sellers keep 100% of the profits (MSDSA does not take any share of sales)

Beverages & Snacks will be served courtesy of MSDSA.  Immediately following the sale, MSDSA will be holding their Annual General Meeting.  All are welcome to attend.

Are you unable to attend the Costume & Shoe Swap and have 2nd hand items to sell or purchase?

Please feel welcome to post a notice of your item for sale on the bulletin board in the lobby at the studio anytime.

OR

Post the item you have for sale in the NEW McConnell Irish Dance Facebook Group created for current and past members of the school. 

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE GROUP

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

Thank you,

McConnell School of Dance

COMPETITIVE DIVISION - SURVEY

COMPETITIVE DIVISION 2019 - 2020 SURVEY

We ask all Competitive Division dancers to please fill out the competition attendance survey within the next 7 days so we can better prepare dancers for the competitions ahead this season.

We encourage all dancers and parents to read the Competitive Division Options & Policies for McConnell Dancers on the website http://www.mcconnelldancers.com/competitive-division before completing the survey so they are aware of all requirements for competing.

CLICK HERE FOR SURVEY

CRN UPDATE

Due to changes at the CRN AGM on September 8th, 2019 we will now have the option of competing in the North Leinster Regionals (Nov 9 & 10th)  OR the USA Regionals in Schaumburg, Illinois (Oct 12 & 13th). 

The North American Region is now 2 (Eastern & Western Regions) and the Oct 12 & 13th Competition in Illinois is being organised by the Western Region.

A reminder, for all dancers wishing to compete at Nationals, Irish Open, and Worlds, they must compete at a Qualifiers or Regionals.  There are 3 opportunities for dancers to qualify for Nationals, Irish Open and Worlds.

1. CRN Western USA Regionals - Schaumburg, Ill Oct 12 - 13th, 2019
2. North Leinster Regionals - Ireland Nov 9 - 10th, 2019
3. Canadian Open Championship - Wpg, Nov 30th, 2019   

Dancers must place in the top 33% of at least 1 of their dances in order to qualify.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

Thank you,

Shayleen McConnell Finucan (TMCRN)

McConnell School of Dance

 

2019 - 2020 SEASON WELCOME

2019 - 2020  IRISH DANCE SEASON WELCOME

Céad Míle Fáilte "One Hundred Thousand Welcomes" 

 

Your registration has been received and we are pleased to have you join us for McConnell School of Dance's 71st season in Canada.  

STUDENT PORTAL

The Student Account Portal allows families access to their account information with McConnell School of Dance.  Families can update their contact information, register for classes, pay their monthly tuition, and update payment information.

STUDENT PORTAL

• The system will prompt you to set up a personal password and login is always your primary email address for your family account. 
• Please retain this email for future reference in case you forget your password.  If you forget your password, you can re-set it at anytime on the LOGIN PAGE  
• Please retain this email for future reference in case you forget your password. 

WEBSITE - STUDENT AREA

The member's area contains important information and is updated regularly with school information. 

• Important Dates to Remember
• Competitions & Performances
• Costumes & Shoe Information
• School E-Mails & E-Newsletters
• Practice Tools and Learning Videos

WEBSITE MEMBERS AREA   PASSWORD  mcconnell71 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

                           

FACEBOOK          INSTAGRAM           TWITTER           YOUTUBE

We have created Facebook Groups for McConnell School of Dance Pupils and their family members.  School updates are posted in the group as well as photos and videos from performances .  Please join the Facebook group for your Division and stay in touch with us on Social Media!

Recreational Facebook Group

Brandon Facebook Group

Performance Facebook Group

Competitive Facebook Group

LESSON START DATES

• Performance Division - Tuesday, September 10th
• Recreational Division - Wednesday, September 11th & Saturday, September 14th
• Competitive Division - Thursday, September 12th & Saturday, September 14th
• Brandon Division - Monday, September 16th

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

• Sept 9th - 14th     2019/2020 Classes Begin
• Nov 11th              Remembrance Day - NO CLASSES
• Nov 30th              Canadian Open Championship
• Dec 22-Jan 5th     Holiday Break - NO CLASSES
• Feb 17th              Louis Riel Day - NO CLASSES
• March 17th           St. Patrick's Fest 2020
• Mar 30 - Apr 3rd   Spring Break - NO CLASSES
• May 18th              Victoria Day - NO CLASSES
• May 23rd              Canada Feile 2020
• May 31st               71st Annual Recital
• Aug 9 - 15th          Folklorama 

GENERAL CLASS INFORMATION
ARRIVAL & PICK UP

• The studio is open 15 min prior to classes commencing. 
• Dancers are encouraged to arrive early enough to allow time for them to get changed into their dance attire so they are ready to begin classes on time. 
• Please to arrive on time for pick-up.  Additional charges may apply for dancers who frequently delay instructors departure time.

PARKING

• Parking is available in the 4 spots in front of the studio and on Barberry Road.
• Please do not park in spots designated for other businesses as your vehicle may be towed.

WAITING ROOM

• Our waiting room is open during classes for dancers and parents.  As space is limited, please refrain from bringing additional family members or friends.  
• Our studio is located close to major shopping centres.  Parents may leave the studio once children have begun their lesson.  Parents who's children are unable to use the restroom themselves should remain at the studio.
• Viewing windows are located in our Winnipeg Studios A & B.  Please limit time at the viewing window so you do not distract your dancer from learning. If your child is being distracted by your viewing instructors may ask you to avoid the window or the blind will be closed.
• Outdoor footwear may be worn in the waiting room, however if dancers or parents wish to use the restroom or enter the studio, please remove all footwear first.
• Please keep the waiting room a positive environment and avoid discussions which may be considered negative, controversial or upsetting to a healthy learning environment for our dancers.

DANCE STUDIO

• No outside shoes in dance studios.
• Dancers are to remain in the waiting room until the previous class has left the studio and their instructor has come to waiting room to welcome them in.
• Please do not enter the studio once classes have began.  Dancers, please knock if you are late for class. 
• Parents, please do not enter the studio at anytime unless invited. 
• Dancers are to remain in the rehearsal studio unless excused by the class instructor.
• Dancers are to be dressed in appropriate dance attire. Please see dress code below.
• Only dance shoes, dance bags, purses / wallets, and water bottles may be brought into the studio (no food or outerwear). 
• Please bring all necessary items in to class with you at the beginning of class.  Do not leave valuables in the change room.
• No cellular phones, laptops, cameras, video cameras, iPods, or books allowed in rehearsal studio. 
• Video taping is not permitted during classes.

CHANGE ROOM

Only dancers allowed in the change room, for privacy reasons. 

• Please remove outside footwear in the waiting room, before proceeding to change room or restroom. 
• No food or drink in the change room or dance studios.

DANCER EXPECTATIONS

Regular attendance is expected for all dancers.  Students who miss classes and fall behind may not perform in all routines or may be asked to take additional private or technique lessons to catch up with their class.

• Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class.
• Parents are asked to email info@mcconnelldancers.com or call / text (204) 793-8557 to inform us of absences.

Respectful, positive attitude towards instructors and fellow dancers must be demonstrated by dancers and their parents at all times.  Dancers or parents who exhibit negative behaviour towards instructors, other students, or parents will be asked to leave the school.

Any dancer causing a disruption will be asked to sit down or leave for the duration of the class. Parents will be notified of any issues immediately after the lesson. Dancers with excessive behavioural issues will not be allowed to continue their dance training at McConnell School of Dance.

DRESS CODE - RECOMMENDED LESSON ATTIRE

Female Dancers

COLOUR: BLACK

• Tights, leotards, body-suits, dance pants, and dance skirts are acceptable
• Shorts are allowed as long as they are made from a stretchable fabric
• Plain t-shirts are permissible as long as they allow for movement.  Overly large sweatshirts may not be worn in class
• Hair should be tied back securely jewellery should be limited

Male Dancers

COLOUR: BLACK

• Shorts made with stretchable fabric are acceptable
• Pants are allowed as long as they are loose fitting
• Plain t-shirts which allow for movement and are not overly large are preferred

SOCIAL MEDIA
POSTING PHOTOS & VIDEOS
Dancers and parents are welcome to post photos and videos from class and performance in the CLOSED FACEBOOK GROUPS FOR THEIR DIVISION. 
Photos posted in these groups should NOT be shared on any personal accounts without prior permission from McConnell School of Dance.

POSTING PHOTOS FROM PERFORMANCES ON PERSONAL SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
Photos of McConnell Irish Dance classes and performances may be posted on dancers and family personal social media accounts.  

• Please be selective with your photos and make sure photographs are appropriate. 
• Be considerate of others in the photograph who may not wish to have their photo view on-line.  

Photos posted on McConnell Irish Dancer's official social media accounts may be shared on dancer's and family social media accounts at any time.

POSTING VIDEOS FROM PERFORMANCES ON PERSONAL SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
Videos of McConnell Irish Dance performances remain the artistic property of McConnell Irish Dancers and should not be posted on the internet or on personal social media accounts of any kind.

• In special circumstances, short video clips (20 second maximum) may be posted, with permission. 
• Please email info@mcconnelldancers.com to obtain permission BEFORE posting any videos.

Videos posted on McConnell Irish Dancer's official social media accounts may be shared on dancer's and family social media accounts at any time.

SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
Instructors are not available for discussions with dancers or parents before or during the lesson as their time must be focused on their job, which is to teach your dancer to Irish dance.  

• Issues arising at class or after performances should be dealt with at the end of every class.  If this is not possible, please email info@mcconnelldancers.com to arrange for a meeting to discuss your concerns.
• For non-urgent matters, please contact us via email at info@mcconnelldancers.com
• For serious issues, please email info@mcconnelldancers.com to schedule a meeting
• Unless an absolute emergency, please do not disturb instructors during class time.

Please do not send Facebook messages to instructors personal accounts or the McConnell Irish Dancer's Page AT ANY TIME.  Questions should be sent via email only please.

TEXTING YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Please limit text to your instructors for urgent matters pertaining to class or shows and during studio business hours only.  

• Instructors are available to receive text messages 1 hour before class / shows and 1 hour afterwards only.
• For instructor privacy, text messages from dancers and parents are blocked during non-business hours and WILL NOT BE SEEN. 
• If you have sent a text during non-business hours, it will not be answered so please email us instead.

All communication, newsletters, and school notices, are sent through email. Please provide a current email address on your registration form to receive school information throughout the dance year and update your information in the Student Portal should you have a change in contact information. 

We look forward to you joining us for our 71st season of Irish Dance. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact;

• info@mcconnelldancers.com
• (204) 793-8557 

Thank you,

Shayleen McConnell Finucan (T.M.C.R.N)

McConnell School of Dance
32 Barberry Rd Wpg MB R2J2G9
Tel (204) 793-8557
info@mcconnelldancers.com