8 Days until Nationals! The dancers have been working very hard and we are excited to see them shine on the competition stage next weekend.
A few updates and reminders for the competitions next weekend;
COMPETITION FEES
A reminder, we still have dancers who have not sent in their e-transfers for entry fees.
Shayleen had to pre-pay entry fees on behalf of the dancers almost 3 weeks ago and we NEED dancers to send their e-transfers for fees immediately as we cannot be expected to cover entry fees for dancers this long! If you have not yet done so, please send your e-transfers to shayleen@mcconnelldancers.com
CLASS SCHEDULE - Feb 14th to 23rd, 2019
Thursday February 14th - Competitive classes - Bunghrad /Ullmhuchan will run from 6:00 - 7:00 & Meanghrad will run from 7:00 - 8:00. There will be no teams, traditional set or Ardghrad classes this evening as these will be practiced during the times scheduled above.
Saturday February 16th - No Competitive Division Classes / General division classes will run as scheduled.
Tuesday February 19th - No performance Division Classes
Thursday February 21st - No competitive classes the week after major competitions.
Saturday February 23rd - No competitive classes. General division classes will run as scheduled
Folklorama rehearsal - 12:00 - 4:00 PM
NATIONALS TEAM MEETING & GROUP PHOTO
We are planning a Team Meeting for ALL COMPETITORS on Saturday, February 16th (immediately after the day's competitions - sometime around 7 pm, but this will depend on how long the competitions run)
We will be practicing our Team & Award Dances, and taking a group photo which will require approximately 1 - 1.5 hours.
All dancers should be ready for photos first, then change into practice clothing for rehearsals.
Location will be determined on Friday, please see the Competitive Division Facebook Group for updates.
A reminder to those who are considering sightseeing events and meal plans, Saturday is not a good idea as the dancers will have had a long day, and their 1st responsibility is to make sure they are prepared for the next day's competition.
Parents, if we are running late, please be understanding of our circumstances. We received complaints about some who were upset and vocal regarding the group meeting at Regionals and this not acceptable. Our instructors will have had the longest day by far, and if we are willing to dedicate our limited amount of free time to practice with the dancers, then we expect parents to be supportive of our efforts, and not critical, especially in public areas. THANK YOU!
FACEBOOK GROUP
Please check in to our Competitive Division Facebook Group during the weekend of Nationals to keep updated with any changes that may occur over the weekend.
If you're planning group activities, meals, etc. the Facebook group is the best way to make sure everyone knows your plans and gets an invite.
Not all activities or outings can involve the entire group, so please try to be understand if you’re not included in an event. We ask everyone to consider feelings of their friends and dance family when planning travel activities!
COMPETITION PHOTOS
Photos are not permitted during competitions, but are allowed during results.
Due to our commitments during awards time, instructors are not always able to take photos of dancers on the podium and miss some of the special group and friendship moments throughout the weekend.
PLEASE post your Photos in the Competitive Division Group so we can share them with those back home who may not be on your friends list. All photos are welcome, so please post what you can!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are needed at the Raffle table and to work the door.
Please note, our school is still required to run the music for the weekend of Nationals but since we will have live music with complicated sound equipment we understand this cannot be looked after by parents with no training on a sound board. Shayleen will be spending the entire weekend at the sound board, so we respectfully ask you to consider volunteering in another area, or asking Shayleen if she needs a coffee or bathroom break every once in a while!
Raffle Table Sign up.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c49a9ac2ca31-2019
Door Volunteers - volunteer in person on Friday night at the ballroom
COMPETITIVE DIVISION POLICIES
Attending Competitions
All competition fees must be paid in advance.
Any outstanding balances for lessons to McConnell School of Dance must be paid prior to the competition registration.
Competing dancers are not permitted to teach and must maintain a non-professional Irish dance status while they are competing.
There are no competitive classes the week after major competitions and school attended feiles.
Guidelines for Dancers & Parents
Below are the basic guidelines for McConnell Dancers and Parents attending competitions and expectations for all dancers and their family members.
Instructor availability is limited during competitions as CRN Teachers are required to volunteer and organise all feiles. Please be mindful of instructor’s time at competitions, but if you need them, they are always available.
Instructors may not have time to watch every student compete and dancers must be prepared to compete without assistance from their teachers.
Dancers and their family members are expected to conduct themselves properly at all times whist travelling to and from competitions.
Good behaviour is expected in hotels, airports, and competition venues.
Children are to be supervised at all times and there should be no running in hallways, causing disturbances, creating messes, or inappropriate behaviour.
Good sportsmanship is expected from dancers and their parents. Upset over results, questioning adjudicator decisions, and complaining about placements will not be tolerated and will result in sanctions or suspensions for dancers.
Gossip or mean spirited behaviour towards dancers, teachers, and adjudicators will not be tolerated.
Dancers and families are expected to treat students & their families from other schools well and be welcoming and friendly to all at competitions.
Please remember, dancers and parents should not engage in any discussions with parents from other schools which are negative or may be considered gossip. Please keep the atmosphere positive at all times and walk away from any situations where you may be associated with negativity or which include discussions about dancers, teachers, or adjudicators.
Sanctions & Suspensions
Dancers who do not comply with CRN regulations may receive a sanction. On their 3rd sanction dancers are suspended from competition for 3 months.
Students or parents who do not follow the guidelines outlined by McConnell School of Dance for competition may receive a 3 month ban from competition.
McConnell School of Dance reserves the right to limit or ban dancers from competing with no reimbursement for fees or lessons.
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 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 1st offence - written warning 2nd offence - immediate suspension for a period of 3 months.
Dancers who fall while competition in a solo competition will not be penalised and will be allowed the opportunity to compete again at a later time. If a dancer falls, the other competitors should continue to dance, unless otherwise directed by the adjudicator.
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
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, before, during, or after competitions
Competition Results
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, but dancers and parents are encouraged to record their individual results for their own information.
Results are posted on CRN’s website and MSD maintains a results book at the studio for instructor's reference only.
Results & Award Ceremonies
No grades apply to children up to the age of 6. Dancers under 6 are permitted to dance in all solo competitions until they are of an age to move on.
Adjudicator marks and comments for CRN Solo Competitions are not shared with dancers as it is expected that instructors are already aware of what is necessary for dancers to improve in order to move up in levels.
CRN determines the minimum number of dancers who place in a particular competition, based on the number of competitors. Adjudicators have the option to place more than the required minimum.
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 must be in costume with shoes to accept awards and stand on podium
Dancers are reminded to accept the results of the adjudicator without question or upset. Please remember, no sad faces or tears!
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.
CRN Award & Championship grading system
All dancers start with 100 points for each dance in a championship competition (Awards & Championships are 200 -300)
Merit Award -dance who achieves a mark of 50 - 64 points.
Under 50 no prize is awarded.
Costumes
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.
Basic Costume - Skirt & Blouse
Dancers may wear a basic skirt & blouse for any CRN competitions. In most cases, basic costume attire is used for beginner levels, however dancers who wish to save on costume costs may choose to wear basic attire for any levels of competition in CRN.
School Costumes
2019 Competitive Team Costumes - required for dancers competing in Team & Ceili Competitions
Ladies - Dresses, Socks, Bun Wigs
Gents - Black Pants (please insure pants are hemmed to appropriate length), Black Shirts, Vests.
Solo Costumes
Solo costumes are not permitted in Bungrád or Ullmháchán levels with the exception of dancers over 18. Solo costumes may be worn in Meangrád, Ardgrád, and Craobhgrád levels by dancers of any age
All school costumes are registered with CRN so please wear appropriate school costumes.
Irish Dance Shoes
Shoes should be well fitting, clean, and polished. Ill-fitting shoes will affect a dancer’s placement and teachers will let you know if you require a better fitting shoe for competition.
Absolutely no elastic in shoes laces (hard or soft). Use proper hard shoe or soft shoe laces only. Wide elastic, worn over shoes to help keep them on dancers feet is acceptable. If you are uncertain, please ask your instructor.
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.
Irish Dance Wigs
Wigs are optional for CRN Feile’s, however we prefer dancers wear wigs rather than hair down. Dancers who wish to wear their hair down should verify the style with instructors prior to competition.
Full, Bun, or Pony tail wigs are acceptable.
Team dances must have their style of wigs coordinated by instructor. Bun Wigs are required for 2019 Teams.
Please make sure wigs are secure as dancer will be disqualified if it falls off.
Tights / Socks
CRN Rule, dancers 20 and over must wear black tights.
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, depending on age of the team.
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.
Make-Up
MSD & CRN discourage the use of heavy make-up, spray tan, for younger dancers. There are no stage lights at Feile’s so heavy make-up is not necessary. Light or no make-up is acceptable.
Dancers competing at higher levels and in major competitions may choose to wear stage make-up. Instructors will determine if a dancer's make-up is appropriate.
Best wishes and safe travels to all our dancers and families going to Nashville!
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us.
McConnell School of Dance
Shayleen McConnell Finucan (TMCRN)
McConnell School of Dance
Tel (204) 793-8557
www.mcconnelldancers.com
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