McConnell School of Dance 70th Annual Recital
Sunday, June 2nd, 2019
Prairie Theatre Exchange (3rd Floor Portage Place)
Doors Open 1:30 pm Show 2:00 - 5:00 pm
As a result of Monday's Winnipeg Free Press about our 70th Annual Recital, we've had overwhelming response from past dancers, families and friends of the school through the years. Everyone is excited to attend the recital to help us celebrate our 70th and their enthusiasm is absolutely wonderful. Past dancers are sending in photos from generations of McConnell School of Dance and the recital will be a reunion for those who haven't seen each other in many years.
In addition, Pearl McConnell (Shayleen's Mother, who taught and directed the school from 1980 - 2005) will be attending. Pearl has serious health issues and has not been able to attend any dance events in several years. Her presence at recital is a wonderful surprise for so many of us!
This has been a very busy few days for Shayleen & Wendy as we've had to completely change the format of our recital in order to accommodate our very honoured guests. We are excited for our 70th Annual Recital and so proud of our dancers and the show they are going to put on for everyone on Sunday!
There will be a rehearsal in the morning on Sunday, June 2nd, for all dancers performing in recital and a 1 hour break for the theatre technician. We STRONGLY all recommend dancers stay at the theatre over the lunch break, especially younger children. Please send a bag lunch and drinks as dancers will be hungry and will have an opportunity to rest and eat.
The recital will have two segments, the 1st half will be dedicated to our 70th Anniversary and the 2nd half will showcase our dancers hard work with all of their dances from our 2018 - 2019 Season.
All dancers will perform in both 1st & 2nd parts of the recital and dancers are asked to stay for the entire duration. There will be a 30 minute intermission in the lobby with a reception to allow all of our welcome guests from the past a chance to reunite and catch up.
The 2nd half of the recital will commence after the 30 minute intermission and it's likely some of our guests will continue with their reunion in the lobby while the rest of us enjoy seeing all the hard work and accomplishments from our dancers this year.
We are planning special tributes to our 70 years, including videos, photo slideshows, presentations, and of course, plenty of Irish dance! Since many of you have special photos from the years, we're asking you to please feel welcome to send in any special photos you may have of your dancers or previous generations of McConnell dancers. Photos can be sent to info@mcconnelldancers.com
Please read through the information below carefully so you are familiar with the plans for Sunday. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us!
RECITAL TICKETS
We STRONGLY recommend dancers families purchase tickets in advance as tickets are selling quickly and we do not want anyone to be disappointed when relying on purchasing at the door.
- Advance Tickets $15 Adult, $10 Child (12 & under)
- At the Door - $20 Adult, $15 Child (12 & under)
On-LINE are sold on-line through Eventbrite CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
DRESS REHEARSAL INFORMATION
Sunday, June 2nd, 2019 at Prairie Theatre Exchange. We ask all dancers performing in the recital to please attend the rehearsal.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
- Performance Division 10:30 am
- Wpg Recreational Division 10:45 am
- Brandon Division 11:00 am
Costumes are NOT required for the Rehearsal (dance attire & shoes only).
Dancers should arrive with Make-Up applied and in socks or tights.
Please be ready at your scheduled rehearsal time. We recommend arriving 10 - 15 minutes prior to rehearsal time to allow dancers a chance to settle in and get their shoes on.
Dancers will have a 1 hour break 12:00 - 1:00 PM and we STRONGLY recommend dancers stay in the theatre for lunch, especially younger children. Supervision will be provided. Please send food and snacks for your hungry young dancer.
DANCER CHECK IN
Dancers will need to check in at the performer entrance door at THEATRE DOOR (NOT GREEN ROOM THIS YEAR). 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 in advance to arrange for assistance.
- Check In Opens 10:15 pm
Please assist us in keeping to our schedule by arriving on time and allow for delays with traffic and parking. Downtown will be a busy place earlier in the day with the Pride activities so please leave additional time on Sunday!
- ALL dancers are asked to arrive wearing socks (or tights ), with wig & make-up applied.
- We will have assistance in the dressing room for costume changes, however we do not have time to apply make-up or wigs for younger dancers. This should be done AT HOME, not in the lobby or PTE restroom, please.
DANCER PICK-UPS
Please allow 10 - 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 should arrive 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.
Please note, boxes are ESSENTIAL in keeping dancers shoes organised in a crowded, dimly lit backstage area. Without boxes, dancers shoes can get lost, misplaced, and they may have to go on stage WITHOUT PROPER SHOES. Please assist us in making sure ALL DANCERS HAVE SHOE BOXES FOR RECITAL
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 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. It is important that all developing female and adult dancers wear maximum support bras and /or sports bras while dancing.
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 all dancers. Dancers who choose not to wear a wig should have their hair pulled back off their face and curled, if possible.
IRISH DANCE SHOES
Soft & Hard Shoes should be cleaned prior to the performance and polished so they shine.
Dancers should have a folding dance box to keep their shoes and water bottles organised back stage
SOCKS & TIGHTS
Poodle socks should be clean and bright white. Please bleach socks 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.
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 in SEALED WATER BOTTLES.
- Dancers who bring sodas, juices, or drinks which may stain costumes will not be allowed to drink them 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.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are always appreciated for our Annual Recital from all Divisions. Performance Division members are required to supply 3 hours of volunteer time per family for the Annual Recital. To Sign up for your volunteer shift, please visit the Sign Up Genius Link Below.
If you have any questions with regards to our Annual Recital, please contact us! If you run into any difficulties on the day of the recital, please call or text Shayleen (204) 793-8557
Best wishes to all our dancers for their performances at recital. We are very excite for the show and pleased you can join us in celebrating our 70 years in Canada!
Thank you,
Shayleen McConnell Finucan (TMCRN)
