JUNE 2020 - SCHOOL UPDATE
On-line lessons will continue for June 2020 and we will transition to our Summer Schedule (see below) starting June 1st, 2020.
At this time, there are many uncertainties with the Covid-19 pandemic and reopening of our Province. With this in mind, we will be looking ahead one month at a time and provide updates with any changes. We will be following to all Manitoba Health Guideline to insure the health and safety of our dancers and instructors. On-line classes will continue until it is safe for us to return to the dance studio environment. Due to the nature of Irish dance, we cannot predict when a safe return to the studio will be, but we hope to see our dancers in class again one day soon!
It has been challenging time for our dancers and we commend them on their resilience and commitment to Irish dance. Our on-line classes have been a great way for us all to stay healthy and connected over the last two months and the dancers have made wonderful progress through virtual classes and at home practice. We're very proud of your hard work, dedication, and commitment to Irish dance through many obstacles. Keep up the great work and keep dancing!
SUMMER CLASS SCHEDULE
The Summer Schedule will be offered for June, July, and August 2020. We will be closed for holidays from August 15th - 31st, 2020.
All dancers will need to register for Summer Session classes in the Student Portal - CLICK HERE
*Please note, Performance Division dancers no not need to register for Performance Division as this is full season class. Dancers will need to register for all other Summer Session classes.
ON-LINE CLASSES
On-line classes are held through ZOOM, a meeting conference service available for all home computers, cell phones, and tablets. In addition to on-line classes, we've created Google Classrooms for each level with helpful at home practice resources including downloadable practice music, dance instructional videos, practice assignments, and more!
ON-LINE CLASS UPDATES FOR SUMMER SESSION
- Summer on-line classes will not include the 15 minute sign in. Dancers are now asked to sign in when the class starts. We will allow a 5 minute waiting period at the beginning of each class to allow for dancers to sign in and stretch, while we take class attendance.
- Additional Technique time added for each class. We'e added time on to each class to include additional work on technique, without dancers having to attend extra lessons.
PRIVATE LESSONS
To assist with on-line learning for dancers, we've added weekly options for on-line private and semi-private lesson (2 - 3 dancers). This is a great way for dancers to have one on one learning time and instructor feedback. For dancers struggling to learn in the on-line environment, private lesson are highly recommended. Sign up is available in the STUDENT PORTAL - CLICK HERE
Recreational Division - Recreational dancers are welcome to sign up for any classes listed for their Recreational Division level (please see schedule). This is a great opportunity to learn new dances and we encourage students to enrol in multiple levels to encompass material they currently know as well as more advanced levels.
Competitive Division - Competitive dancers should enrol in every level they are currently competing in dances with. We've separated most levels into soft shoe and hard shoe classes in order to make it convenient for dancers with spanning multiple levels.
Performance Division - Performance Division will continue with weekly classes and dancers are asked to continue their enrolment in competitive classes for all levels they are currently competing with.
If you're uncertain of which class or classes are best for you, please email info@mcconnelldancers.com and we will assist.
ON-LINE CLASS - TERMS & CONDITIONS
- Enrolment for the Summer Term is June 1st - August 15th, 2020.
- Fees are processed monthly, according to the payment schedule selected on your account in the STUDENT PORTAL
- Class fees are calculated based on total class hours charged at 2019 - 2020 Season Rates. Hourly discounted fees and family discounts will be applied. August lesson fees will be prorated for the 50% of monthly fees.
- We are not offering Drop In options for on-line classes, all students are asked to register for the entire month regardless of attendance.
- Students may withdrawal at anytime with 7 days notice required for new billing purposes. There are no withdrawal fees for the Summer Term (standard withdrawal fees will be waived).
- Monthly fees are non-refundable and once processed, there are no refunds or credits offered.
- Recording of any on-line class is not permitted, under any circumstances.
- MSD & CRN Dance Learning Videos and music are meant for registered student practice only and should not be distributed, copied, or posted on any social media, under any circumstances.
IRISH DANCE AT HOME
In addition to our on-line classes, we've put together a great deal of resource information for all Irish dancers at home during the break, including Google Classrooms with practice tips, music information, videos, and teaching tools for all dancers.
To learn more, please visit our WEBSITE - CLICK HERE
SUMMER CAMP
July 13th - 17th, 2020
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is unlikely our Irish Dance Summer Camp will take place as planned. Travel restrictions will prevent our instructors from Ireland from attending and limitations with physical distancing restrictions will not allow us to proceed with an "in class" Irish dance camp.
We understand this is a disappointment for our dancers and we would like to fill the gap during the week of camp, if we can. We will look at the possibility of an outdoor event or events during the week of summer camp.
We will provide more details when we are able as much depends on Manitoba Health Guidelines for re-opening the province.
DIGITAL FEIS
JUNE 2020
April Digital Feis was the LARGEST on-line competition to date, and the upcoming June Digital Feis is likely to exceed expectations as many Irish dancers are now realising the benefit of on-line Irish dance competitions! We are delighted to hear many of the CRN USA schools will be entering the June Digital Feis, including their Ardghrád and Craobhghrád dancers.
We are fortunate to be members of an Open Platform Irish Dance organisation (CRN) and we will continue to embrace the opportunity for our dancers to compete in Digital Feis.
We encourage all of our competitive and non-competitive dancers to consider entering the August 2020 Digital Feis! This is a great opportunity to compete without travel and stay focused and committed to your Irish dance goals. More information on June Digital Feis will follow!
UPCOMING DIGITAL FEIS COMPETITIONS
- Digital Feis - June 6th, 2020
- Digital Feis - August 1st, 2020
- Digital Feis - September 19th, 2020
Best wishes to our 38 dancers who are competing in the June 2020 Digital Feis competition. We will keep you posted with results when they are announced.
WE'VE MOVED - NEW LOCATION COMING!
We've been holding classes at 32 Barberry Road for over 10 years and the space has served us very well, with many good memories made. Over the last year we've come realise we have outgrown the space and it's time for a change!
It's been a very busy month as we packed up the studio and Folklorama storage container. We are looking forward to finding a new home for our dancers when the Covid-19 pandemic permits. We will keep everyone updated with location details as soon as we are able.
Take care and stay well!
Shayleen McConnell Finucan (ODCRN)