IRISH HOLIDAY CONCERT
DANCER INFORMATION
This email contains important information for dancers performing at the Irish Holiday Concert.
Please read through all details and contact us as soon as possible, if you have questions.
GOOD LUCK & BEST WISHES TO ALL DANCERS
On behalf of our Teachers and Teaching Assistants
Shayleen, Wendy, Mary-Margaret, Kiera, Isla, Serena, Finn, and Hennesey
We wish all of the dancers good luck and best wishes for the upcoming Irish Holiday Performance. The dancers and teachers have worked very hard to prepare the Christmas themed routines and we are excited for family and friends to watch the show. Please be ready with plenty of cheers and applause for the dancers first performance back after almost two years!
We can't wait to see you all at the show!
Thank you,
McConnell Irish Dance
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
Tuesday, December 21st, 2021
Location - Pauline Boutal Theatre - CCFM (340 Provencher)
Show Time: 7:00 - 8:45 pm (15 min intermission). All dancers stay for the entire duration of the performance.
Doors Open: 6:30 pm. Rush seating
Bar Service: 6:00 - 9:00 pm
DANCER ARRIVAL
ARRIVAL TIME - 5:30 PM - STAGE DOOR ENTRANCE
All dancers must enter through the stage door located OUTSIDE, on the WEST side of the parking lot.
Dancers under 12 should have parent accompany them for check-in.
- Instructors will be at the door to greet and accompany younger students to the dressing rooms.
- Parents are not permitted backstage due to capacity restrictions. If you have concerns for your younger child entering on their own, please contact us in advance to make alternate arrangements.
DANCER PICK-UP
10 - 15 MINUTES AFTER THE PERFORMANCE HAS ENDED
THEATRE DOOR PICK UP - IN LOBBY
Dancers must be picked up outside the theatre door, after the full performance has ended. Parents, please exit the theatre and wait in the lobby for dancers to be escorted out by our instructors and assistants.
- Please allow at least 10 - 15 minutes after the performance is over before you pick up dancers at the door.
- Children under 12 will cannot be excused without a parent. If someone other than a parent/guardian will be picking your child up, please let us know in advance.
COSTUMES
As we have a wide variety of costumes in use for this performance, please refer to class emails for your specific costume details.
ARRIVE IN COSTUME
We ask all Preschool, Beginner, and Level 1 - 3 dancers to arrived in costume, with hair and make-up done, with the exception of Adult & Brandon dancers.
BRING A DANCE BOX OR BASKET
All dancers should bring a basket or box (preferably collapsible) clearly labeled with their name to keep their shoes and costume accessories. Boxes are important for keeping shoes organised in a dimly lit backstage area. Without boxes, dancers shoes can get lost, misplaced, and they may have to go on stage without shoes or may miss their entrance.
LABEL EVERYTHING
Make sure all shoes, costume pieces, and garment bags are clearly labeled with first and/or last name. Items are easily mixed up in dressing rooms and back stage, so please label everything.
IRISH DANCE SHOES
As this is our first full school performance since the pandemic, we understand not all dancers are prepared with proper footwear.
Dancers who do not have Irish Soft or Hard Shoes have the following options. Colour preference is for black but for this performance we understand if this is not possible.
- Ballet Slippers
- Jazz Shoes
- Gym Shoes
- Dance Trainers (Runners)
Due to issues of safety, all dancers are required to wear appropriate dance footwear for the performance.
CLEAN SHOES BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE
Soft & Hard Shoes should be cleaned prior to the performance and polished so they shine.
MAKE-UP
Make-up is recommended for dancers as stage lighting washes out natural colour and makes performers look pale. All make-up should be applied at home, prior to arrival.
Stage make-up is applied heavier than daily use make-up and left up to the discretion of dancers or parents. Those who do not feel comfortable wearing make-up do not need to wear 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 due to safety issues, with the exception of wedding rings and medical alert bracelets
HAIR
WIGS WILL NOT BE USED FOR THIS PERFORMANCE
Dancers with longer hair should style in a 1/2 pony tale or 1/2 down as seen in the illustration below. Regardless of length, please make sure all hair is securely pulled off dancers face using invisible bobby pins (no coloured combs or clips)
SOCKS & TIGHTS
Please refer to your class costume email for details on whether to wear socks or tights.
POODLE SOCKS
White Irish dance socks designed for use with Irish dance shoes.
Poodle socks should be clean and bright white. Please bleach socks or purchase a new pair before the performance.
If you don't have poodle socks? Please wear white dress socks (non-athletic, ankle or mid-calf).
SOCK GLUE
Sock or body glue is used to insure poodle socks stay up while a dancer performs. Dancers should always use glue when wearing poodle socks.
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 (available on-line through Irish dance merchants)
TIGHTS
Tights should be dance quality (Mondor brand recommended) and free from runs or holes. We recommend you have an extra pair handy in case they run at the show.
Please insure sizing is correct as tights which are too small with show as shear on stage and dance tights should not be transparent in anyway.
Leggings - If you are unable to purchase tights for this performance, dancers may wear black leggings with black socks.
DANCE PARENT INFORMATION
Performing is an exciting opportunity but some dancers may feel nervous dancing in front of an audience, especially if it's their first time. Please be sensitive and encouraging to dancers who may be worried in advance of a performance. We make sure the experience of performing is fun and supportive. The atmosphere back stage is safe, positive, and dancers feel a part of their larger McConnell Dance Family.
A few things to keep in mind;
There may be line up’s at check in and check out, so please be understanding as we navigate through challenging times with covid-19 protocols.
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.
Please keep in mind, performances can run late, so patience is necessary should there be delays.
SEND DANCERS WELL FED AND WITH SNACKS
Please insure dancers have a healthy meal before the performance, but they still may need a snack for energy to get them through the evening
- Please send your dancers with adequate healthy snacks and drinks clear liquids only in
SEND DRINKS - 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.
KEEPING EVERYONE SAFE
Following all Manitoba Health Regulations
- All attending will be required to show ID and proof of vaccination (over 12) or exemption.
MASKS USE MANDATORY
- CCFM Requires masks for all patrons (unless medically exempt)
DANCERS MASKS
CCFM is designated as a performing arts venue and performers are not required to wears masks while they are performing.
Dancers have the option to remove masks while they are performing for this event. Parents who prefer their dancer keep their mask on for the performance should contact us prior to Dec 21st.
Masks must be worn back stage and in the dressing room by all (5 + years of age).
STILL NEED TICKETS?
Tickets can be purchased at the door, however they are are selling quickly, so we recommend purchasing them in advance.
CASH ONLY AT THE DOOR
Adult $20 Child / Youth $8 *12 & Under
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
Dancers do not require tickets.
