St. Patrick's Fest' 2022
DANCER INFORMATION
This email contains important information for dancers performing at St. Patrick's Fest' 2022.
March is the busiest time of year for Irish Dance schools. The two weeks surrounding St. Patrick's are filled with many shows all over the province, in addition to regular lessons and extra practices for our Performance Troupe. Instructor's time is very limited over the next two weeks so we ask you do your best to prepare for St Patrick's Fest' with the detailed information we have provided below.
If you have questions, please contact us BEFORE March 17th as we will not be available to answer questions on St. Patrick's Day due to our very busy schedule.
PLEASE READ ALL DETAILS BELOW
St. Patrick's Fest' is a family oriented, fun evening with continuous entertainment 6:30 - 10:00 pm including McConnell Irish Dancers and Barefoot Ceili Band.
Food and snacks will be available for purchase (Stew & Soda Bread, Green Velvet Cake, Shortbread Cookies, Chips) and the bar will be open from 6:00 - 9:00 pm (alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages).
FOOD IS CASH SALES ONLY
There will be a Celtic Market with gifts, souvenirs, and Celtic Jewellery, imported sweets and chocolate from the Unique Ireland.
We also have a children's area with fun activities and crafts.
50 / 50 Raffle with a chance to win up to $500 CASH - Tickets are 3 for $5.00 (CASH SALES ONLY). The draw will take place at 9:30 pm so make sure you stay until the winner is announced as you must be present at the event to collect the prize.
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
Thursday, March 17th, 2022
Not all dancers perform in every show so please see SHOW SCHEDULE below for details on which show your dancer is performing in. After their performance, dancers can join their families in the audience, have some food, and enjoy the rest of the evening.
In between shows, dancers may have time to visit with family in the audience and enjoy the band's performance. Dancers should return to the dressing room 15 minutes prior to their show time to get ready for the next performance.
Location - Jean Paul Aubrey Hall - CCFM (340 Provencher)
This is NOT THE SAME theatre as the Holiday Concert. The Jean Paul Aubrey Hall is located on the NORTH EAST side of the building.
PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THROUGH THE MAIN FRONT DOORS AT CCFM. YOU MUST USE THE DOOR ON THE NORTH EAST CORNER OF THE VENUE. THERE ARE OTHER EVENTS TAKING PLACE AT CCFM AT THE SAME TIME AND IT IS ESSENTIAL EVERYONE USE THE NORTH EAST DOOR.
DANCER ARRIVAL
ARRIVAL TIME - 6:00 PM - NORTH EAST DOOR ONLY.
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.
- Younger Dancers - Parents, please feel welcome to accompany your child to the dressing room (1 parent only), no additional family members please.
Parents and siblings may accompany dancers inside the venue and get an early seat at 6:00 pm. Please do not bring guests with you early. The door for general admission will not open until 6:30 pm.
SHOW SCHEDULE
Please see below for details of which show / shows dancers are performing. Younger dancers perform in earlier shows only.
6:00 pm Dancer Arrival - Parents / Siblings may accompany dancers inside
6:30 pm Doors Open – General Public
7:00 pm McConnell Irish Dancers
- Preschool (Wed 5:30 – 6:00 & Sat 9:25-9:55)
- Beginner (Wed 5:30 – 6:30 & Sat 10:00 – 11:00)
- Level 1 – 3 (Wed 6:30 – 8:00 & Sat 11:00-12:30)
- Meanghrad (Tues)
- Brandon Level 1 – 4
7:30 pm Barefoot Ceili Band
8:00 pm McConnell Irish Dancers
- Performance Troupe
- Adult
- Level 1-3 Sat Hornpipe (Ashlyn, Kelly, Ally, Lilja)
8:30 pm McConnell Irish Dance
- Beginner (Sat 10:00 – 11:00)
- Level 1 – 3 (Wed 6:30 – 8:00 & Sat 11:00 – 12:30)
- Meanghrad (Tues)
- Adult
- Brandon Level 1 - 4
9:00 pm Barefoot Ceili Band
9:30 pm 50 / 50 Raffle
9:35 pm McConnell
- Performance Troupe
- Level 1 – 3 (Wed 6:30 – 8:00 & Sat 11:00 – 12:30)
- Adult
- Brandon Level 1 - 4
COSTUMES
ARRIVE IN COSTUME
We ask all Preschool, Beginner, and Level 1 - 3 dancers to arrived in costume, with hair and make-up done in advance. We recommend dancers wear their costume in between shows as there isn't a great deal of time to change back and forth.
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 and personal belongings organised in a dimly lit backstage area and in the dressing room. 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 as we cannot be responsible for any loss of dance or personal items.
IRISH DANCE SHOES
All dancers must wear proper footwear on stage, for safety and liability.
Dancers who do not have Irish Soft or Hard Shoes have the following options.
Colour - Black
- Ballet Slippers
- Jazz Shoes
- Gym Shoes
CLEAN SHOES BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE
All 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
Irish dance wigs are optional for recreational dancers.
If you will not be wearing a wig, please use the following guidelines for dancer's hair;
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)
Please make sure hair is clean and styled appropriately for performances.
SOCKS & TIGHTS
All dancers under 18 years of age wear poodle socks. If you have not purchased poodle socks, please do so BEFORE Thursday.
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 length).
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 - DANCERS OVER 18
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.
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 our door check-in and admissions are volunteers.
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.
SNACKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
Please insure dancers have a healthy meal before the performance. Snacks will be available for purchase.
SEND DRINKS - SEALED WATER BOTTLES.
- Absolutely no sodas, juices, or drinks which may stain costumes allowed in the dressing room. Sealed water bottles only.
NO FOOD IN THE DRESSING ROOM
- No food allowed in the dressing room. Dancers may eat while seated at tables in the main hall.
KEEPING EVERYONE SAFE
Following Manitoba Health Recommendations
WE ASK ALL PATRONS TO PLEASE WEAR A MASK WHEN MOVING ABOUT IN THE VENUE. MASKS MAY BE REMOVED WHILE SEATED FOR THE CONSUMPTION OF FOOD & BEVERAGES.
DANCERS MASKS
CCFM is designated as a performing arts venue and performers are not required to wears masks while they are performing. We ask all dancers please arrive wearing a mask.
Dancers have the option to remove masks while they are performing for this event. Parents with younger who prefer their dancer keep their mask on for the performance should let the volunteer know at check-in.
Dancers who perform wearing masks are asked to use plain black masks please.
Masks are worn in the dressing room by all (5 + years of age).
STILL NEED TICKETS?
Tickets can be purchased at the door
CASH ONLY AT THE DOOR - FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO USE CREDIT OR PAYPAL AT THE DOOR - PLEASE PURCHASE THROUGH THE EVENTBRITE LINK BELOW
Adult $18 Child / Youth $10 *18 & Under
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
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