MSD - DEC 2020 NEWS

 

 MONTHLY UPDATES 

DECEMBER 2020

SCHOOL NEWS       HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS       PRIVATE LESSONS        COVID-19 UPDATE      

DATES TO REMEMBER          SOCIAL MEDIA           COMPETITIONS       FOLKLORAMA

COSTUME ORDERS       2ND HAND SHOES & COSTUMES         LEAVE US A REVIEW

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SCHOOL NEWS

 Our dancers continue to work hard from home with Zoom lessons continuing for December.  In spite of the challenges learning Irish dance on-line, the dancers are making wonderful progress, working on improving technique, learning new steps and getting in a good workout as we try to increase stamina and fitness.  We recognise it hasn't been easy, but we truly appreciate the lengths our dance families have go to in order to transform their living rooms, bedrooms, and basements into dance studios.  We are very thankful for all you do to keep our dancers dancing!  

We are all missing our regular events this time of year.  Last December we were in the midst of hosting the FIRST CRN Canadian Open Championship competition, our Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, and our student Christmas party.  Although we wont be able to gather for our holiday events this year, we look forward to a time when we can get together again.

McConnell Irish Dance will break from regular classes Monday, December 21st to Sunday, January 3rd.   We will be open for our HOLIDAY WORK-OUTS & PRIVATE LESSONS .  See below for more details!

2020 presented challenges we never imagined and we are all hoping for a better 2021. 

On behalf of McConnell Irish Dance instructors and assistants, we wish you all a safe holiday season and a happy and healthy 2021.

 

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 HOLIDAY WORK-OUTS

We recognise the Holiday Season wont be the same this year with cancellation of seasonal events and limits on gatherings for family and friends.  Many of us will be spending more time indoors at home this year and it can have affect our mental and physical health.  With this in mind, we'd like to offer our dancers an opportunity to get together during the break, burn off a bit of steam and doing some Irish dancing with us.

We'll be offering HOLIDAY WORK-OUT WORKSHOPS for Soft Shoe & Hard Shoe!

TUESDAY DECEMBER 22nd & 29th

*Level 1 - 3 SOFT SHOE  December 22nd   2:00 - 3:00 pm        *Level 3 - 5 SOFT SHOE  December 22nd   3:30 - 4:30 pm

 *Level 1 - 3 HARD SHOE  December 22nd   2:00 - 3:00 pm        *Level 3 - 5 HARD SHOE  December 22nd   3:30 - 4:30 pm

SIGN UP AVAILABLE IN THE STUDENT PORTAL

 

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 PRIVATE LESSONS

 Private lessons are now being offered for all levels during the holiday break December 20th - January 3rd, 2020

Looking for an activity for your Irish Dancer during the holidays? 

Instructors and Assistants are available to work one-on-one with dancers to help improve technique, work on current dances, and learn new material.

Private lessons are highly recommended for dancers;

ADVANCING LEVELS

LEARNING NEW DANCES

STRUGGLING WITH ON-LINE LEARNING

Family members from the same household may combine lessons for a semi-private class.  

EMAIL info@mcconnelldancers.com

to schedule a Holiday Break Private Lesson

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COVID - 19 UPDATE 

Due to Manitoba Public Health orders we have suspended our in-person classes (Winnipeg and Brandon) and will continue with Zoom On-Line lessons, until these orders have been lifted.  

The safety of our dancers, their families, and those in the greater community are of utmost importance to us.  Our dance family brings together students from many cohorts across the province and many of us have loved ones who are vulnerable. .

If we can pull together as a community now and follow all public health guidelines, we can reduce the numbers and get back to in-person classes again soon. 

Stay strong and we will get through this together!  

COVID-19 PLAN - CLICK HERE

  

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DATES TO REMEMBER

 

 

DECEMBER 2020 

Holiday Break - No Classes

           Monday, Dec 21st - Sunday, January 3rd 

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

        
               Jan 15th, 2021                Louis Riel Day - No Classes
                   Mar 17th, 2021               St. Patrick's Day - No Classes 
            Mar 28th - Apr 4th          Spring Break - No Classes

 Apr 5th, 2021                  Easter - No Classes

                             May 23rd, 2021               Victoria Long Weekend - No Classes

           May 24th, 2021               Victoria Day - No Classes
           May 30th, 20201             Fall / Spring Session End

 

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SOCIAL MEDIA

 

We have an active social media presence and we encourage dancers and dance families to follow us and keep up to date with school activities.  

 

                           

FACEBOOK          INSTAGRAM           TWITTER           YOUTUBE

 

FACEBOOK GROUPS

MCCONNELL IRISH DANCERS

A private group intended for current and former McConnell Irish Dance pupils to connect and stay in touch.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN GROUP

 

MCCONNELL IRISH DANCE BUY & SELL 

A private group intended for current and former McConnell Irish Dance pupils to sell new and used dance items.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN GROUP

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COMPETITIVE UPDATES

 

CRN - CUMANN RINCE NÁISIÚNTA 

CRN SAMHAIN FEILE - UPDATE

Results for CRN Samhain Feile have been delayed due to a technical issue with the on-line feis system.  This was the first CRN competition to use a new on-line system and there were issues with the master entry list.  The competitions were adjudicated and it was discovered afterwards there were a number of dancers not included in the line ups.  It was decided that the competitions should be re-adjudicated for fairness to include all competitors.  All videos entries will be re-submitted this week with an updated entry form which was proven successful with the Berkshire feile.  We appreciate this isn't an ideal situation for dancers who've been waiting for results for quite sometime and competed in other events and we very much appreciate your patience.  This was a learning experience for the teachers who've volunteered to set up the system and run the competitions and a great deal of work goes into the planning.  

We will keep you updated as soon as results are available!

CRN BERKSHIRE FEILE

Congratulations to our 26 Dancers who competed in the Berkshire Feile!  Medals, sashes and t-shirts have arrived and we will look forward to handing them out to dancers when we are back at the studio for in-person classes.

We had 7 dancers advance levels!

*12 -1st Place   *12 - 2nd Place    *17 - 3rd Place    *12 - 4th Place    *4 - 5th Place      *5 - 6th Place

     

             

 

CRN NOVEMBER FEILE

Best wishes to our 14 dancers competing in the CRN November Feile!  The competition reached it's maximum of 400 entries and has dancers competing from every region in CRN.  The competitions will be adjudicated on December 13th and we will let everyone know when results will be announced. More information will follow!

DIGITAL FEIS 

An update on Digital Feis as we have not yet received medals for the August and September Digital Feis competitions.  Digital Feis indicated they were having difficulties with their supplier due to Covid-19 issues and the medals will be delayed.  We understand there are some dancers who have not received medals from April and June competitions and we are awaiting for a response from Digital Feis on this matter.  We will let you know as soon as we hear from them and appreciate your patience!

 

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FOLKLORAMA UPDATE

Folklorama held a virtual strategic planning meeting in October where coordinators and sponsoring organisations were able discuss plans for the 2021 festival.  With uncertainty regarding Covid-19 restrictions for next summer, it's not yet known what kind of Folklorama will be possible.  Many sponsoring organisations are struggling without their regular fundraising activities and a 2021 festival will be a financial challenge, in addition to new public health restrictions required for large gatherings.  Suggestions from sponsoring organisations include combined effort between pavilions, outdoor venues, and more resources for Folklorama At Home summer performances.  McConnell Irish Dancers and our bands Barefoot Ceili & Enaid performed at 8 Folklorama at Home shows this summer and it was a treat to be able to get back to performances in wonderful and warm backyard settings.  

Folklorama will be working with sponsoring organisations in 2021 to help develop plans for the summer and we look forward to our 52nd year as a festival Folklorama founding member! 

We will keep everyone updated as plans proceed...

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NEW COSTUME ORDERS

Due to the uncertainty of performance dates for 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, new costume orders which would typically take place at this time of year will be delayed until the new year.  Once we have ascertained future performance dates we will proceed with costume orders.  Recognising young dancers grow quickly, we feel it's best for us to wait until dates are conformed before we ask families to invest in new costumes.

For more information on McConnell Irish Dance Costumes for Recreational, Performance, and Competitive dancers, please visit the members area of our website

CLICK HERE FOR COSTUME INFORMATION

      

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SECOND HAND SHOES & COSTUMES 

Due to Covid-19 MSDSA (McConnell School of Dance Student's Association) will not be holding an in-person 2nd Hand Shoe & Costume Sale at the studio.  Instead, we have created a private group on Facebook where dancers and parents are encouraged to post their 2nd hand shoes and costumes for sale.  

MCCONNELL IRISH DANCE BUY & SELL 

A private group intended for current and former McConnell Irish Dance pupils to sell new and used dance items.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN GROUP

 

 

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McConnell Irish Dance would love your feedback.

Please post a review to our profile by following the link below.

https://g.page/McConnellIrishDance/review?gm  

THANK YOU!

MSD - COVID-19 UPDATE - NOV 12th, 2020

 

 

 

 

McConnell Irish Dance - Covid-19 Update

Provincial Response Level: CRITICAL (RED)

Updates to Manitoba Public Health orders effective on November 12th, 2020 require our studio to remain closed until December 11th, 2020. With this in mind, we will continue with Zoom On-Line lessons for Winnipeg and Brandon classes until December 11th, 2020. 

Although we will miss seeing our dancers in-person at the studio, we LOVE seeing them dance at home and always enjoy drop in's from family pets.  Our instructors and assistants have plenty of on-line learning and fun planned for the next four weeks to help keep our dancers healthy, both mentally and physically.  We know this is a difficult time for our dancers and we remind them to stay strong, keep motivated, and continue to Irish dance at home on Zoom.   

If we can pull together as a community now and follow all public health guidelines, we can reduce the numbers and get back to in-person classes again soon!

Take care and we'll see you on ZOOM!

Shayleen McConnell Finucan (ODCRN) 

MSD - COVID -19 UPDATE

 MCCONNELL IRISH DANCE - COVID 19 UPDATE

Today Manitoba Health has announced Winnipeg will be moving to Provincial Response Level Red beginning, Monday, November 2nd, 2020.

In previous Public Health Orders Dance Studios have fallen under their own category, separate from Gyms / Fitness Centres and Sport / Recreational Activities.  At this time it is unclear as to how the orders will affect dance studios in Winnipeg.   With this in mind, we have been advised to wait for release of the Public Health Orders to determine how best to proceed. 

We will remain open for regularly scheduled classes and Berkshire Feile tapings in Winnipeg and Brandon until Sunday, November 1st, 2020.  

Should Manitoba Health Guidelines direct us to suspend in-person classes temporarily, we are well prepared to transition to Zoom on-line for all classes.  We have two studios equipped with Webcams for instructors and assistants ready to work individually with students in Zoom Breakaway Rooms.

Once the Manitoba Health Orders are released, we will advise you of any further changes.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Thank you,

Shayleen McConnell Finucan (ODCRN)

 

 

 

MSD - OCTOBER 2020 NEWS

 

 MONTHLY UPDATES 

OCTOBER 2020

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 NEWSLETTER CONTENTS

SCHOOL NEWS      COVID-19 UPDATE      IMPORTANT DATES       STUDENT PORTAL & WEBSITE       

SICK? STAY HOME & ZOOM IN         SOCIAL MEDIA     COMPETITION UPDATES   

2ND HAND SHOES & COSTUMES       HALLOWEEN COSTUME WEEK

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SCHOOL NEWS

It's been a pleasure welcoming students for the first week of the 2020 - 2021 Season!  Whether it be in-person or on-line through Zoom, we are very happy to see dancers back in class for another year of Irish dance.   

We are delighted to kick off the season with our new Winnipeg studio and a return.  Although we are not able to welcome parents and family at this time, we look forward to the day when we can hold a proper Open House to welcome all to our new dance home.

This season has commenced with many challenges due to Covid-19 and we wish to extend our sincere appreciation to our dancers and their families for their willingness to adapt to the changes in procedure due to the pandemic.  We understand there is a lot of information to absorb with new Covid-19 policies and it can be difficult to keep up with.  We understand the challenges for our dance families and we sincerely appreciate the efforts everyone is making to insure our dance environment is safe for all.

We thank you all our dancers and families for their continued support and we look forward to our 72nd Season in Canada!

 

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COVID - 19 UPDATE 

Please keep informed by reading updates prior to attending classes as procedures may change with government mandates. 

 

COVID-19 PLAN - CLICK HERE

DROP OFF

• For safety reasons, we ask all dancers to remain in their vehicles until the studio Open Sign is an instructor is at the door to meet students. It is not advisable for dancers to wait outside the studio early.
• Parents are welcome to accompany dancers for line up outside, but please insure everyone is wearing a mask and physical distancing is practised at all times.
• Parents are asked to wait until dancers enter the building before leaving the parking lot as we are doing health screenings for everyone entering.  

PICK-UP

• Please arrive 5 minutes prior to the end of class as we will be staggering exits for safety reasons. 
• If you're running late, we understand but PLEASE TEXT 204-793-8557 so we do not send dancers outside without someone to meet them.

DANCE BAGS

• Please bring a backpack or duffle bag to contain their personal items (clothing, dance shoes, purse, cell phone). 
• All personal items must remain in the dance bag. 
• Please try not to bring any non-essential items. 

MASKS

We understand wearing masks is very difficult for dancers during high energy activity and we are taking extra precautions to insure dancers have sufficient rest and water breaks.  Dancers who are not able to wear a mask have the option to switch to on-line lessons until restrictions ease.

• All ages - including dancers 5 & under
• Line-up outside, during all dance time, and for exit. 
• Dancers should have their own masks with them, however if you forget, we have extras at the studio for them.

WATER BOTTLES

• All dancers are encouraged to bring water bottles to class. 
• At this time, our water cooler is closed for use and the studio restroom cannot be used to fill water bottles. 
• Dancers who consume a lot of water during class are encouraged to bring large or multiple bottles with them.
• Absolutely no sharing of water bottles is permitted.

DANCE SHOES & YOUNGER STUDENTS

Due to covid-19 restrictions, instructors cannot assist dancers in tying shoes.  We understand this is difficult for our younger dancers and their parents but we have a few suggestions to assist.

• Consider using ballet slippers (with elastic straps) instead of Irish soft shoes.  We recommend black, which can use used for performances.  Pink are acceptable for classes.  
• Use elastic instead of laces for hard and soft shoes.  Both soft & hard shoes can be laced with elastic (tied off) so younger dancers can slip shoes on and off themselves.
• For parents who are tying shoes at home (or in vehicles), we recommend dancers wear a larger slip on style sandal to wear over their soft shoes.  This allows dancers to walk on concrete without causing damage or dirtying soft shoes while they wait for entry and exit the studio.

 

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DATES TO REMEMBER 

 
              
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OCTOBER 2020     

Sunday Oct 11th, 2020 - No Classes (Thanksgiving)
     Monday, Oct 12th, 2020 - No Classes (Thanksgiving)

 

Please note, classes will take place as scheduled on Saturday, October 31st, 2020 (Halloween)

 

 

 

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STUDENT PORTAL &  WEBSITE 

The Student Account Portal allows families access to their account information, update their contact information, register for classes, pay their monthly tuition, and update payment information.  Login requires a password, if you forget your password, please follow the links to re-set or contact us at info@mcconnelldancers.com for assistance.

 

STUDENT PORTAL

 

 

 The Student's Area of the website has many useful resources including school policies, school calendar and important dates, Irish dance information, and practice resources (music & videos).  The website requires a general password for entry to the student's area. 

 

2020 - 2021 PASSWORD 

mcconnell722020

 

STUDENT WEBSITE LOGIN

  

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SICK?   STAY HOME & ZOOM IN

 

 

We recognise dancers will be missing classes from time to time with flu season and covid-19 self isolation requirements.  We appreciate dancers staying home when they (or someone in their home) aren't feeling well or are self isolating but we understand they will be missing dance class more often these days.  With this in mind, we encourage all dancers to "Zoom In" to their regularly scheduled class when they aren't able to attend in person.  

 

In preparation for students requiring Zoom classes more frequently, we have upgraded our technology at the studio to include a high definition Webcam and a large studio monitor so dancers in class can interact with those who need to zoom in to the lesson.

 

Please contact us in advance at info@mcconnelldancers.com to let us know when you're unable to attend in-person classes and we will send you a Zoom link to drop in to the live feed class!

 

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SOCIAL MEDIA

 

We have an active social media presence and we encourage dancers and dance families to follow us and keep up to date with school activities.  Dancers and family are reminded to be respectful, positive, and kind at all times on school social media.  

 

                           

FACEBOOK          INSTAGRAM           TWITTER           YOUTUBE

 

FACEBOOK GROUPS

MCCONNELL IRISH DANCERS

A private group intended for current and former McConnell Irish Dance pupils to connect and stay in touch.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN GROUP

 

MCCONNELL IRISH DANCE BUY & SELL 

A private group intended for current and former McConnell Irish Dance pupils to sell new and used dance items.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN GROUP

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COMPETITIVE UPDATES

  

DIGITAL FEIS

Best wishes to our 14 McConnell Dancers who competed in the September 2020 Digital Feis.  Results are expected within a week, so please stay tuned to your emails!  

The Digital Feis scheduled for November 14th, 2020 has been CANCELLED. 

All dancers are welcome to compete in Digital Feis, for more information on competitive Irish dance, please visit our the Competitive Division section of our website - CLICK HERE

 

CRN - CUMANN RINCE NÁISIÚNTA 

We are pleased to announce CRN North American Western Region will be hosting an on-line competition at the end of October 2020.   All dancers are welcome to compete in Digital Feis, for more information on competitive Irish dance, please visit our the Competitive Division section of our website - CLICK HERE

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SECOND HAND SHOES & COSTUMES 

Due to Covid-19 MSDSA (McConnell School of Dance Student's Association) will not be holding an in-person 2nd Hand Shoe & Costume Sale at the studio.  Instead, we have created a private group on Facebook where dancers and parents are encouraged to post their 2nd hand shoes and costumes for sale.  

MCCONNELL IRISH DANCE BUY & SELL 

A private group intended for current and former McConnell Irish Dance pupils to sell new and used dance items.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN GROUP

 

 

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HALLOWEEN WEEK - WEAR YOUR COSTUME TO CLASS

 

 

 

 NEW STUDIO UPDATE - DELAYED START OF CLASSES

We are absolutely delighted with our NEW studio at 558 Keenleyside!  Renovations are progressing at an amazingly rapid pace after only 1 week in the new building and we can't wait for our dancers to see our new dance home!  

Due to delays with flooring and shipments during the pandemic we are going to need a wee bit more time to get the studio ready for our dancers.   

With this in mind, we are going to postpone the start of classes to Monday September 21st - Sunday, September 27th.  (one week) This includes classes in Winnipeg & Brandon.

In order to make up the time missed during the first week, classes will be extended at the end of the season (into the 1st week of June).  New class dates have been updated in the Student Portal to reflect the changes.

We apologies for the inconvenience, but we are committed to providing our dancers with a safe environment.  We thank you for your patience and understanding during this very busy and exciting time for our school.

Please don't hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.

Thank you,

Shayleen McConnell Finucan (ODCRN)

 

DIGITAL FEIS - SEPTEMBER 2020

  

DIGITAL FEIS - SEPTEMBER 2020

Digital Feis a great opportunity for dancers to enter Irish Dance competitions digitally, without the burden of travel. Digital Feis provides an opportunity for written adjudicator feedback for solo dances, set dances, and treble reels. Digital Feis wins allow dancers the opportunity for CRN qualifying advancement and is a great motivator for dancers while in-person competitions are on hold.

If you're interested in competing in the September 2020 Digital Feis, please read through the information below; 

Deadline for registration in the Student Portal - Monday, September 7th, 2020

 

ENTER DIGITAL FEIS

 

DIGITAL FEIS INFORMATION

VIDEO TAPING 

Due to our studio move, we are unable to offer in-studio Digital Feis taping for September 2020.  Dancers who wish to participate will need to video from home and submit videos by the deadline.

The deadline for video submission is -  Thursday, September 17th, 2020

 

WHICH LEVEL, WHICH DANCES?

Digital Feis allows dancers compete in 1 level per dance so dancers may enter ONE video for their reel, slip jig, single jig, light jig, heavy jig, hornpipe, traditional set, contemporary set, treble reel.

• Dancers MUST compete in their current CRN equivalent level for each dance and cannot "skip ahead" to higher levels without moving out of the dance based on CRN requirements (1st place win with 7 or more in a dance or 1st place win with 3 or more 3 times).  
• Dancers MUST be currently enrolled in the class for the level they are competing with for EACH DANCE, in order to maintain fairness for all.

If you're uncertain of which dances are best, please don't hesitate to email info@mcconnelldancers.com 

 

DIGITAL FEIS NUMBERS

NEW DIGITAL FEIS DANCERS

• Dancers new to Digital Feis will receive their dancer number via e-mail in 24 - 48 hours of registration in the STUDENT PORTAL. 

Dancers who've already competed in Digital Feis can email info@mcconnelldancers.com to request a PDF printable copy of their Digital Feis #, if needed.

 

DIGITAL FEIS DANCES

Beginner: Reel, Light Jig, Single Jig, Slip Jig, Treble Jig, Hornpipe, Traditional Sets, Treble Reel

Primary: Reel, Light Jig, Single Jig, Slip Jig, Festival Slow Slip Jig, Treble Jig, Hornpipe, Traditional Sets, Treble Reel

Novice: Reel, Light Jig, Single Jig, Slip Jig, Festival Slow Slip Jig, Treble Jig, Hornpipe, Traditional Sets, Treble Reel

Prizewinner: Reel, Light Jig, Slip Jig, Festival Slow Slip Jig, Single Jig, Treble Jig, Hornpipe, Traditional Sets, Contemporary Set, Treble Reel

Championship: Reel, Slip Jig, Festival Slow Slip Jig, Treble Jig, Hornpipe, Traditional Sets, Contemporary Set, Treble Reel

 

DIGITAL FEIS DANCE LENGTHS

If a dancer dances longer than the required bars, only the required bars will be judged. If a dancer stops and does not perform to the dance length requirement, they will receive an incomplete. 

• Beginner - Bunghrád - 32 bars
• Primary - Ullmhuchán -  32 bars
• Novice - Meanghrád - 32 bars
• Prizewinner - Ardghrád - 32 bars
• Championship - Craobhghrád - 48 bars for reel and treble jig; 40 bars for slip jig and hornpipe for all dancers Under 25. Dancers 25 years of age and older (as of January 1) may dance 40 bars for reel and treble jig; 32 bars for slip jig and hornpipe.
• Traditional Sets: Dancers must dance the first step on both the right and left foot, and the first set on the right foot only.
• Contemporary Sets: Dancers will dance the first step on both the right and left foot, and the first set on the right foot only.

Traditional Set Recommendations

• Beginner: St Patrick’s Day, The Blackbird
• Primary: St Patrick’s Day, The Blackbird, Job of Journeywork, Jockey to the Fair
• Novice: St Patrick’s Day, The Blackbird, Job of Journeywork, Jockey to the Fair, Garden of Daisies, King of the Fairies, White Blanket, Three Sea Captains
• Prizewinner: Job of Journeywork, Jockey to the Fair, Garden of Daisies, King of the Fairies, White Blanket, Three Sea Captains, The Hunt, The Humours of Bandon
• Champion: Garden of Daisies, King of the Fairies, White Blanket, Three Sea Captains, The Hunt, The Humours of Bandon

 

VIDEO SUBMISSION

Deadline for Video Submission - Thursday, September 17th, 2020

Videos can be sent via Dropbox, Google Drive, or emailed to info@mcconnelldancers.com.

Video Taping Recommendations

• Submit your 1 best video for each dance you are competing in.  Please do not submit multiple versions of the same dance.  
• Please make sure your Digital Feis number is securely pinned to your costume.
• Please include the 8 bar music introduction in your video.  Dancers should stand in "5th" position, ready to dance when music starts.  
• We recommend dancers finish their dance in "5th" position and end with a "point & bow".
• Dancers entire frame should be in the video at all times during the video.
• Record horizontally, if possible. Please do not switch between vertical and horizontal in the middle of the dance.
• The cameraperson or tripod should stand in for the judge. If you have to video tape yourself, it's fine, just trim the video to the shortest length possible. 
• Adjudicators must be able to hear the music and hard shoes, so please insure your music is loud enough for the dancer and adjudicator to hear.
• Please trim your video to the shortest possible length.
• Dancers, please try to remember to smile!

Please note, we will not provide feedback to dancers or parents on any videos submitted for Digital Feis competitions in order to maintain fairness for all.  Dancers who would like feedback on their work for Digital Feis competitions are encouraged to sign up for a private lesson or video taping session. 

 

DIGITAL FEIS INFORMATION

Digital Feis is an on-line organisation offering dancers the opportunity to compete and advance levels without the burden of travel. Videos are submitted by the school and dancers register for private video taping sessions where solo dances are rehearsed, taped, and submitted for adjudication. Digital Feis provides feedback, placement, and medals to competing dancers and all results count towards their CRN Levels or just for fun! 

Digital Feis is open to all dancers, in Recreational, Competitive, and Performance Divisions.  

DIGITAL FEIS - UPCOMING COMPETITION DATES

• September Digital Feis - September 19th, 2020
• November Digital Feis - November 14th, 2020

DIGITAL FEIS FEES

• $35 Entry fee per dancer
• Solo Dance Entry - $10 with medal (USD) / per dance 

If you have any questions about Digital Feis, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Thank you,

Shayleen McConnell Finucan (ODCRN)

AUGUST 2020 SCHOOL UPDATE

 AUGUST 2020 - SCHOOL UPDATE

SUMMER SESSION 

This week brings our Summer Session and the 2019 - 2020 Season to a close and we will break from classes until mid September. We've enjoyed the chance to get back in the studio with many of our student for July & August.  After 5 months of on-line lessons it was a pleasure to see many of our dancers in person again!  

The 2019 - 2020 Season did not end as any of us would have anticipated, but the dancers have made the best of the situation and we admire them for their determination to keep dancing through the pandemic.  We have all missed our regular events with St. Patrick's, Canada Feile, Recital, and Folklorama but we hope things can return to normal one day soon. In the meantime, we will continue to make the necessary adjustments to keep our dancers and instructors safe while they do what they love to do...Irish Dance!

Thank you to our dancers and their families for their valued support to the school and MSDSA activities.  We'd also like to thank our instructors and assistants for all their hard work and dedication to the dancers this year!

Wendy Havens, Mary-Margaret Magyar, Lizann Magee, Luc Legault, Luc Legault, Kiera Legault, Annika Magee, Danya Mozdzen, and Isla Fisher. 

Thanks also to our MSDSA Board of Directors for the 2019 - 2020 Season;

President - Wendy Havens,  Vice President - Lauren Rousseau,  Treasurer - Tanis Olafson, Secretary - Kristin Legault 

Board Members - Mary-Margaret Magyar, Simone Magee, Jackie Naphin, Christa Traczuk

On behalf of McConnell School of Irish Dance, we thank you for your hard work for our Student's Association!

 

NEW STUDIO

After a very lengthy search, we have found a safe and suitable new home for our dance school.  We are delighted to announce the location of our NEW WINNIPEG STUDIO at 558 Keenleyside Street.

The 2600 sq ft studio is large enough to hold physically distanced classes and has a new HVAC and ventilation system to provide superior air quality for Irish dancers. The studio is close to major shopping centres around Lagimodiere & Regent Ave. with  7-11 and Sushi right next door!

Although the location was previously a dance studio, we will be doing quite a bit of work and upgrades for the 2020 - 2021, so stayed tuned for photos and updates along the way!

 

2020 - 2021 SEASON 

Our 72nd Season will commence the week of September 14th - 20th, 2020 for both Winnipeg & Brandon locations.  We will be offering in-person, physically distanced classes as well as Zoom Live Feed classes for those who are not ready to return to the studio environment. 

All Manitoba Health Guidelines will be strictly followed.  Class sizes will be reduced with limited registration, additional time has been added to the schedule for to allow for dancers safe entry & exit, and the studio and waiting room will be cleaned and disinfected in between every class.

With reduced class sizes and added time for safe cleaning procedures, we will be combining our programs for recreational and competitive classes this season.  This will allow more schedule options for dancers and parents.  In most cases the schedule will be much the same as it has been in the past, however due to scheduling difficulties, our Brandon classes will now be held on Sundays.  We apologies for any scheduling issues with the change for our Brandon dancers, unfortunately it cannot be avoided.

In advance of registration, we are releasing the 2020 - 2021 schedule so families can plan their activities for the fall.  

2020 - 2021 Registration will be available soon!  We are currently updating our website with all the necessary information you'll need to register this year.  

Please stay tuned for more detailed information soon and be well!

Warm Regards,

Shayleen McConnell Finucan (OCDRN)

McConnell School of Dance