SCHOOL & COVID 19 UPDATE - Jan 23, 2022

 

 

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SCHOOL & COVID 19 CLASS UPDATE - JAN 23rd, 2022

We are very pleased to return to in-person classes next week, beginning Wednesday, January 26th, 2022.

In order to assist dancers who may be required to stay at home through illness, self-isolation, winter weather, or who are not yet comfortable with in-person lessons, all classes will be offered in-person and zoom.

We have made minor changes to our schedule and covid-19 policies for the next few weeks as we navigate through the Omicron wave.  The schedule and covid-19 policy safety updates will be in place until February 21st, 2022 when we re-assess, following public health guidelines.  We will notify you if any additional changes are required.  

Please read the information below thoroughly before attending your next dance class.

There will be no private lessons offered next week on-line or in-person.  Private lessons will resume the 1st week of February and dancers may register in advance for private lessons at anytime in the Student Portal CLICK HERE

We look forward to seeing our dancers back at the studio next week.  If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@mcconnelldancers.com.

Thank you, 

McConnell Irish Dance

 

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PLEASE STAY AT HOME IF...

You or anyone in your household is sick or has symptoms such as;

Fever, cough, tiredness, loss of taste or small, sore throat, headache, aches and pains, diarrhoea, rash, or red irritated eyes, please do not come to dance class. 

You or anyone in your household has been told to self-isolate, please do not come to dance class.

We appreciate these measures may be different in school, daycare, or work settings, however Irish dance is a higher risk activity and are taking all precautions to keep our dance family safe.

If you or someone in your household is sick or has been told to self-isolate, please do not come to dance class.

 

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ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES

We've updated our schedule and some of our covid-19 safety measures for the next few weeks in an effort to keep everyone as safe as possible at dance.  

REDUCED CLASS SIZES

• Classes with larger enrolment will be split.  Please see schedule below for more details.

15 MIN INTERVAL IN-BETWEEN ALL CLASSES

• Class times have been updated to allow 15 minutes for complete air transfer through our 2 HEPA filtered H-VACS in between each class and enhanced cleaning procedures will be implemented.

MASKS

• 3 Ply Medical Masks must be worn at all times and cannot be removed at anytime during the lessons. 
• Please do not wear cloth masks, but if you forget not to worry,  we will have spares available at the studio.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING

• Increased physical distancing measures will be in place including dancers remaining in their 2m spacing at all times during the lesson.  
• There will be no choreography, partner, or ceili dancing during this time.

ARRIVAL

Dancers should wait in their vehicles or line up outside the studio (physically distanced with masks) until their scheduled class time. Please do not enter the building before your scheduled class time.   

• In order to keep classes in cohorts, dancers will not be permitted into the waiting room until the previous class has left, cleaning is complete, and air circulation time passes. 
• The waiting room and studio will be closed for parents (with the exception of preschool classes)

We apologies for any inconvenience this causes for dancers travelling from out of town or those using public transit.  We hope these measures will only be in place for a short time and we will re-open the waiting room as soon as it is safe to do so.

EXIT - PICK UP

Dancers will exit the building promptly at their scheduled class end time so please make sure rides are in the parking lot a few minutes early. 

Please do not linger after your lesson is complete as instructors must get the building ready for the next class.  

PROOF OF VACCINATION

All dancers 12 and over are required to show proof of vaccination, medical exemption from a physician, or proof of negative covid-19 test from a pharmacist within 72 hrs.  This mandate has been in place since early December and if you have already provided us with your proof of vaccination, it is not necessary to do so again.  

 

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UPDATED CLASS SCHEDULE

January 26th - February 21st 2022

Please see below for both in-person and zoom classes as there have been updates to the schedule.

In order to have adequate time for air circulation and cleaning in between classes, we have made slight adjustments to the class schedule.  This schedule will be in place for the next several weeks and we will update you if there any further changes necessary.

Monday

• Level 4/5 (1) - 5:00 - 6:55 pm - Isla, Audrey, Gwen, Finn, McKinley, Sydney, Serena, Vera, Kylie
• Level 4/5 (2) - 7:05 - 9:00 pm -  Annika, Lizann, Mary-Margaret, Danya, Katie, Luc, Ripley, Kiera, Bailey

*For the next few weeks, dancers who would normally stay for both classes are asked to only attend during the time slot they are listed for

Tuesday

• Performance (1) 5:00 - 6:55 pm - Ally, Amadora, Gwen, Finn, McKinley, Sydney, Hennesey, Kinsey, Kenzie ,Serena, Audrey
• Performance (2) 7:10 - 9:00 pm - Annika, Danya, Bella, Katie, Luc, Ripley, Kiera, Bailey, Isla, Kylie, Jared
• Meanghrad 30 - dances will be run during Performance classes.

*For the next few weeks, dancers who would normally stay for both classes are asked to only attend during the time slot they are listed for

Wednesday

• Preschool 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm 
• Beginner 5:30 pm - 6:20 pm
• Level 1 - 3 6:35 - 7:55 pm
• Adult 8:10 - 9:10 pm

Thursday

• Level 4/5 (1) - 5:00 - 6:55 pm - Isla, Kylie, Audrey, Gwen, Finn, McKinley, Sydney, Serena, Vera
• Level 4/5 (2) - 7:10 - 9:00 pm - Maclean, Lauren, Annika, Lizann, Mary-Margaret, Danya, Katie, Bella, Ripley, Kiera, Bailey

*For the next few weeks, dancers who would normally stay for both classes are asked to only attend during the time slot they are listed for

Saturday

• Preschool 9:15 am - 9:45 am
• Beginner 10:00 am -11:00 am
• Level 1 - 3 11:10 am - 12:40 pm
• Strength & Open Practice 12:55 pm - 2:55 pm

Sunday - Brandon

• Beginner 1:00 - 2:00 pm
• Level 1 - 4 1:00 - 4:00 pm

 

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ZOOM CLASS LOGIN

All classes will be available for in-person or zoom and dancers are encouraged to attend an on-line class if they are unable to attend in person. 

We appreciate you emailing us in advance if you plan to attend a zoom lesson instead of your regular in-person class so we can have additional instructors on-line to assist with zoom students.

Please see below for zoom login information for each class.

 

PRESCHOOL

Saturday 9:15 - 9:45 am & Wednesday 5:30 - 6:00 pm

• https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81855252872?pwd=Q1U3N2dXVXVQQythQS85N0RyT1pkdz09
• Meeting ID: 818 5525 2872
• Passcode: mcconnell

 

BEGINNER 

Wednesday 5:30 - 6:20pm

• https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81855252872?pwd=Q1U3N2dXVXVQQythQS85N0RyT1pkdz09
• Meeting ID: 818 5525 2872
• Passcode: mcconnell

Saturday 10:00 - 11:00 am

• https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87574402427?pwd=YnpGV3BYcEtoNnRQZWYydWtjQzRIZz09
• Meeting ID: 875 7440 2427
• Passcode: mcconnell 

 

BUNGHRAD, ULLMHUCHAN, MEANGHRAD

Wednesday 6:35 - 7:55 pm & Saturday 11:10 - 12:40 pm

• https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81016628000?pwd=NFpQOW1mRFFlbjYvSktLaWxINEdmdz09
• Meeting ID: 810 1662 8000
• Passcode: mcconnell

 

ARDGHRAD, CRAOBHGHRAD

Monday 5:00 - 6:55 pm & 7:10 - 9:00 pm & Thursday 5:00 - 6:55 pm & 7:10 - 9:00 pm

• https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82923257587?pwd=V29ham13c3o0d0liNERIcGN4djZodz09
• Meeting ID: 829 2325 7587
• Passcode: 006325

 

ADULT

Wednesday 8:10 - 9:10 pm

• https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81592560577?pwd=L3pwL1ZKUExKRXRwUUZ0LzhPaWphZz09
• Meeting ID: 815 9256 0577
• Passcode: 119633

 

BRANDON

Due to internet issues at our Brandon location, we are unable to offer zoom classes.  Brandon dancers are welcome to attend our Saturday zoom class if they are unable to attend the Brandon lesson.

JAN 2022 - COVID 19 & CLAS UPDATE

 

 

 

 

 

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JANUARY 2022 - COVID 19 & CLASS UPDATE

With the significant increase in Covid-19 cases, all schools now on remote learning, and health officials recommending we limit our close contacts, we feel it best to delay our return to Irish dance classes.

In-person classes scheduled to return on Monday, January 10th will be delayed until Monday, January 17th, 2022. 

If absolutely necessary, we will further delay classes until students return to school and heath care & essential community services are not compromised.  We are hopeful for a quick return to in-person classes and have full confidence our studio's covid-19 safety protocols and HEPA ventilation systems.  But for the time being, we want to do our part to help reduce close contacts!

We understand dancers will be disappointed the the delay but we want to reassure them we can all get through this together.  We have much to look ahead towards with plans for St. Patrick's 2022, our year end Recital, and Canada Feile. 

To help keep dancers motivated over the next week, we have some new things to look forward to!  Please see below for details on what we have planned for your class.  

In-Person Private lessons will not be held during this time, but we are available for zoom private lessons next week.  Please contact us at info@mcconnelldancers.com, for scheduling options.

We will keep you informed of any changes prior to January 17th, 2022.  In the meantime, we hope everyone stays safe and healthy by doing as much Irish dance as you can during this time.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us via email at info@mcconnelldancers.com.

Thank you,

Shayleen McConnell Finucan (ODCRN)

McConnell Irish Dance

 

COVID 19 & CLASS UPDATE

JANUARY10 - 17th, 2022 

 

PRESCHOOL

We appreciate zoom classes don't work well for our preschool students or their parents.  With this in mind, we're going to send dancers a Preschool Dance Class Video to use at home this week.  We'll have messages from our teachers and lots of Irish dancing fun to help our young dancers burn off steam at home this week. 

To make up the in-person class time, we'll extend class time slightly each week and dancers will have the option to attend a make-up lesson anytime during the season (Saturday 9:25 - 9:55 am or Wednesday 5:30 - 6:00 pm).  We'll determine the extended class schedule once a return to class date is confirmed.

 

BEGINNER

All beginner students are welcome to join us for a zoom class on Saturday mornings.

Beginner Zoom Login -  Saturday 10:05 - 11:05 am. 

• https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87574402427?pwd=YnpGV3BYcEtoNnRQZWYydWtjQzRIZz09
• Meeting ID: 875 7440 2427
• Passcode: mcconnell

If Zoom classes don't work for you, we understand!  We'll also send a Beginner Dance Class Video for you to use at home for the week.  Dancers will have messages from the instructors, warm up, technique, review of steps and some new material to work on at home. 

To make up the in-person class time, we'll extend class time slightly each week and dancers will have the option to attend a make-up lesson anytime during the season (Saturday 10:05 - 11:05 am or Wednesday 5:30 - 6:30 pm) 

 

BUNGHRAD, ULLMHUCHAN, MEANGHRAD

All Level 1 - 3 students are welcome to join us for a zoom class on Saturday mornings.

Bunghrad - Ullmhuchan - Meanghrad Zoom Login - Saturday 11:10 - 12:40 pm

• https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81016628000?pwd=NFpQOW1mRFFlbjYvSktLaWxINEdmdz09
• Meeting ID: 810 1662 8000
• Passcode: mcconnell

If Zoom classes don't work for you, we understand!  We'll also send a Level 1 - 3  Class Video for you to use at home for the week. Dancers will have messages from the instructors, warm up, technique, review of steps and some new material to work on at home. 

To make up the in-person class time, we'll extend class time slightly each week and dancers will have the option to attend a make-up lesson anytime during the season (Saturday 11:10 - 12:40 am or Wednesday 6:30 - 8:00 pm)  

 

ARDGHRAD / CRAOGHBRHAD

We understand zoom classes are extremely difficult for upper level competitive dancers and we are not going to schedule zoom classes during this time.

Instead, we feel it will be more beneficial for the dancers to have the opportunity to continue training independently in the studio, in a safe environment.  More details will be sent out to Level 4 / 5 dancers. 

 

ADULT CLASS

We understand zoom classes difficult for Adult students, but you are very welcome to attend the Beginner and/or Level 1 - 3 Zoom Classes. 

Beginner Zoom Login -  Saturday 10:05 - 11:05 am. 

• https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87574402427?pwd=YnpGV3BYcEtoNnRQZWYydWtjQzRIZz09
• Meeting ID: 875 7440 2427
• Passcode: mcconnell

Bunghrad - Ullmhuchan - Meanghrad Zoom Login - Saturday 11:10 - 12:40 pm

• https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81016628000?pwd=NFpQOW1mRFFlbjYvSktLaWxINEdmdz09
• Meeting ID: 810 1662 8000
• Passcode: mcconnell

If Zoom classes don't work for you, we understand!  We'll also send a Beginner & Level 1 - 3  Class Video for you to use at home for the week.  The videos will have messages from the instructors, warm up, technique, review of steps and some new material to work on at home. 

To make up the in-person class time, we'll extend class time slightly each week once we return to in-person classes.

 

BRANDON CLASSES

PRESCHOOL & BEGINNER

We appreciate zoom classes don't work well for our preschool students or their parents.  With this in mind, we're going to send dancers a Preschool Dance Class Video to use at home this week.  We'll have messages from our teachers and lots of Irish dancing fun to help our young dancers burn off steam at home this week. 

To make up the in-person class time, we'll extend class time slightly each week once we return to in-person classes.

LEVEL 1 - 4

All Level 1 - 3 students are welcome to join us for a zoom class on Saturday mornings.

Beginner Zoom Login -  Saturday 10:05 - 11:05 am.  

• https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87574402427?pwd=YnpGV3BYcEtoNnRQZWYydWtjQzRIZz09
• Meeting ID: 875 7440 2427
• Passcode: mcconnell

Bunghrad - Ullmhuchan - Meanghrad Zoom Login - Saturday 11:10 - 12:40 pm

• https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81016628000?pwd=NFpQOW1mRFFlbjYvSktLaWxINEdmdz09
• Meeting ID: 810 1662 8000
• Passcode: mcconnell

If Zoom classes don't work for you, we understand!  We'll also send a Level 1 - 3  Class Video for you to use at home for the week.  The videos will have messages from the instructors, warm up, technique, review of steps and some new material to work on at home.  Dancers also have the option to attend any Winnipeg classes to make up for the time missed.  

 

Irish Holiday Concert - Wrap Up

 

 

  

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IRISH HOLIDAY CONCERT

Congratulations to all of the performers who participated in the Irish Holiday Concert this year!  It was an absolute pleasure for us all to see the dancers on stage again.  We are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication through a great many obstacles the past two years. For many students, this was their very first Irish dance performance and not only did they dance beautifully but they handled the pressure of performing in front of a large audience like true professionals.

Thank you to those who came out to see the performance, it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces in the audience out to support our dancers.  

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigated through the challenges of running the event with covid-19 protocols in place and changing Manitoba Health regulations.  

Many thanks to all of the volunteers who helped us behind the scenes.  Without your help, the evening could not have been possible

DOOR & ADMISSIONS

• Kristin Legault
• Carys & Nigel Osborne
• Stacie Meihm
• Julie Fisher
• Simone Magee

BACKSTAGE ASSISTANTS

• Thomas Oberlin
• Mackenzie Sarvis
• Kallie McGinn
• Lauren Rousseau
• Pat Joseph

INSTRUCTORS & ASSISTANTS

• Wendy Havens
• Mary-Margaret Magyar
• Kiera Legault
• Isla Fisher
• Serena Meihm
• Finn Havens
• Hennesey Roberts

Special thanks to our Adult class who helped out with our Preschool & Beginner dancers in the first show.  We really appreciate your assistance with the younger dancers and so did the children!

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EVENT PHOTOS

Thank you to Mary-Margaret Magyar from Mary-Margaret Photography http://marymargaretmagyar.ca for capturing some of the highlights of the evening for us (when she wasn't dancing).  The photo gallery can be viewed in the students area of our website or through the direct link https://mcconnelldancers.com/student-gallery

 

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JACKIE WHITE LYONS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Established in 2008 , a scholarship awarded to dancers with McConnell Irish Dance for outstanding achievement.  In memory of dancer, instructor, and friend, Jackie White Lyons.

It was with great pleasure that we presented the 2021 Jackie White Lyon's Memorial Scholarship to Laura Boyd.

          

 

Laura has been dancing since she was a young child. Laura’s mother was an Irish dancer with McConnell Irish Dance and her family has a long history with the dance school.  Laura is a delightful, talented, and hardworking Irish dance student who has dedicated countless hours to lessons, practice, performance, and competition.  Through the years Laura has worked very hard to develop a high-level Irish dance skill and technique and maintains a close connection with her Irish heritage.

Laura has been a valuable member of McConnell Irish Dancer’s Performance Troupe for many years.  As an Advanced dancer in the performance troupe, Laura has danced at countless local and charitable shows,  Folklorama, and C.I.O.F.F International Festivals. 

Laura began competitive Irish Dance six years ago and is very highly ranked at Àrdghrad Level (Advanced grade) with Cumann Rince Náisiúnta (CRN.  Laura has worked her way through four levels of competitive Irish dance, attending many out of town competitions across Canada and the U.S.A.  Laura competes at Regional and International levels and has also qualified to compete in the World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin, Ireland. 

Laura Boyd is actively involved with Folklorama and has performed at Ireland-Irish pavilion and the United Kingdom Pavilion at Folklorama, every year, since she began Irish dance. She is a hard-working volunteer alongside her mother, who has chaired the VIP area for many years and has been our emcee for almost two decades..  Laura’s involvement in both the organisational and performance aspects are a testament to her commitment in preserving and promoting her own Irish heritage.

Congratulations Laura, we are delighted to present you with the 2021 Jackie White Lyon's Memorial Scholarship. 

 

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Thank you for joining us for the 2021 Irish Holiday Performance!  We look forward to 2022 and hope for a return to more performances opportunities for our dancers and their families.  

SAVE THE DATE

Thursday March17th, 2022 

We look ahead with anticipation to our Annual St. Patrick's Fest performance and invite all of our dancers to join us for the fun!

Enjoy the holidays and stay well.

Thank you,

Shayleen McConnell Finucan ( ODCRN)

 

Holiday Concert - Dancer Information

 

  

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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. 

 

CRN Irish Open Results

  

CRN VIRTUAL IRISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP - RESULTS

Good luck and best wishes to our 25 Dancers competing in the CRN Virtual Irish Open Championships! 

There are over 700 competitors for Virtual Irish Open and this is the largest digital entry competition for CRN.  Competition is very tough, but our dancers tapings were wonderful and we are so proud of their progress and hard work. 

Well done to all, you are already winners in our opinions!

 

Results Party - December 12th, 2021

We are planning a results party for all competitive dancers on Sunday, December 12th, 2021 at the studio (558 Keenleyside)

Time - 10:00 am - 12:30 pm 

*please note, this is the tentative time CRN has set for live results, we will inform you if there are any changes to the schedule

Due to health restrictions we can only have dancers attend the results party, but we'll look forward to a day soon when we can have our dance family join us for competition fun.

There will be no classes scheduled for Brandon on Sunday December 12th as many of our dancers are travelling in for the results party.  We're delighted they can join us for the fun!

 

The table below shows the number of competitors in each award and championships.  A reminder, ages are determined by the age the dancer was on August 31st, 2021 (a dancer who is 10 on August 31st, would be entered in U10)

 

 

 

Irish Open Competitor Numbers are listed below so everyone can cheer the dancers on during the results!

Good luck to all the dancers!  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Thank you,

Shayleen McConnell Finucan (ODCRN)

MISSED CLASS? ATTEND A ZOOM MAKE-UP LESSON!

 

 

 

 

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MISSED CLASS? ATTEND A ZOOM LESSON!

Winter weather, cold or flu, covid-19 isolation requirements?  

We understand it's the season where dancers may miss Irish dance classes from time to time.  To make-up for the missed lesson, we encourage all students to drop into one of our Zoom Classes on Saturdays.

We have additional teachers scheduled for the Saturday Zoom classes to work specifically with our on-line dancers and all ages are welcome, including Adults.  Please note, Zoom on-line classes are only offered on Saturdays as we schedule addition instructors to insure quality learning for on-line lessons .

There's no need to sign up in advance, but please send an email to info@mcconnelldancers.com to let us know you'll be attending.

You'll find the 2021 - 2022 Zoom Class Links below, with Zoom Login details and Zoom Meeting Tips.  If you misplace this email and need the meeting links you can find them in the Students Area of our Website https://www.mcconnelldancers.com/member-login

Stay safe and well!

Thank you,

McConnell Irish Dance

 

ZOOM CLASS LINKS 

Beginner

Suitable for all ages, including Adult & Teen students

Saturday 10:05 - 11:05 am

Zoom Meeting Login

• https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87574402427?pwd=YnpGV3BYcEtoNnRQZWYydWtjQzRIZz09
• Meeting ID: 875 7440 2427
• Passcode: mcconnell

 

 

Bunghrad - Ullmhuchan - Meanghrad

Level 1 - 3 Students, all ages including Adult & Teen students.

Saturday 11:10 - 12:40 pm

Zoom Meeting Login

• https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81016628000?pwd=NFpQOW1mRFFlbjYvSktLaWxINEdmdz09
• Meeting ID: 810 1662 8000
• Passcode: mcconnell

 

HAVING PROBLEMS LOGGING ON TO A MEETING?

Please email info@mcconnelldancers.com if you experience any difficulties logging in to the class.  

ZOOM MEETING TIPS

In order for dancers to login to classes, you must first set up a ZOOM account. https://zoom.us/     

• Class links are unique so please make certain you are using the correct link for your class.  
• Only those registered for classes will be permitted into the meeting.
• Dancers should login at the start of class time (no earlier) as there may be another zoom class in session.

Sign In Name

Please sign in with the dancer's name (not parent or spouse).  Siblings sharing a camera, we understand this may not be possible so we suggest using first names.

Camera Position

Please try to have dancer's full standing frame (head to feet).  Depending on the space available, you may want to adjust to horizontal or vertical spacing.  

Internet Lag

Internet Lag or delay may occur for some depending on your internet plan speed and local conditions.  If you are experiencing delay, we suggest you try eliminating other home internet usage during the lesson or upgrading your home internet plan.  Unfortunately, there are times when internet lag causes difficulty with video and music for on-line lessons, so please be understanding if this happens during Irish dance classes.

Late Arrivals & Early Departures

We understand situations occur where dancers are not able to log in on time for classes.  If this happens, please feel welcome to log in late but please enter the meeting with your microphone muted, so you do not disturb the rest of the class. 

If you must leave early, please let your instructor know at the beginning of class, or send a message in zoom chat window  

Background Noise & Private Location

Please do your best to insure dancers are in a private area where there is no family background noise or traffic is this can be quite disruptive to other's in the class. 

Although we understand parents may want to watch their dancer's on-line lesson, we strongly discourage this as dancer's attention will not be focused on the class and learning.