Wednesday, 16 May 2018

Canada Feile 2018 Registration

Dear Dancers & Parents,

Dancer’s individual registration confirmations for Canada Feile 2018 have been sent out via email today.  If you have not received your email with registration details, please contact us immediately to confirm you are competing at Canada Feile 2018.

Registration fees are due by no later than Wednesday, May 23rd, 2018.  
  • Late fees will apply to those who submit fees past the deadline.  
  • Dancers who’s fees have not been submitted on May 26th will not be able to compete so it’s essential registration fees are paid in advance.  
  • All outstanding balances to McConnell School of Dance must be cleared up prior to competing at the File. 
We thank you in advance for your cooperation insuring all Canada Feile fees are paid on time.

The Canada Feile Timetable and Workshop Information for Sunday, May 27th will be sent out soon.

VOLUNTEERS ARE STILL NEEDED!  
We have quite a few empty spaces on our Canada Feile 2018 volunteer sign up and we need to have these positions filled in order to proceed with the competition.  If you haven’t already signed up for a 3 hr volunteer shift, please consider doing so and if you’ve already signed up and are able to work a 2nd shift, the dancers would very much appreciate it.  


If you have any questions, please contact us.

Thank you,

McConnell School of Dance
32 Barberry Rd Wpg MB R2J2G9
Tel (204) 793-8557
info@mcconnelldancers.com

Monday, 14 May 2018

Canada Feile - Volunteer Sign Up

Dear Competitive Division Dancers and Parents,

The volunteer sign up for Canada Feile 2018 has  been posted.  Please visit the Sign Up Genius link below, to sign up for your volunteer shift;


We respectfully ask all competitive division dancers to please supply at least 1(3 hr) volunteer shift per dancer (please note, families with more than 1 dancer in competitive division are asked to volunteer 3 hrs per dancer).  We thank you in advance for your support of CRN’s Canada Feile 2018.

Dancer’s registration details will be sent out in the next 24 hours.  All registration fees will be due by no later than Wednesday.

Workshop details with adjudicator Ms. Ann English A.D.C.R.N. will be announced soon.  Workshops will be held on Sunday morning and early afternoon.  More details will follow.

Thank you,

Saturday, 12 May 2018

Canada Feile Solo Lesson Sign Up






Canada Feile- Solo Lesson Sign Up

Solo lessons in preparation for Canada Feile are now being offered with on-line sign up for dancers who wish for private lessons before the competition.  
Sign up for Competitive Division Solo lessons in preparation for CRN Canada Feile 2018 with Shayleen McConnell Finucan.
  • We do not recommend dancers sign up for more than 1 - 30 min lesson in a row due to the high physical demands.
  • Family members may attend one solo lesson for a semi-private 30 min lesson at no additional charge, providing dancers compete at similar levels.
  • Parents are welcome to sit in for private lesson (we do not recommend siblings attend).
  • If dancers wish to work on specific dances, hard shoe or soft shoe technique, please feel free to add details in NOTES section on sign up.  Please note, if the instructor feels the dancers choice of focus is not the best plan for dancer's preparation, we will advise you at the solo lesson.
  • No refunds offered.  Sign up does not allow for any on-line changes once payment has taken place.  If dancers wish to SWAP time slots, they may do so but it is their responsibility to sort out payment for the swap themselves and inform instructor in advance.
If you have any questions, please contact us,




Tuesday, 1 May 2018

MSDSA - Recital Fundraising

Hello Dancers and Families,

As with prior year's the McConnell School of Dance Student's Association (MSDSA) will have a fundraising table available at the recital on Saturday night. 
  • Roses are available to purchase at $5.00 per rose.  This is a wonderful way to recognize your special dancer following the recital.  These are de-stemmed to prevent injuries.
  • Shamrock cookies are available to purchase at $2.00 per cookie.
  • Mom's Pantry order forms will be available.  These can be taken home to order online prior to the deadline of midnight, May 6th, or a cheque made payable to MSDSA can be left with completed order forms on Saturday night.  Order forms will be available.
  • We will be hosting an online liquor raffle in the next few weeks.  Tickets will be available 3 for $5.00.  If you would like to leave your name and email address on a list, we will contact you when the liquor raffle becomes available.

Thanks for your continued support.  Your assistance helps to support the dance school's participation at dance festivals, scholarships and supports the McConnell School of Dance host the United Kingdom Pavilion for Folklorama.  Note, this year, the UK Pavilion is at its new location, the Convention Centre. We look forward to welcoming you and your families between August 12th - 18th. 
Thanks, 
Allison
McConnell School of Dance Student's Association
msdsa@mcconnelldancers.com

Tuesday, 17 April 2018

Competitive Division – Shelagh Feile Update




Competitive Division – Shelagh Feile Update
Shelagh Feile Fiesta date has been changed to  AUGUST 4, 2018.
 Our instructors will not be attending this competition but if you are interested in competing, please let us know via email to info@mcconnelldancers.com

Tuesday, 10 April 2018

Annual Recital Information


Saturday, May 5th, 2018
Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange  - 3rd Floor Portage Place
Doors Open 6:00 PM   Recital 6:30 – 9:30 PM
*Please note recital length is estimated for the latest possible scenario,  end time may vary. Dancers are asked to stay for the entire recital to take part in the Finale. 
*Due to the recital there will be no classes on Saturday, May 5th, 2018

RECITAL TICKETS
All tickets will be sold on-line through Eventbrite.  To purchase tickets, please visit the following link;

Tickets $15 Adult  $10 Child (12 & Under)     *Taxes & Fees extra
·         Infants who do not require  a seat are free admission (no ticket purchase required)
·         Dancers do not require a ticket.
·         All Sales Finale - No refunds or exchanges on  tickets
·         Special Seating Requirements -  The first 2 rows will be reserved for individuals with special seating requirements.  If you require special seating, please arrive 15 min prior to Doors Opening

REHEARSAL
Saturday, May 5th  at Prairie Theatre Exchange
We ask all dancers performing in the recital to please attend the scheduled rehearsal for their Division & Level.
  • Costumes & Make-up are NOT required for the Rehearsal (dance attire & shoes only).  
  • Dancers only in theatre.  Check in at Green Room Door.  No parents please.
  • Please be ready at your scheduled rehearsal time.  We recommend arriving 15 minutes prior to rehearsal time.  Rehearsal Check-In at Green Room Door.
  • Please allow 10 – 15 minutes for pick-up after scheduled rehearsal time.  All General Division Dancers must be picked up by a parent / guardian between rehearsal & recital.  Pick-up location is outside Green Room Door
Rehearsal Schedule
1:45 – 2:45   PM   General Division  - Beginner, Novice, Preliminary
2:30 – 3:30   PM   General Division – Intermediate, Advanced, Adult
3:30 – 4:30   PM   Performance Division
4:15 – 5:00   PM   Brandon Division


CHECK IN
Rehearsal & Recital
Dancers will need to check in at the performer entrance door at the West end of the lobby.  Parents should accompany dancers under 12 for check-in.  Parents are not permitted in the back stage or dressing room area due to issues of space and privacy.  If you have concerns for your younger child, please contact us in advance to arrange for assistance.
  • Rehearsal Check In Open 1:45 PM       
  • Recital Check In 5:15 PM
Please assist us in keeping to our schedule by;
1) Arriving on time, please allow for delays with traffic and parking.
2) Beginner, Novice, and Preliminary dancers are asked to arrive in costume wearing socks, with wig & make-up applied.  There is a restroom in the lobby for parents to change dancers prior to check-in (arrive earlier than 5:15  PM if you plan to change your dancer at PTE) .  Please have dancers fully ready and in costume for check-in at 5:15 PM

RECITAL PICK-UPS
Please allow 15  minutes after the recital is over before you pick up dancers at the performer entrance.  Children under 12 will not be excused without a parent.  If someone other than a parent/guardian (as per your registration form) will be picking your child up, please let the check -in volunteer know. 

DRESSING ROOMS    
The dressing room is co-ed due to venue constraints.  Parents are not allowed in dressing rooms due to limitations of space and privacy issues. 

COSTUMES
Beginner, Novice, Preliminary Dancers should  arrive in costume, wearing  socks with wigs and make-up applied. 
  • Novice, Preliminary, Intermediate, Adult should dancers bringing a basket or box (preferably collapsible) clearly labeled with their name to keep their hard shoes and costume accessories.
  • Make sure all shoes/costume pieces and garment bags are clearly labeled with first and last name for dressing room and backstage help.

MAKE-UP
Make-up is recommended for all dancers as stage lighting washes out natural colour and makes performers look pale. All make-up should be applied prior to check in.
FULL STAGE MAKE-UP is suggested for all dancers at recital.  Full stage make-up is applied heavier than daily use 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 with the exception of wedding rings and medical alert bracelets

PERSONAL ITEMS
  • Deodorant should be worn by all Novice, Preliminary, Intermediate, Adult and Advanced dancers. Crowded dressings rooms can get extremely smelly when filled with sweaty dancers and can rapidly become unpleasant for all concerned.
  • Please assist us by making sure dancers are clean and freshly washed for performances.
  • It is important that all developing female and adult dancers wear maximum support bras and /or sports bras while dancing, to prevent bounce and injury.
  • Dress shields should be used by all dancers, regardless of age. Dress shields help prevent odour and stains from sweating when pinned in the underarms of costumes. Removable / washable dress shields are available at sewing and fabric stores in the city.

IRISH DANCE WIGS
Wigs are optional for all dancers.  Dancers who choose not to wear a wig should have their hair pulled back off their face and curled, if possible.
  • Dancers should arrive with wigs on.  Dressing-room volunteers do not have time to assist dancers apply wigs. 

IRISH DANCE SHOES
Soft & Hard Shoes should be cleaned prior to the performance and polished so they shine. 
  • Dancers with shoe changes (with the exception of beginners) should have a folding dance box to keep their shoes and water bottles organized back stage

SOCKS & TIGHTS
Poodle socks should be clean and bright white.  If you use your poodle socks for practice and they are looking grey, please bleach them or purchase a new pair before the performance.
  • 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
Tights (Performance Division & Adult) must be Mondor brand (no exceptions) and free from runs or holes.  We recommend you have an extra pair handy in case they run at the show. 

PARENT INFORMATION
Parents are not allowed in dressing rooms due to limitations of space and privacy issues. 
Please arrive on time as dancers need time to change, warm –up, and practice with their group.
Generally, there are line up’s at check in and check out, so please be understanding with your check in volunteer.  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.  Recitals can run late, so your patience is necessary should there be delays at pick up at the dressing room.

SNACKS & DRINKS
ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD OR DRINKS IN THE THEATRE
Please send your child with adequate healthy snacks and drinks clear liquids only.  
  • 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.

VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are always appreciated for our Annual Recital from all Divisions.  Performance Division members are required to supply 3 hours of volunteer time per family for the Annual Recital.  To Sign up for your volunteer shift, please visit the Sign Up Genius Link Below.
VOLUNTEER SIGN UP CLICK HERE     www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0A4BADA62FA4FB6-recital 

Thank you!

Sunday, 8 April 2018

Canada Feile 2018



Canada Feile 2018

Our 3rd Annual Canada Feile will be held on Saturday, May 26th, 2018 at the Hilton Airport Suites, starting at 9:00 AM   We are very pleased to be hosting this CRN Irish Dance Competition and delighted to welcome back Adjudicator Ms. Ann English from Dublin, Ireland.  We are also pleased to welcome many of our fellow CRN Irish Dance schools from the U.S.A Region who will be travelling to Winnipeg for the competition as well as local Open Platform schools.
The competition is open to all McConnell School of Dance Students from our General, Performance, Brandon, and Competitive Divisions.
•             Competitions for all levels (Beginner – Advanced)
•             All ages, including Adults
•             Solo, Team, Special Trophy, and Celtic Artwork Competitions

We recommend all McConnell School of Dance students consider competing in our CRN Canada Feile as it is a wonderful opportunity for dancers to experience competitive Irish dance in a  supportive environment, without the commitment and expense of long distance travel.   

Due to our earlier recital, dancers will have benefit of May lessons dedicated to preparations for the competitions, so no additional lesson time is required to compete.  Dancers are also welcome to take a Drop In Competitive Class at anytime. 
  • Competitive Lesson Schedule – Level 1 & 2  Mon 6:00 – 7:00 PM, Sat 1:30 – 2:20 PM   Level 3  Mon 7:00 – 8:00 PM, Sat 12:00 – 1:00 PM
  • Drop In Rates - $12 / hr   Please fill out payment form (at the studio) prior to class and hand in to instructor

Adjudicator Workshop – Sunday May 27th, 2018
Our Adjudicator Ms. Ann English, from Dublin Ireland will be holding workshops for all levels on Sunday, May 27th 2018 (daytime) and we strongly recommend all dancers consider attending Ann’s workshop.  More information on the workshops will follow!

Registration
Registration Deadline, May 5th, 2018  
We ask all dancers to please email info@mcconnelldancers.com to confirm whether or not they will be participating  in the Canada Feile this week, so we can prepare your registration by the May 5th deadline. 
Once your confirmation is received, instructors will register dancers for the appropriate dances and you will receive your Registration Confirmation and amount owing for the competition fees.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              
Hotel & Venue Information
Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites - 1800 Wellington Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3H 1B2   TEL: +1-204-783-1700 FAX: +1-204-786-6588
Room Rate $109.00 Canadian per night, plus tax.  Quote group #MSID to receive the discounted room rate.
Room Cut Off Date – Saturday, May 5th, 2018

Competition General Information
  • Free 24 hr Airport Shuttle Service from Hilton Hotel.
  • Hilton’s Oak & Grain Restaurant offering a competition day Quick Lunch Special (Soup & Sandwich) plus full menu with vegan and gluten free options.
  • Grab & Go concession food will be offered in hallway for quick food options during the competition.
  • Unique Ireland dance shoes & supplies, Celtic jewelry, and sweets.
  • Canada Feile T-Shirt  & Tank Top Orders – On-Line Orders with May 5th, 2018 Order Deadline.  Details will be announced on our website www.mcconneldancers.com & Facebook soon!