SPRING BREAK - REMINDER

CRN 2019 World Irish Dance Championships

CRN 2019 WORLD IRISH DANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

The CRN World Open Irish Dance Championships will be held June 20 - 23rd, in the INEC, Killarney, Co Kerry, Ireland.

Congratulations to our 11 McConnell Dancers who have qualified to Compete at Worlds. 

Well done Maclean, Lauren, Gillian, Lizann, Luc, Ripley, Bailey, Annika, Kiera, Danya, and Katie....we are so proud of you!

Dancers must be fully Ardghrád, Craobhghrád, or have successfully qualified at CRN's North American Nationals in Nashville, 2019. 

• Worlds Registration is submitted through the school, not by the individual.
• Dancers who are eligible and would like to compete at Worlds should let us know by email to info@mcconnelldancers.com by  March 31st, 2019.
• The final date to register is May 10th, 2019

Please see below for Syllabus, Schedule, and Hotel Updates.

If you have any questions, please let me know!

Thank you,

Shayleen McConnell Finucan (TMCRN)

SYLLABUS 

Please see attached 

Attachment: WORLD OPEN Syllabus 2019.docx (61.3kB)

SCHEDULE

Please see attached

Attachment: World schedule 2019 proposed.docx (53.8kB)

HOTEL & VENUE UPATE 

 

MSD - Canada Feile 2019

Canada Feile 2019

Our 4^rd Annual Canada Feile will be held on Saturday, May 25^th, 2019 at the Hilton Airport Suites.  Competitions begin at 9:00 am and run through the day.

We are very pleased to be hosting this CRN Irish Dance Competition and delighted to welcome CRN Adjudicator Mr. Brian Cleary. Originally from Dublin, Ireland Brian resides in San Francisco, CA.  Brian was one of the original founding members of CRN and CRN North American.  

We are also pleased to welcome many of our fellow CRN Irish Dance schools from the North American 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 (+18 categories for all levels)

•  Solo, Team, Traditional Sets, Treble Reel, and Special Trophy.

We encourage 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.   

CONFIRMATION DEADLINE

Saturday March 23rd, 2019 

Instructors will be confirming Canada Feile participation with students and parents in class, if you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask!
Once confirmation is received and the syllabus is released, we will register dancers for the appropriate dances and you will receive your Registration Confirmation and amount owing for the competition fees. Registration fees are non-refundable.

PRIVATE LESSONS & DROP IN CLASSES
Although no additional lesson time is required to compete, dancers are welcome to take a Private Lesson or Drop-In Competitive Class leading up to the competitions.

Competitive Drop In Lesson Schedule

Level 1 & 2 (Thurs 5:30 - 6:30 / Sat 11:00 - 12:00 PM)
Level 3 (Thurs 6:30 - 7:30 PM / Sat 12:00 - 1:00 PM)
Ceili / Teams (Thurs 7:30 - 8:00 PM / Sat 1:00 - 1:30 PM)
Set Dances (Thurs 8:00 - 8:30 PM / Sat 1:30 - 2:00 PM)
Level 3 & 5 (Thurs 8:30 - 10:00 PM / Sat 2:00 - 4:00 PM)

Drop in Lesson Fees

• 1 hour - $15 (pus tax)   
• 1.5 hour - $20 (plus tax)   
•  2 hour - $25 (plus tax)

Please email info@mcconnelldancers.com or text 204-793-8557 prior to attending the class, so we know to expect you!

Private Lessons

Private Lessons are offered to Competitive, Recreational and Performance dancers.

• Private lessons are offered in 30 minute time slots. 
• Please do not sign up for consecutive solo lessons as dancers require a break after 30 minutes.
• Families may combine lesson for a semi-private lessons.

Private Lesson Fees  

• $35 (plus tax) / 30 min

CANADA FEILE WORKSHOP
Due to time constraints with our adjudicator, there will be no Sunday workshops for Canada Feile this year.

HOTEL & VENUE INFORMATION

Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites - 1800 Wellington Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba 
A discounted rate will be available and he Hilton is reserving a block of rooms for the competition.  Please do not book your room until the room block is open and the discount code is available (when syllabus has been released)

GENERAL COMPETITION 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 jewellery, and sweets.
• Canada Feile T-Shirt Order information will be sent out at the time the syllabus is released.

 If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us!

Thank you

Shayleen McConnell Finucan (TMCRN)

St. Patrick's Fest 2019 - Dancer & Performer Information

St. Patrick's Fest' 2019 

DANCER AND PERFORMER INFORMATION

Please read through the email below for important information.

Sunday, March 17th, 2019 

Location:  CCFM - 340 Provencher

Doors Open 4:30 PM - until midnight

Irish Food, Drink, with Continuous Entertainment throughout the evening! 

Silent Auction & Unique Ireland will be there with

Irish souvenirs, jewellery, and treats!

St. Patrick's Fest' is the major fundraiser for our Student's Association

and your support in selling tickets is greatly appreciated! 

All proceeds go towards MSDSA

McConnell School of Dance Students Association

TICKETS

Tickets - $12 (Adults)  $8 (Children 12 & under)

Tickets are available at the studio during regular business hours.  Please see your instructor before or after class to purchase tickets.  Cash or cheque (payable to MSDSA)

• Children under 2  free admission.
• Performers / Dancers are free

Tickets at the Door - this event typically SELLS OUT so we do not recommend you purchase tickets at the door as you may be disappointed.

If you wish to leave tickets at the door for yourself or guests, please email info@mcconnelldancers.com to have their names added to the door list.  Please note, this does not guarantee entry, if we are sold out.

Volunteers - Individuals who work a full 4:00 - 10 PM shift do not require admission tickets

 

DANCER ARRIVAL & CHECK IN

This year, we've planned St. Patrick's Fest' so dancers can enjoy dinner at event with family and friends before they perform, in between or after they perform. 

Doors open at 4:30 PM.

• Recreational Division CHECK-IN: 5:30 PM
• Performance Division CHECK-IN 4:00 PM

Dancers may go into main hall between performances but will need to return to the dressing room 45 minutes prior to the next show. 

All Dancers will need to check in and out the event.  Check-In is located in the entrance way and dressing rooms are on the 2nd floor.  Please see Check-In volunteer when you arrive.

• Dancers are asked to arrive with socks, dance briefs, under-shirt, wigs (if applicable), and make-up on.
• If you run into difficulties and are running late, please text 2014-793-8557

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

Recreational Division Shows

• 6:45 PM  & 9:00 PM

Performance Division Shows

• 5:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:15 PM

Apologies if we are running late or have adjustments in the schedule due to media, set up, sound checks.  This event involves performers from many cultural groups and we do our best, but the unexpected can occur.  Your patience and understanding is appreciated if are running late.

DANCER PICK-UP

Please allow 5+ minutes after the 1st show and 15+ minutes after the last show before you pick your dancer up at the Check-In station.

• Children under 12 will not be permitted into main hall without a parent or guardian .  If someone other than a parent/guardian (as per your registration) 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 permitted in dressing rooms due to limitations of space and privacy issues.

• Parents with younger children who are insecure are welcome to accompany their child into the dressing room until they feel comfortable.
• If you or your child is uncomfortable with dressing room assistants changing your child we encourage you to bring your dancer to the venue in costume.
• Dancers who arrive in costume should bring a change of clothes if they wish to enter the main hall.

COSTUMES

New Recreational School Costumes

As it's likely we will not have our new school costumes for March 17th, we have fitted those without costumes for substitute dresses from our school collection. Costumes will be at the venue for Dancers when they arrive on the 17th. 

Dancers borrowing costumes are required to have their own Poodle Socks, Dancer's Black Brief & Undershirt, and Shoes.

• PLEASE arrive with socks, briefs, under-shirt, and wigs on.
• Dancers should not wear costumes in the main hall as they are subject to spills and can get stained or damaged.

We recommend all dancers bring a change of clothing to wear before or after the show.

MAKE-UP

Make-up should be applied at home, before the performance and not in dressing room or at venue.

FULL STAGE MAKE-UP is recommended for all dancers at St. Patrick's Fest'.  Full stage make-up is applied heavier than daily use make-up.

RECREATIONAL DIVISION DANCER -  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 - brighter (red)
• 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

PERFORMANCE DIVISION DANCERS 

Standard Performance Division Make-Up, Full Stage

PERSONAL ITEMS

Deodorant should be worn by all dancers.  Crowded dressings rooms can get extremely smelly when filled with sweaty dancers and can rapidly become unpleasant for everyone concerned.

• Please assist us by making sure dancers are clean and freshly washed for performances and lessons.
• It is important that female dancers wear maximum support bras and /or sports bras while dancing, to prevent bounce and injury.
• Younger dancers should wear light undershirts (from home) to avoid embarrassment in dressing rooms which sometimes contain mixed crowd with multiple performers involved.
• 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

Recreational Division Dancers - Wigs are optional.

• Dancers who do not wear wigs are asked to tie their hair back off their face and curl, if possible.

Performance Division Dancers - Bun wigs

IRISH DANCE SHOES

Soft & Hard Shoes should be cleaned prior to the performance and polished so they shine.

SOCKS & TIGHTS

POODLE SOCKS

Beginner, Novice, Preliminary, Intermediate, Performance Division

Poodle Socks are available for purchase at the studio, please see your instructor. 

Sizes XS, S, M, L $10 / pair  (cash only)

• 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.  

We will have extra socks at the event for dancers who forget their socks.  Dancer's accounts will automatically be charged for socks purchased at the event.

SOCK GLUE

All Poodle Socks MUST be glued to prevent them from falling down.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.  

Sock Glue is available for purchase at the studio $12.00 / bottle (cash only), please see your instructor.

BLACK TIGHTS

Performance Division & Adult Dancers

Mondor brand (please, no exceptions as other brands are more transparent and do not show well on stage). 

• Tights must be free from runs or holes.  
• We recommend you have an extra pair handy in case they run at the show.

PARENT / GUARDIAN INFORMATION

• Parents are not permitted into main hall until doors open at 4:30 PM unless they are volunteers.
• Parents are not permitted in dressing rooms due to limitations of space and privacy issues.
• Please arrive early or 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.  Performances of this nature may run late, so your patience is necessary should there be delays in the performance or in pick up after the show.
• We recommend parents send their children with a book or game to occupy their time in the dressing room.

SNACKS & DRINKS
Food is available for purchase before, in between, or after performances.  If you send your child with snacks, please insure they are healthy and water only.   

• Dancers who bring sodas, juices, or drinks which may stain costumes will not be allowed to drink them in the dressing room.
• Avoid sticky or messy snacks as dancers will not be allowed to eat them back stage or 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.   Remember, dancers burn a lot of energy on stage, so extra snacks are recommended.   Please send nut free snacks as we do have students with serious allergies.

VOLUNTEERS
Our St. Patrick's Fest' Fundraiser would not be possible without the hard work of our instructors, dancer & parent volunteers.  This is a great opportunity for our dancers to showcase their hard work to parents, family, and friends.

We thank our Performance Division Executive, MSDSA Board of Directors and our Performance Division family members who volunteer their time to help run this event.

If you would like to help support our event by volunteering, please sign up on-line CLICK HERE   Volunteers who work shifts during operational hours of the event do not pay entry.

SILENT AUCTION

Donations from individuals and businesses are greatly appreciated for our silent auction.  We have attached a corporate letter for those who know of businesses who are willing to donate (see attached)

Deadline for Silent Auction Donations -  Thursday, March 14th, 2019

THANK YOU & BEST WISHES TO ALL OUR DANCERS PERFORMING

Thank you for your cooperation in adhering to the guidelines above and making our St. Patrick's Fest Fundraiser a successful event for all.  We wish everyone the best for the upcoming performances at St. Patrick's 2019

St. Patrick's Fest 2019

St. Patrick's Fest' 2019

Sunday, March 17th

Doors Open 4:30 PM

Tickets $12 Adult  $8 Child

TICKETS NOW ON SALE AT THE STUDIO 

Cash or Cheque payments (payable to MSDSA)

Please see your instructor at the beginning or end of class to purchase tickets!

St. Patrick's Fest is our annual fundraiser for McConnell School of Dance Student's Association.  All proceeds go towards MSDSA and our sponsorship of the United Kingdom Pavilion.  Your support is greatly appreciated!

MSD - 70th Annual Recital

SAVE THE DATE!

McConnell School of Dance 70th Annual Recital

Sunday, June 2nd, 2019   2:00 PM (please note change in date)

Prairie Theatre Exchange, 3rd Floor Portage Place 

Dress Rehearsal 10:15 AM - 12:30 PM

Show 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Dancers should inform us as soon as possible if they are unable to perform in the Annual Recital 

Tickets on sale in May 

Folklorama - Dance Workshop Reminder

FOLKLORAMA - UNITED KINGDOM PAVILION 

REMINDER OF OUR UPCOMING FOLKLORAMA PRACTISE ON SATURDAY!

Sat, Feb 23 (32 Barberry Rd)

• 12:00 - 1:30 PM   Beginner, Novice, Preliminary, Intermediate, Adult
• 12:00 - 4:00 PM   Performance Teams 1 -  4

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sat, April 13 (32 Barberry Rd)

• 4:30 - 6:00 PM - Beginner, Novice, Preliminary, Performance Level 1 & 2
• 5:30 - 7:00 PM - Intermediate, Adult, Performance Level 1,2, 3, 4

Sat, May 11 (32 Barberry Rd)

• 4:30 - 6:00 PM - Beginner, Novice, Preliminary, Performance Level 1 & 2
• 5:30 - 7:00 PM - Intermediate, Adult, Performance Level 1, 2, 3, 4

SUMMER LESSONS & PRACTISES

Folklorama dancers will attend Wednesday Folklorama practices in addition to Thursday evening Irish Dance technique (Competitive Division Classes)  

Wednesday Practices

Wednesdays - June 12, 19, 26
Wednesdays - July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 

• 6:00 - 7:30 PM   Beginner, Novice, Preliminary, Performance Team 1 & 2
• 7:00 -  9:00 PM   Intermediate, Adult, Performance Team 3 & 4

Thursday Lessons

In order to adequately prepare Irish dancers for performances in front of our large audiences at Folklorama, we ask everyone attend Thursday evening Competitive Classes for the months of June & July.  Dancers should enrol in at least 1 Level Class (1 - 5) plus 1 Ceili Class (Under 12 or Over 12), depending on age.

Thursday - June 13, 20, 27
Thursday - July 4, 11, 18, 25

• 5:30 - 6:30 PM Level 1 & 2  (Beginner, Novice, Preliminary)
• 6:30 - 7:00 PM Ceili Under 12 
• 6:30 - 7:30 PM Level 3 (Intermediate)
• 7:30 - 8:00 PM Ceili Over 12
• 8:00 - 8:30 PM Set Dances
• 8:30 - 10:00 PM Level 4 & 5 (Advanced)

 

DRESS REHEARSAL DATES

All performers are required to attend both Dress Rehearsals.

Sat Aug 3rd    12:00 - 4:00 PM
Sun Aug 4       12:00 - 4:00 PM     

 

VOLUNTEERS

Our pavilion is run and organised by our Instructors, MSDSA Board members, dancers, parents, and friends of the organisation.  It's an incredible amount of work for those who chair the various areas of the pavilion (Coordinator, Finance, Food, Bar, Volunteers, Entertainment, Bus Tours & VIP's, Cultural Area, and more) For some, the work begins in September and becomes a full time job in the summer months coming up to the festival.  The pavilion requires 100 - 150 volunteers per night in order to run successfully and fulfil all the requirements from Folklorama. We cannot operate the pavilion without the support from our dancer's parents, family, and friends and we appreciate the work everyone does to help us sponsor one of the largest and most successful pavilions in the festival.  

• We ask all dancers to please provide at least 6 hours of volunteers from friends or family for each of the 7 nights of the festival.  

WHAT AREA ARE YOU INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING FOR?  

If you know where you'd like to work and have skills which may be a benefit to the pavilion, please let us know in advance so we can schedule in the appropriate area!

Your support is greatly appreciated by our school, Student's Association, and our dancers!