70TH RECITAL DVD ORDERS

Dear Dancers, Parents and Friends,

Thank you for all your support in attending our 70th annual recital on Sunday June 2nd. 

If anyone is interested in ordering a DVD of the show please contact simon@havens.ca

The DVD will include not only the show, but all 3 of the tribute videos and the complete slide show of photos that was playing before the start of the show and during intermission.

The cost is $25.00 for a regular DVD and $30.00 for Blueray.

Payment can either be made by e-transfer to video@havens.ca.

They will be released in early September.

Thank you

SUMMER STOCK UP RAFFLE WINNERS

SUMMER STOCK UP RAFFLE

Our Summer Stock Up Raffle draw took place on June 2nd, 2019 and we are pleased to announce the winners!

1ST PRIZE - $500 MLCC Gift Card - MaryAnn Derksen

2ND PRIZE - $250 MLCC Gift Card - Kristin Legault

3RD PRIZE - $100 MLCC Gift Card -  Sandi Magyar

Thank you to our Performance Division Executive, Dancers and Parents for the work in organising and selling tickets.  Thanks to all our Recreational & Brandon Division families who bought tickets and sold booklets for the fundraiser.  Your support is greatly appreciated! 

The $2888.34 in funds raised from the raffle will be used towards start up costs for the United Kingdom Pavilion 2019.  

Thank you for your continued support!

McConnell Irish Dancers  (McConnell School of Dance - Performance Division)

IRISH DANCE 2019 SUMMER SESSION

Céad Míle Fáilte   "One Hundred Thousand Welcomes" 

Your registration has been received and we are pleased to have you join us for McConnell School of Dance 2019 Summer Irish Dance Session.  

STUDENT PORTAL

To access your account information, payments details, register for classes or more, please visit our Student Portal.

 CLICK HERE FOR STUDENT PORTAL

• The system will prompt you to set up a personal password and login is always your primary email address for your family account. 
• Please retain this email for future reference in case you forget your password.  If you forget your password, you can re-set it at anytime on the LOGIN PAGE  Please retain this email for future reference in case you forget your password. 

WEBSITE - DANCER & PARENT AREA

The member's area contains important information and is updated regularly with school information. 

• Important Dates to Remember
• Competitions & Performances
• Costumes & Shoes
• School E-Mails & E-Newsletters

To access the member’s area of our website  CLICK HERE

PASSWORD  mcconnellsummer2019

SUMMER SESSION CLASS DATES

Please note, there are no classes during the week of July 15th - 19th due to our Irish Dance Summer Camp

TUESDAY PERFORMANCE DIVISION 

• June  11, 18, 25
• July 2, 9, 23, 30

THURSDAY SUMMER CLASSES

• June  6, 13, 20, 27
• July 4, 11, 25
• Aug 1

WEDNESDAY FOLKLORAMA PRACTICES

• June  12, 19, 26
• July 3, 10, 24, 31

We look forward to you joining us for a Summer of Irish Dance.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact info@mcconnelldancers.com or (204) 793-8557 

Thank you,

Shayleen McConnell Finucan (T.M.C.R.N)

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

ANNUAL RECITAL - PERFORMER INFORMATION

McConnell School of Dance 70th Annual Recital

Sunday, June 2nd, 2019 

Prairie Theatre Exchange (3rd Floor Portage Place)

Doors Open 1:30 pm   Show 2:00 - 5:00 pm 

As a result of Monday's Winnipeg Free Press about our 70th Annual Recital, we've had overwhelming response from past dancers, families and friends of the school through the years.  Everyone is excited to attend the recital to help us celebrate our 70th and their enthusiasm is absolutely wonderful. Past dancers are sending in photos from generations of McConnell School of Dance and the recital will be a reunion for those who haven't seen each other in many years.  

In addition, Pearl McConnell (Shayleen's Mother, who taught and directed the school from 1980 - 2005) will be attending.  Pearl has serious health issues and has not been able to attend any dance events in several years. Her presence at recital is a wonderful surprise for so many of us!

This has been a very busy few days for Shayleen & Wendy as we've had to completely change the format of our recital in order to accommodate our very honoured guests.  We are excited for our 70th Annual Recital and so proud of our dancers and the show they are going to put on for everyone on Sunday!  

There will be a rehearsal in the morning on Sunday, June 2nd, for all dancers performing in recital and a 1 hour break for the theatre technician.  We STRONGLY all recommend dancers stay at the theatre over the lunch break, especially younger children.  Please send a bag lunch and drinks as dancers will be hungry and will have an opportunity to rest and eat.

The recital will have two segments, the 1st half will be dedicated to our 70th Anniversary and the 2nd half will showcase our dancers hard work with all of their dances from our 2018 - 2019 Season.

All dancers will perform in both 1st & 2nd parts of the recital and dancers are asked to stay for the entire duration.  There will be a 30 minute intermission in the lobby with a reception to allow all of our welcome guests from the past a chance to reunite and catch up.

The 2nd half of the recital will commence after the 30 minute intermission and it's likely some of our guests will continue with their reunion in the lobby while the rest of us enjoy seeing all the hard work and accomplishments from our dancers this year.

We are planning  special tributes to our 70 years, including videos, photo slideshows, presentations, and of course, plenty of Irish dance!  Since many of you have special photos from the years, we're asking you to please feel welcome to send in any special photos you may have of your dancers or previous generations of McConnell dancers.  Photos can be sent to info@mcconnelldancers.com 

Please read through the information below carefully so you are familiar with the plans for Sunday.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us!     

RECITAL TICKETS

We STRONGLY recommend dancers families purchase tickets in advance as tickets are selling quickly and we do not want anyone to be disappointed when relying on purchasing at the door.

• Advance Tickets  $15 Adult, $10 Child (12 & under)
• At the Door - $20 Adult, $15 Child (12 & under)

On-LINE are sold on-line through Eventbrite   CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

DRESS REHEARSAL INFORMATION

Sunday, June 2nd, 2019 at Prairie Theatre Exchange.  We ask all dancers performing in the recital to please attend the rehearsal.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

• Performance Division 10:30 am
• Wpg Recreational Division 10:45 am
• Brandon Division  11:00 am

Costumes are NOT required for the Rehearsal (dance attire & shoes only). 

Dancers should arrive with Make-Up applied and in socks or tights.

Please be ready at your scheduled rehearsal time.  We recommend arriving 10 - 15 minutes prior to rehearsal time to allow dancers a chance to settle in and get their shoes on. 

Dancers will have a 1 hour break 12:00 - 1:00 PM and we STRONGLY recommend dancers stay in the theatre for lunch, especially younger children.  Supervision will be provided.  Please send food and snacks for your hungry young dancer.

DANCER CHECK IN

Dancers will need to check in at the performer entrance door at THEATRE DOOR (NOT GREEN ROOM THIS YEAR).  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.

• Check In Opens 10:15 pm    

Please assist us in keeping to our schedule by arriving on time and allow for delays with traffic and parking.  Downtown will be a busy place earlier in the day with the Pride activities so please leave additional time on Sunday!

• ALL dancers are asked to arrive wearing socks (or tights ), with wig & make-up applied. 
• We will have assistance in the dressing room for costume changes, however we do not have time to apply make-up or wigs for younger dancers.  This should be done AT HOME, not in the lobby or PTE restroom, please.

DANCER PICK-UPS

Please allow 10 - 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 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.

Please note, boxes are ESSENTIAL in keeping dancers shoes organised in a crowded, dimly lit backstage area.  Without boxes, dancers shoes can get lost, misplaced, and they may have to go on stage WITHOUT PROPER SHOES.  Please assist us in making sure ALL DANCERS HAVE SHOE BOXES FOR RECITAL

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 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.  It is important that all developing female and adult dancers wear maximum support bras and /or sports bras while dancing.

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. 

IRISH DANCE SHOES

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

Dancers should have a folding dance box to keep their shoes and water bottles organised back stage

SOCKS & TIGHTS

Poodle socks should be clean and bright white.  Please bleach socks 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. 

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 in 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.

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   

If you have any questions with regards to our Annual Recital, please contact us!  If you run into any difficulties on the day of the recital, please call or text Shayleen (204) 793-8557

Best wishes to all our dancers for their performances at recital.  We are very excite for the show and pleased you can join us in celebrating our 70 years in Canada!

Thank you,

Shayleen McConnell Finucan (TMCRN)

FOLKLORAMA PRACTISE SCHEDULE & UPDATES

FOLKLORAMA 2019 - UNITED KINGDOM PAVILION 

A reminder and updates to our Folklorama Practise Schedule, see below for more details as there have been changes to our schedule.  Please note Wednesday practises being June 12th and Thursday practises being June 6th, 2019

SUMMER LESSONS & PRACTISES 

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

WEDNESDAY PRACTISE SCHEDULE

June 12, 19, 26

July 3, 10, 24, 31    *please note, there are no practises on July 17th - Summer Camp

• 5:30 - 7:30 PM     Beginner
• 5:30 - 8:30 PM     Novice, Preliminary, Intermediate, Adult , Performance Team 1 - 4

THURSDAY PRACTISE SCHEDULE

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.  If you have not yet enrolled in Thursday classes, please CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

June  6, 13, 20, 27

July 4, 11, 25    *please note, there are no practises on July 18th - Summer Camp

Aug 1

• 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)

 

FOLKLORAMA FEES

WEDNESDAY FOLKLORAMA FEES (June & July)

There are no fees for Wednesday evening practices.  Our instructors are volunteering their time for Folklorama rehearsals. With this in mind, we ask all dancers family or friends please provide a minimum of 6 hrs volunteering per night during Folklorama.

 

THURSDAY LESSON FEES (June & July)

All Competitive Division classes are based on a discounted hourly rate (plus tax);

 

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• Fees for lessons are applied through our Student Portal on the 1st or 15th of the month (June & July).  

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

Thank you,

SUMMER SESSION CLASSES

SUMMER IRISH DANCE CLASSES

Registration for our Summer Classes is now available!

Summer Classes are held on Wednesday & Thursday evenings and are a great way for dancers to keep up their dances and make progress over the summer months.  Dancers from all divisions are welcome to enrol in Summer classes.

We STRONGLY recommend dancers who wish to compete in our November 2019 Competition in Winnipeg (more details to follow soon!) enrol in summer classes.

SUMMER CLASS DATES

THURSDAY PRACTISE SCHEDULE

Thursday - June  6, 13, 20, 27
Thursday - July 4, 11, 25
Thursday - Aug 1

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

WEDNESDAY PRACTISE SCHEDULE

Wednesday- June  12, 19, 26
Wednesday- July 3, 10, 24, 31

• 8:30 - 10:00 PM Level 4 & 5 HARD SHOE ONLY

Dancers can register through the STUDENT PORTAL 

https://app.jackrabbitclass.com/jr3.0/ParentPortal/Login?orgId=534528#classes

OR

Reply to this email and we can assist with registration

Drop in classes are also available for those who are unable to commit to the full summer schedule.

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

Thank you,

Shayleen McConnell Finucan (TMCRN)

CANADA FEILE WRAP UP

Congratulations to all the dancers who competed in Canada Feile 2019.

This year's competition saw so many achievements for the dancers individually and in their team dances. New dances to compete with, strong results and markings, move up's to new levels, and a great day welcoming visitors from the USA and across Manitoba!

Our adjudicator Mr. Brian Cleary ADCRN, was delightful to dance for and his heartfelt chats with the audience and individual dancers throughout the day made the experience special for all.  We are very fortunate to have one of the original founding members of CRN adjudicate our féile this year and we thank him for all he's done to promote Open Platform Irish dance and CRN in North America.

Sincere thanks to our volunteers, some of whom worked double and triple shifts during the day!

Maclean Boyd, Karen Boyd, Becky Nikloaisen, Tyler Foster, Julie Fisher, Simone Magee, Kent Freeman, Jacquie Cumming, Jocelyn Grant, Allison Steeves, Jill Mowbray, Jackie Naphin, Janice McGuire, Shawnda Sedlacek, Betina Roberts, Stacie Meihm, Corrine McGinn, Kathryn Gislason, Joan Warden, Kate Hodgins, Kathie Francis, Simon Havens, and Sandi Magyar

Many thanks to our scrutineers;

Kristin Legault, Tracy Balagus, Christa Traczuk, Julie Fisher, and Sue Mozdzen

Special thanks to our instructors;

Shayleen McConnell Finucan, Wendy Havens & Mary-Margaret Magyar (also our feile photographer)

The amount of hours that goes into organising a competition from the beginning stages of CRN Feile Application, Hotel & Venue booking, Adjudicator Travel, Syllabus, Entries, Payments, Stage Sheets, Set Up & Tear Down are more than anyone could imagine your teachers would do as volunteers, but they do it without complaint and we are extremely grateful for how much the give to the school and their students!

CANADA FEILE 2019 RESULTS - CLICK HERE

Canada Féile brings to a close our 2018 - 2019 Fall - Winter Competitive Session.  

SUMMER SESSION CLASSES ARE OPEN FOR REGISTRATION. 

All dancers must register for the Summer Session.  

Please visit the Student Portal - CLICK HERE or contact us at info@mcconnelldancers.com for more information.

Competitive Division Summer Classes are a great idea for any dancer who's interested in keeping up with the Irish dance throughout the summer, regardless of age, level or division!  

Drop in classes are also available.

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

Thank you,

Shayleen McConnell Finucan (TMCRN)

McConnell School of Dance