Saturday, 12 September 2020

 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)

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Tuesday, 1 September 2020

DIGITAL FEIS - SEPTEMBER 2020

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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)

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Tuesday, 18 August 2020

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!

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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

 

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Tuesday, 7 July 2020

DIGITAL FEIS - AUG 2020

DIGITAL FEIS - JUNE RESULTS
Congratulations to our 38 dancers who competed in the June 2020 Digital Feis.  We are very proud of all your hard work and accomplishments during this very difficult time with remote learning.  We couldn't be more pleased with the results from our dancers and we are looking forward to the next Digital Feis in August.
6 Dancers moved up levels!  
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DIGITAL FEIS - AUGUST 2020
A great option for Irish dancers to compete from without travel!
If you haven't yet tried Digital Feis, this is a great opportunity and something positive to keep Irish dancers motivated and focused while await in person competitions.
  • Competitivefrom Bunghrád to Craobhghrád 
Digital Feis provides an opportunity for written adjudicator feedback for solo dances, set dances, and treble reels.  Entries are usually high enough in most age categories for the opportunity for CRN qualifying "move ups" (7 more in a competition)
If you're interested in signing up for August 2020 Digital Feis, please read through all of the information below; 
  • Deadline for registration in the Student Portal - Monday, July 13th, 2020

VIDEO TAPING OPTIONS
For the August 2020 Digital Feis, dancers will have the option of submitting videos from home OR attending a video taping session.  We understand many of our dancers struggled with at home taping due to limitations with space and music playback.  For August we will be offering a video taping session for dancers.  
August Video Taping Session Date - Tuesday, July 28th (daytime)
Dancers will be assigned a 1 hour time slot for practicing and taping their dances. The fee for video taping session is $40 (plus tax).
For dancers who wish to video tape at home, the deadline for video submission is - Tuesday, July 28th, 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 - Tuesday, July 28th, 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
  • August Digital Feis - August 1st, 2020
  • September Digital Feis - September 19th, 2020
  • November Digital Feis - November 14th, 2020
DIGITAL FEIS FEES
  • $25 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)
McConnell School of Dance

Monday, 22 June 2020

MSD - JULY 2020 UPDATE

JULY 2020 - SCHOOL UPDATE
We are excited to announce a transition to in-person, combined with on-line lessons beginning July 6th, 2020.   
For July - August lessons (6 weeks) will be offering both in-person and on-line (zoom) classes.  In order to offer in-person classes and accommodate those who are unable or prefer not to attend in-person classes at this time, we are offering a combination of both in-person and on-line learning.
Registration for each level or class includes 2 weekly lessons;
  1. One on-line (zoom) class
  2. One in-person class (or optional zoom live feed for those unable or who prefer not to attend in person classes)
Dancers are expected to attend both classes and registration includes both lessons.  A weekly live zoom video feed will be offered for those who do not attend the in person lesson.
  • Dancers who haven't joined us for on-line classes are welcome to sign up for our combination of in-person and on-line classes for July & August. 
  • Beginner & Preschool - Level 1 / 2 Soft shoe is recommended for those who wish to attend our Summer lessons.

Schedule - July & August 2020
We've had to make adjustments to our Summer Schedule in order to allow for the in-person classes.  Classes in June will continue with the current schedule until June 30th, 2020.  As of July 6th, we will transition to the schedule below.
As a result of the schedule changes, ALL dancers will need to re-register for July - August classes in the Student Portal - CLICK HERE
The Summer Schedule will be offered from July 6th - August 12th (6 weeks).  We will be closed for holidays from August 15th - 31st, 2020 and lessons in August will be prorated for the partial month of classes.
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Temporary Winnipeg Location - 666 Silverstone (South Winnipeg Community Centre)
For July & August we will be using a temporary location at the South Winnipeg Community Centre for in person classes.

SUMMER SESSION - TERMS & CONDITIONS
  • Enrolment for the Summer Term is July 1st - August 15th, 2020.  
  • Enrolment is for both in-person and on-line lessons, combined.  The option to take one or the other is not permitted.
  • Fees are processed monthly, according to the payment schedule selected on your account in the STUDENT PORTAL
  • Class fees are calculated based on total class hours charged at 2019 - 2020 Season Rates.  Hourly discounted fees and family discounts will be applied.  August lesson fees will be prorated for the 50% of monthly fees.
  • We are not offering Drop In options for on-line classes, all students are asked to register for the entire month regardless of attendance.
  • Students may withdrawal at anytime with 7 days notice required for new billing purposes.  There are no withdrawal fees for the Summer Term (standard withdrawal fees will be waived). 
  • Monthly fees are non-refundable and once processed, there are no refunds or credits offered.
  • Recording of any on-line class is not permitted, under any circumstances.
  • MSD & CRN Dance Learning Videos and music are meant for registered student practice only and should not be distributed, copied, or posted on any social media, under any circumstances. 
IRISH DANCE AT HOME 
In addition to our on-line classes, we've put together a great deal of resource information for all Irish dancers at home during the break, including Google Classrooms with practice tips, music information, videos, and teaching tools for all dancers.  
To learn more, please visit our WEBSITE - CLICK HERE

Digital Feis
JUNE 2020
June Digital Feis was the LARGEST on-line competition to date, and the results should be available soon.  Stay tuned to Digital Feis website and we will send out the results to dancers when we receive them.
We are fortunate to be members of an Open Platform Irish Dance organisation (CRN) and we will continue to embrace the opportunity for our dancers to compete in Digital Feis. 
We encourage all of our competitive and non-competitive dancers to consider entering the August 2020 Digital Feis!  This is a great opportunity to compete without travel and stay focused and committed to your Irish dance goals.  More information on June Digital Feis will follow!
UPCOMING DIGITAL FEIS COMPETITIONS
  • Digital Feis - August 1st, 2020
  • Digital Feis - September 19th, 2020
Best wishes to our 38 dancers who are competing in the June 2020 Digital Feis competition.  We will keep you posted with results when they are announced!

Take care and stay well!
Shayleen McConnell Finucan (ODCRN)

Tuesday, 26 May 2020

MSD - JUNE 2020 SCHOOL UPDATE

JUNE 2020 - SCHOOL UPDATE
On-line lessons will continue for June 2020 and we will transition to our Summer Schedule (see below) starting June 1st, 2020.  
At this time, there are many uncertainties with the Covid-19 pandemic and reopening of our Province.  With this in mind, we will be looking ahead one month at a time and provide updates with any changes.  We will be following to all Manitoba Health Guideline to insure the health and safety of our dancers and instructors.  On-line classes will continue until it is safe for us to return to the dance studio environment. Due to the nature of Irish dance, we cannot predict when a safe return to the studio will be, but we hope to see our dancers in class again one day soon!
It has been challenging time for our dancers and we commend them on their resilience and commitment to Irish dance.  Our on-line classes have been a great way for us all to stay healthy and connected over the last two months and the dancers have made wonderful progress through virtual classes and at home practice.  We're very proud of your hard work, dedication, and commitment to Irish dance through many obstacles. Keep up the great work and keep dancing!

SUMMER CLASS SCHEDULE  
The Summer Schedule will be offered for June, July, and August 2020.  We will be closed for holidays from August 15th - 31st, 2020
All dancers will need to register for Summer Session classes in the Student Portal - CLICK HERE
*Please note, Performance Division dancers no not need to register for Performance Division as this is full season class.  Dancers will need to register for all other Summer Session classes.

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ON-LINE CLASSES
On-line classes are held through ZOOM, a meeting conference service available for all home computers, cell phones, and tablets.  In addition to on-line classes, we've created Google Classrooms for each level with helpful at home practice resources including downloadable practice music, dance instructional videos, practice assignments, and more!
ON-LINE CLASS UPDATES FOR SUMMER SESSION
  • Summer on-line classes will not include the 15 minute sign in.  Dancers are now asked to sign in when the class starts.  We will allow a 5 minute waiting period at the beginning of each class to allow for dancers to sign in and stretch, while we take class attendance.  
  • Additional Technique time added for each class.  We'e added time on to each class to include additional work on technique, without dancers having to attend extra lessons.
PRIVATE LESSONS 
To assist with on-line learning for dancers, we've added weekly options for on-line private and semi-private lesson (2 - 3 dancers).  This is a great way for dancers to have one on one learning time and instructor feedback.  For dancers struggling to learn in the on-line environment, private lesson are highly recommended.  Sign up is available in the STUDENT PORTAL  - CLICK HERE

Recreational Division - Recreational dancers are welcome to sign up for any classes listed for their Recreational Division level (please see schedule).  This is a great opportunity to learn new dances and we encourage students to enrol in multiple levels to encompass material they currently know as well as more advanced levels. 
Competitive Division - Competitive dancers should enrol in every level they are currently competing in dances with.  We've separated most levels into soft shoe and hard shoe classes in order to make it convenient for dancers with spanning multiple levels. 
Performance Division - Performance Division will continue with weekly classes and dancers are asked to continue their enrolment in competitive classes for all levels they are currently competing with.

If you're uncertain of which class or classes are best for you, please email info@mcconnelldancers.com and we will assist.
ON-LINE CLASS - TERMS & CONDITIONS
  • Enrolment for the Summer Term is June 1st - August 15th, 2020.  
  • Fees are processed monthly, according to the payment schedule selected on your account in the STUDENT PORTAL
  • Class fees are calculated based on total class hours charged at 2019 - 2020 Season Rates.  Hourly discounted fees and family discounts will be applied.  August lesson fees will be prorated for the 50% of monthly fees.
  • We are not offering Drop In options for on-line classes, all students are asked to register for the entire month regardless of attendance.
  • Students may withdrawal at anytime with 7 days notice required for new billing purposes.  There are no withdrawal fees for the Summer Term (standard withdrawal fees will be waived). 
  • Monthly fees are non-refundable and once processed, there are no refunds or credits offered.
  • Recording of any on-line class is not permitted, under any circumstances.
  • MSD & CRN Dance Learning Videos and music are meant for registered student practice only and should not be distributed, copied, or posted on any social media, under any circumstances. 

IRISH DANCE AT HOME 
In addition to our on-line classes, we've put together a great deal of resource information for all Irish dancers at home during the break, including Google Classrooms with practice tips, music information, videos, and teaching tools for all dancers.  
To learn more, please visit our WEBSITE - CLICK HERE

SUMMER CAMP
July 13th - 17th, 2020
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is unlikely our Irish Dance Summer Camp will take place as planned.  Travel restrictions will prevent our instructors from Ireland from attending and limitations with physical distancing restrictions will not allow us to proceed with an "in class" Irish dance camp.
We understand this is a disappointment for our dancers and we would like to fill the gap during the week of camp, if we can.  We will look at the possibility of an outdoor event or events during the week of summer camp.
We will provide more details when we are able as much depends on Manitoba Health Guidelines for re-opening the province.

DIGITAL FEIS 
JUNE 2020
April Digital Feis was the LARGEST on-line competition to date, and the upcoming June Digital Feis is likely to exceed expectations as many Irish dancers are now realising the benefit of on-line Irish dance competitions!  We are delighted to hear many of the CRN USA schools will be entering the June Digital Feis, including their Ardghrád and Craobhghrád dancers. 
We are fortunate to be members of an Open Platform Irish Dance organisation (CRN) and we will continue to embrace the opportunity for our dancers to compete in Digital Feis. 
We encourage all of our competitive and non-competitive dancers to consider entering the August 2020 Digital Feis!  This is a great opportunity to compete without travel and stay focused and committed to your Irish dance goals.  More information on June Digital Feis will follow!
UPCOMING DIGITAL FEIS COMPETITIONS
  • Digital Feis - June 6th, 2020
  • Digital Feis - August 1st, 2020
  • Digital Feis - September 19th, 2020
Best wishes to our 38 dancers who are competing in the June 2020 Digital Feis competition.  We will keep you posted with results when they are announced.

WE'VE MOVED - NEW LOCATION COMING!
We've been holding classes at 32 Barberry Road for over 10 years and the space has served us very well, with many good memories made.  Over the last year we've come realise we have outgrown the space and it's time for a change! 
It's been a very busy month as we packed up the studio and Folklorama storage container. We are looking forward to finding a new home for our dancers when the Covid-19 pandemic permits.  We will keep everyone updated with location details as soon as we are able.

Take care and stay well!
Shayleen McConnell Finucan (ODCRN)

Thursday, 2 April 2020

CANADA FEILE 2020 - UPDATE & CANCELLATI


 CANADA FEILE 2020

We wish to inform dancers of the cancellation of our CRN Canada Feile 2020 competition on May 24th, 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Although we are saddened by the cancellation, we feel this is the best decision to insure the safety of our dancers, instructors, adjudicators, and patrons.

We will be offering all dancers the option for Digital Feis competitions in April, June, August, September, and November and plans are currently underway for the Canadian Open Championship & Qualifiers (3 adjudicators) scheduled for Sunday, December 13th, 2020.

We will continue to keep our dance families updated with any changes as soon as we are able. 

Please stay safe and well.

Shayleen McConnell Finucan (ODCRN)