St. Patrick's Fest' 2022 - Dancer Information

 

 

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St. Patrick's Fest' 2022

DANCER INFORMATION

This email contains important information for dancers performing at St. Patrick's Fest' 2022. 

March is the busiest time of year for Irish Dance schools.  The two weeks surrounding St. Patrick's are filled with many shows all over the province, in addition to regular lessons and extra practices for our Performance Troupe. Instructor's time is very limited over the next two weeks so we ask you do your best to prepare for St Patrick's Fest' with the detailed information we have provided below. 

 

If you have questions, please contact us BEFORE March 17th as we will not be available to answer questions on St. Patrick's Day due to our very busy schedule.

 PLEASE READ ALL DETAILS BELOW

     

St. Patrick's Fest' is a family oriented, fun evening with continuous entertainment 6:30 - 10:00 pm including McConnell Irish Dancers and Barefoot Ceili Band. 

Food and snacks will be available for purchase (Stew & Soda Bread, Green Velvet Cake, Shortbread Cookies, Chips) and the bar will be open from 6:00 - 9:00 pm (alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages).

FOOD IS CASH SALES ONLY

There will be a Celtic Market with gifts, souvenirs, and Celtic Jewellery, imported sweets and chocolate from the Unique Ireland.  

We also have a children's area with fun activities and crafts.

50 / 50 Raffle with a chance to win up to $500 CASH - Tickets are 3 for $5.00 (CASH SALES ONLY).  The draw will take place at 9:30 pm so make sure you stay until the winner is announced as you must be present at the event to collect the prize.

 

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

Thursday, March 17th, 2022

Not all dancers perform in every show so please see SHOW SCHEDULE below for details on which show your dancer is performing in.   After their performance, dancers can join their families in the audience, have some food, and enjoy the rest of the evening.

In between shows, dancers may have time to visit with family in the audience and enjoy the band's performance.  Dancers should return to the dressing room 15 minutes prior to their show time to get ready for the next performance.

Location - Jean Paul Aubrey Hall - CCFM (340 Provencher) 

This is NOT THE SAME theatre as the Holiday Concert.  The Jean Paul Aubrey Hall is located on the NORTH EAST side of the building. 

PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THROUGH THE MAIN FRONT DOORS AT CCFM.  YOU MUST USE THE DOOR ON THE NORTH EAST CORNER OF THE VENUE.  THERE ARE OTHER EVENTS TAKING PLACE AT CCFM AT THE SAME TIME AND IT IS ESSENTIAL EVERYONE USE THE NORTH EAST DOOR. 

 

DANCER ARRIVAL

ARRIVAL TIME -  6:00 PM - NORTH EAST DOOR ONLY.  

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. 
• Younger Dancers -  Parents, please feel welcome to accompany your child to the dressing room (1 parent only), no additional family members please. 

Parents and siblings may accompany dancers inside the venue and get an early seat at 6:00 pm.  Please do not bring guests with you early.  The door for general admission will not open until 6:30 pm.

SHOW SCHEDULE

Please see below for details of which show / shows dancers are performing.  Younger dancers perform in earlier shows only.  

6:00 pm Dancer Arrival - Parents / Siblings may accompany dancers inside

6:30 pm Doors Open – General Public

7:00 pm McConnell Irish Dancers 

• Preschool (Wed 5:30 – 6:00 & Sat 9:25-9:55)
• Beginner (Wed 5:30 – 6:30 & Sat 10:00 – 11:00)
• Level 1 – 3 (Wed 6:30 – 8:00 & Sat 11:00-12:30)
• Meanghrad (Tues)
• Brandon Level 1 – 4

7:30 pm Barefoot Ceili Band

8:00 pm McConnell Irish Dancers

• Performance Troupe
• Adult
• Level 1-3 Sat Hornpipe (Ashlyn, Kelly, Ally, Lilja)

8:30 pm McConnell Irish Dance

• Beginner (Sat 10:00 – 11:00)
• Level 1 – 3 (Wed 6:30 – 8:00 & Sat 11:00 – 12:30)
• Meanghrad (Tues)
• Adult 
• Brandon Level 1 - 4

9:00 pm Barefoot Ceili Band

9:30 pm   50 / 50 Raffle

9:35 pm McConnell 

• Performance Troupe
• Level 1 – 3 (Wed 6:30 – 8:00 & Sat 11:00 – 12:30)
• Adult
• Brandon Level 1 - 4

COSTUMES

ARRIVE IN COSTUME

We ask all Preschool, Beginner, and Level 1 - 3 dancers to arrived in costume, with hair and make-up done in advance.  We recommend dancers wear their costume in between shows as there isn't a great deal of time to change back and forth.  

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 and personal belongings organised in a dimly lit backstage area and in the dressing room.  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 as we cannot be responsible for any loss of dance or personal items. 

IRISH DANCE SHOES

All dancers must wear proper footwear on stage, for safety and liability. 

Dancers who do not have Irish Soft or Hard Shoes have the following options. 

Colour - Black

• Ballet Slippers 
• Jazz Shoes
• Gym Shoes 

CLEAN SHOES BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE

All 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

Irish dance wigs are optional for recreational dancers.   

If you will not be wearing a wig, please use the following guidelines for dancer's hair;

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)

Please make sure hair is clean and styled appropriately for performances.

SOCKS & TIGHTS

All dancers under 18 years of age wear poodle socks.  If you have not purchased poodle socks, please do so BEFORE Thursday.

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 length).

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 - DANCERS OVER 18

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.

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 our door check-in and admissions are volunteers. 

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.

SNACKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

Please insure dancers have a healthy meal before the performance.  Snacks will be available for purchase.

SEND DRINKS - SEALED WATER BOTTLES.

• Absolutely no sodas, juices, or drinks which may stain costumes allowed in the dressing room.  Sealed water bottles only.

NO FOOD IN THE DRESSING ROOM

• No food allowed in the dressing room. Dancers may eat while seated at tables in the main hall.

KEEPING EVERYONE SAFE

Following Manitoba Health Recommendations

WE ASK ALL PATRONS TO PLEASE WEAR A MASK WHEN MOVING ABOUT IN THE VENUE.  MASKS MAY BE REMOVED WHILE SEATED FOR THE CONSUMPTION OF FOOD & BEVERAGES.

DANCERS MASKS

CCFM is designated as a performing arts venue and performers are not required to wears masks while they are performing. We ask all dancers please arrive wearing a mask.  

Dancers have the option to remove masks while they are performing for this event.  Parents with younger who prefer their dancer keep their mask on for the performance should let the volunteer know at check-in.  

Dancers who perform wearing masks are asked to use plain black masks please.

Masks are worn in the dressing room by all (5 + years of age).  

STILL NEED TICKETS?

Tickets can be purchased at the door 

CASH ONLY AT THE DOOR - FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO USE CREDIT OR PAYPAL AT THE DOOR - PLEASE PURCHASE THROUGH THE EVENTBRITE LINK BELOW

Adult $18    Child / Youth $10  *18 & Under

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

2022 Mark & Dorothy Danzker Scholarship

   

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2022 Mark & Dorothy Danzker Scholarship

A message from Folklorama...

On behalf of Eugene Waskiw, Chair for Folklorama’s Scholarship Committee, I am pleased to share that the Jewish Foundation has once again partnered with Folklorama to present the 2022 Mark & Dorothy Danzker Scholarship for Excellence.  This year, there are eight (8) $1,000 scholarships available to be awarded for excellence in preservation of ethno-cultural heritage. 

 

The scholarship application items are now posted on our website and are also attached to this email.  All applications must be received by the Folklorama office by Friday, April 29 at 5:00pm.  Applicants may submit physical or electronic copies of their application items.

 

For more information on eligibility, required documents, and the history of the scholarship, please visit our website at https://folklorama.ca/about-us/scholarships/ or email Richele Philippot, Executive Assistant at RPhilippot@folklorama.ca

 

Please feel free to share this great opportunity with your contacts and networks!

 

Thank you,

McConnell Irish Dance

Folklorama 2022 - Update

 Folklorama 2022 - Update 

McConnell Irish Dance has been a member of Folklorama from the festival beginnings in 1974.  Sam McConnell (Shayleen's grandfather) was one of the founding members of Folklorama and our school has performed at the Irish Pavilion, Emerald Isle Pavilion, Isle of the Shamrock Pavilion, and the United Kingdom Pavilion. 

Since 2014, our Student's Association (MSDSA) has sponsored the United Kingdom Pavilion, coordinated by Shayleen McConnell and run with the help of many volunteers from our dancers parents, family members, and community.  The planning, organising, and running of a Folklorama pavilion is a year-round project which requires a great deal of work on the part of the organisational team of 8 - 12 chair volunteers.  In many cases, these individuals take time off work and plan their holidays around the Folklorama as their volunteer efforts become a full time job during the 2 - 4 weeks surrounding the festival.  Although it' a "labour of love", it requires a massive amount of time, effort, and dedication.

Folklorama is planning for a return to an in-person festival for August 2022.  Although this is a hopeful sign of a return to regular events, there is still much uncertainty on how pavilions will mange within the pandemic environment.  Folklorama suggests pavilions prepare for reduced admissions due to hesitancy for general public to attend large scale events, higher costs for supplies, enhanced regulations for food & beverage service, and added costs for health and safety measures related to covid-19.

In a normal year, sponsorship of a Folklorama requires a minimum operating budget of $25,000 for upfront costs such as venue rental, food & beverage purchases, equipment rentals, entertainment, staging, lights, technical services, and much more!  Revenues from pavilion food, beverage sales help offset costs, but pavilions receive less than 40% revenue from pavilion admissions as the remainder goes back to Folklorama Inc.  Sponsorship of a pavilion must be taken seriously as the financial risk falls on the shoulders of the sponsoring organisation and board of directors.

While we very much wish to see a return to regular events such as Folklorama, we have serious reservations on the economic feasibility for sponsorship of a pavilion in the 2022 festival.  Without a clear plan from Folklorama to ease the burden for community run pavilions, we do not feel comfortable taking the risk with the hard earned fundraising efforts of our dance community. 

With this in mind, we feel the best decision for our community is to take the 2022 festival off and allow the pandemic to fully wind down before we consider the return to pavilion sponsorship.  There are other long term pavilions who have also decided not to enter the 2022 festival for similar reasons.

In the fall of 2021, we put out a survey to our dance family and Folklorama volunteers to see how many of you were interested in continuing with sponsorship of a pavilion and the response was positive from many of you.  We were very pleased to hear Folklorama is an important event you look forward to and delighted you were willing to give up your time during the summer to volunteer or perform in the festival.

While we understand another year without Folklorama may come as a disappointment to some, we feel it is the most responsible decision we can make at this time.  We also understand many of you plan your summer vacations around the festival dates and we wanted to let our Folklorama participants know well in advance.

This summer we will plan for some fun cultural events for our all dancers, including summer classes, Irish dance camps, and performance opportunities for all who would like to be involved.

Thank you,

McConnell Irish Dance

SCHOOL & COVID 19 CLASS UPDATE

SCHOOL & COVID 19 CLASS UPDATE

UPDATED - February 16th, 2022

Manitoba Public Heath has recently updated health orders and Covid-19 safety guidelines.  McConnell Irish dance will be adhering to the following safety protocols;

• 12 + must provide proof of vaccination before entering the building.
• Masks are required for all those ages 5 & up, at all times.
• Class sizes are limited with minimum physical distancing of 2 meters.
• Waiting room is currently closed for spectators, with the exception of Preschool Parents. 

To facilitate faster entry and exit for all classes, dancers may enter the studio 5 minutes prior to their scheduled class time to remove outside clothing and change into their dance clothing.  Please do not make use of dancer storage boxes until the previous class has been excused from the building.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we do our best to keep the studio a safe place for all of our dancers.

UPDATED CLASS SCHEDULE

We will be returning to our regular class schedule, effective immediately.  Please review the schedule before your next class to insure there are no mix-ups.

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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.

 

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

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

BEGINNER 

Wednesday 

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

Saturday 

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

BUNGHRAD, ULLMHUCHAN, MEANGHRAD

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

ARDGHRAD, CRAOBHGHRAD

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

ADULT

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

Irish Dance Socks - Poodle Sock Information & Updates

 Irish Dance Socks - Poodle Sock Information & Updates

All Irish Dancers under 21 wear socks called "Poodle Socks" as part of their attire for performances.  We also recommend dancers wear poodle socks for lessons as Irish dance shoes can over-stretch with thick socks.  

• Poodle socks should be kept clean and white (please use bleach or alternative when washing to keep them white)  
• We recommend you purchase several pairs of poodle socks for practice and save one pair for performance.

NEW FOR 2022 - ANKLE LENGTH POODLE SOCKS

To bring us up to date with current trends and, we will be switching to ankle length poodle socks for all dancers under 21 years of age. Ankle length poodle socks are much easier for dancers to wear thank knee length and require less glue to stay up.

 

Any brand of Ankle length poodle sock is acceptable for dancers to wear, provided they follow the guidelines for ribs below.

 

POODLE SOCKS NOW AVAILABLE AT STUDIO.

Poodle socks are not available locally and must be ordered from over-seas.  We now have a limited supply of poodle socks in stock at the studio which can be purchased  through our ON-LINE STORE - CLICK HERE

 

We advise dancers to purchase socks well in advance of upcoming performances to insure we have them available and in stock.

 

Sizing is in UK - please add 1.5 to the size listed below for US / Canadian sizing.

 

 

SOCK GLUE

Poodle socks must be glued in order to prevent them from falling down.

 

Sock Glue is supplied by MSDSA for all dancers at performances.  For dancers who prefer not to share, sock glue is available for purchase at the studio or on-line from Irish dance supply stores or on Amazon.

 

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

 

Thank you,

 

McConnell Irish Dance

 

St. Patrick's Fest' 2022 - Dancer Sign Up

 

 

 

  

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St. Patrick's Fest' 2022

We are very excited to announce St. Patrick's Fest' 2022 will be held in-person, on the evening of Thursday, March 17th, 2022.

All McConnell Irish Dance students from Winnipeg and Brandon are invited to participate in the performances for St. Patrick's Fest'.

• Dancers are asked to confirm or decline participation by replying to this email with YES or NO 

• Please confirm dancer's participation by the end of this week so we can begin working on choreography in class.

• Dancers will need a school costume to perform. Information regarding costume requirements has been sent out via email and may be found on our website -  CLICK HERE  The deadline to order new costumes is Friday, February 13th, 2022

St. Patrick's Fest' Information

McConnell Irish Dancers host a yearly St. Patrick's Day event every March 17th to promote Irish culture and celebrate Ireland's Patron Saint.  Due to the pandemic, the event was cancelled in 2020 and held virtually in 2021.  We are delighted to return to a fully in-person festival for 2022.

Over the years, St. Patrick's Fest has grown to become Winnipeg's largest St. Patrick's Day event.  Traditional Irish food and beverages are available along with continuous entertainment, an Irish market, silent auctions, and fun activities for families and children. 

For 2022, the event will be held with 50% capacity limits to allow for ample physical distancing.  At this time we are not planning to serve meals but snacks may be available and the bar will be open. In addition to performances from the dancers, there will be live traditional Irish music and songs in a fun, family atmosphere.  

All dancers are invited and encouraged to perform St. Patrick's Fest'.  This is a great event for family and friends to attend to cheer on the dancers and celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

 

Thursday, March 17th, 2022

Jean-Paul-Aubry Hall CCFM (340 Provencher Blvd) 

• 550 capacity, with a raised stage, full service kitchen, and bar.  Please note, although in the same location, this is a different venue than the Holiday Show in December.  

Evening Performance 6:30 - 9:30 pm (performance times will be confirmed).   The dancers will perform in 2 - 3 sets and will have time to enjoy the band and spend time with their families and guests.

Tickets will be on-sale soon!  

 

Following all Manitoba Health Recommendations

At this time, the regulations are as follows, however we recognise health orders may be updated.

• All attending will be required to show ID and proof of vaccination (over 12).

Mask Use

• Required for all patrons (unless medically exempt) 
• CCFM is designated as a performing arts venue and performers are not required to wears masks.  Dancers therefore have the option to remove masks while they are performing. Masks must be worn back stage and in the dressing room by all (5 + years of age)

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

Thank you,

McConnell Irish Dance

SCHOOL COSTUME & CLOTHING ORDERS

 

 

  

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MCCONNELL COSTUME & SCHOOL CLOTHING ORDERS

Malley Sport School Clothing and Costume orders are NOW OPEN.  This is the FINAL order for the 2021 - 2022 dance season.  The next order will take place in Oct 2022.  Please visit our on-line store on our website - or CLICK HERE

ORDER DEADLINE - Sunday, February 13th, 2022

 

IRISH DANCE COSTUMES

All dancers wishing to perform will need school costume.  For more information on Irish Dance Costumes, please visit the member's area of our website - OR CLICK HERE

If you don't already have a school costume, now is the time to order!

ORDER DEADLINE - Sunday, February 13th, 2022

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@mcconnelldancers.com

Thank you,

McConnell Irish Dance

 

 

MCCONNELL IRISH DANCE COSTUMES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON IRISH DANCE COSTUMES

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE - CLICK HERE