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One of the longest established Irish Dance schools in North America
and the largest Irish Dance school in Manitoba
and the largest Irish Dance school in Manitoba
McConnell School of Dance
Brandon Division Registration Information
2011- 2012 Fall Session
McConnell School of Irish Dance will now be offering
Irish dance classes in Brandon, Manitoba
Dates: September 10th 2011 - May 26th, 2012McConnell School of Irish Dance will now be offering
Irish dance classes in Brandon, Manitoba
Location: Steppin' Time Dance Studio (132-9th street
Brandon Division Programs
Preschool - 45 minute class for dancers ages 3 - 4This level may be appropriate for students 2 1/2 if they are capable of participating in the class without an accompanying parent. Our Preschool class is ideal for dancers who maybe too young for a full 1 hour class. Children learn the basic foot work and positions for Irish dance and learn the Beginner Reel. Warm -up, stretching, and technique is included in the program. Students also learn Irish songs and nursery rhymes.
Beginner - 1 hr class for dancers ages 5 - 6
Beginner students learn the basics of soft-shoe Irish dancing with Beginner Reel and then progress to the Light Jig (3 steps). Warm up, stretching and technique is included in the lesson. Focus is on developing technique and progressing towards hard shoe work. An introduction to Hard shoe techniques takes place the last 10- 15 minutes of our Beginner class.
Novice - 1 hour class for dancers ages 7 - 8
Novice Level students continue to progress with soft-shoe basics, learning a slip jig or hop jig and the complete Light Jig (5 steps). Novice dancers may also learn their first Ceili dance (group dance with figures). Novice dancers begin more intensive hard shoe training which extends through one half the lesson. Warm up and technique is included in the class with added focus on the more difficult moves (such as leaps, jumps, and cross keys).
Preliminary - 1 hour class recommended for dancers ages 9 - 10
This class is best suited for dancers with some previous training in soft-shoe / hard-shoe Irish dancing or dancers with previous experience in other dance styles. Private lessons are available during the summer months in order to prepare dancers for fall registration. Preliminary students learn more complex soft-shoe styles. Dancers further their hard-shoe technique with 45 minutes of training each class. Students learn dances such as the Beginner Hornpipe, Treble Jig, and Treble Reel. Dancers also learn a Ceili or group dance to develop discipline, precision, and performance skills. Warm up and hard shoe technique training is included in the lesson
Intermediate 1 hour class for dancers ages 11 and up
This class is best suited for dancers who are well established in Irish soft-shoe and hard-shoe or who have extensive experience in other similar styles of dance. We recommend students transferring from other styles of dance schedule private lessons in order to prepare dancers for Irish dance style and basic technique. Intermediate Level students focus on developing style and technique required for more advanced levels of Irish dancing. Warm up and technique is included, and students also learn a Ceili or group dance to continue to develop their precision and performance skills
Advanced 1 hour class for dancers 12 and over
This class is best suited for dancers with a minimum of 5 years Irish dance training who are over 12. Dancers should be well established in Irish soft and hard-shoe. Students focus on developing style and technique required for more advanced levels of Irish dancing. Warm up and technique is included, and dancers also learn a Ceili or group dance to continue to develop their precision and performance skills.
Teen Introductory - 1 hour class for dancers age 9 and up
This class is best suited for dancers who have little or no previous dance experience. Dancers start with the Beginner Reel and then progress to the Light Jig at their own pace within the class. Warm up, stretching and technique is included in the lesson.
Adult Introductory - 1 hour class recommended for adults new to Irish dance
Students learn the basics of soft-shoe Irish dancing. Warm up and technique is included in the class with added focus on stretching and improving flexibility and strength in order to prepare for the rigors of Irish dance. Performance is optional for our adult students.
Irish Dance Shoes
Irish soft shoes (ghillies) are recommended for practice and required for performance. Socks, gym shoes and ballet slippers may be worn for the first few classes
or duration of Summer Session. Dancers should purchase Irish soft shoes as soon as they determine they will be continuing for the Fall Season.
A full range of Irish Dance shoes and supplies are available through our studio in Winnipeg and 2nd hand shoes listings are posted on our website
Fall Season Shoe Requirements
Preschool & Beginner - Soft shoes
Novice, Preliminary, Intermediate, Advanced - Soft shoes & Hard Shoes
Teen Intro & Adult Intro - Soft Shoes
Costumes / Performance
Dancers do not require Irish dance costumes for our Summer Session.
Students who register for our Fall Session (Sept - June) and wish to perform at the Irish Pavilion (Lieutenant Governor's Winter Festival in Feb) and at the
Year End Recital (in June) will require our school Costume for their registered level. Performance is optional for all students. Irish dance school costumes are designed
to be used for more than one season and parents are always encouraged to sell their 2nd hand costumes when no longer in use.
Brandon Division Class Costume Fees
Preschool & Beginner - $125
Novice & Preliminary - $150
Intermediate & Advanced - $175
Teen & Adult Intro - $150
Payment Policies
There will be a minimum of 5 students in a class. Classes that do not meet the minimum requirement will be combined,
or the option will be offered for semi-private or private rates.
* Fees are based on average of four classes per month and include Christmas and Spring Break. Classes are cancelled on statutory holidays,March 17th,
and Recital
* To change a payment method, notification must be in writing (or e-mail) and a minimum of 7 business days before the payment due date
* $10.00/monthly late fee. $25.00 NSF & Decline Credit Card Transactions
Payments and Methods of Payment
Fall Season Payment options
9 Monthly Payments - posted dated cheques OR credit card
3 Term Payments -posted dated cheques OR credit card
1 Full Season Payment -posted dated cheques, credit card, OR cash
Payment Methods
Credit Card (Visa / Master Card/AMEX) -preauthorized payments processed on the 1st of the month
Post -dated Cheques -dated for the 1st or 15th of each month ( payable to McConnell School of Dance)
Cash - full season payment only
Registration Fee (non-refundable)
Individual $15 Family $25
A yearly non-refundable Registration fee is due with Registration Form.
Students registering for Summer and Fall Sessions are only required to pay registration fee once.
Receipts
Receipts for payment of lessons are sent via e-mail monthly or every term, depending on payment schedule.
Please keep your receipts if you require them record for tax purposes.
Income Tax Summary Receipts -$10 charge for a yearend tax summary.
Withdrawals & Refunds
Notification for withdrawal must be done in writing (or e-mail) and submitted to McConnell School of dance in order for a refund to be processed.
The date of written notification (not the date of absence) is considered the departure date. Pupils are responsible for all outstanding monetary
balances (i.e. costume orders, product orders, tuition). There will be a $25 processing fee for all withdrawals.
N.S.F. Cheques and Declined Credit Card Transactions
A $25.00 charge will be applied to any N.S.F. cheques and declined monthly / term credit card transactions. Accounts with outstanding N.S.F.
payments will be notified by McConnell School of Dance by phone or e-mail. Payment will be expected within 7 business days of notification.
If payment is not made within 7 business days, there is a 3% charge per day on the total outstanding bill
Missed Lesson and Make Up Lesson Policy
McConnell School of Dance does not reimburse for lessons missed during the month. If a lesson is cancelled by McConnell School of Dance
(due to weather, etc.) , students will have the opportunity to attend a make-up class.
Make up Lessons dates are announced on the website and notification is sent via e-mail.
Due to limitations of our class sizes, students cannot make up missed lessons due to illness, injury or their scheduling difficulties.
We are a performance Irish dance school and all instructors are members of our Performance Division. There are rare occasions when classes are
cancelled due to our Instructor's commitment to a performance. At least 7 days notice will be given in these circumstances and students will be offered
a make-up lesson.
Dress Code and Rules of Conduct
Irish Dance students should wear proper dance attire such as tights, leotard, skirts (above the knee), or short. T-shirts may be worn providing they are not baggy. Yoga pants or sweat pants are acceptable providing they are not too long (no lower than ankle bone). Hair should be tied back and no jewellery should be worn. Poodle socks are recommended for practice with Irish dance shoes.
1. Students who have difficulty wearing their shoes due to injury should inform their instructor prior to class.
2. Students with injuries should inform their instructor prior to class. Parents, please send a note in with your child should they be ill or suffering
with an injury or condition which may affect their performance or behavior in class.
3. Dancers are to remain in the rehearsal studio unless excused by the class instructor.
4. Parents are not allowed in the rehearsal studio, unless during scheduled Parent's Days.
5. Only dance shoes, dance bags, purses / wallets, and water bottles may be brought into the studio (no food or outerwear).
Please bring all necessary items in to class with you at the beginning of class.
6. NO cellular phones, video games, laptops, cameras, video cameras, IPods, or books allowed in rehearsal studio.
7. Respectful behavior and a positive attitude toward the class instructors and fellow dancers must be demonstrated by dancers and their
parents at all times.
8. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. Parents are asked to call or e-mail info@mcconnelldancers.com or call 793-8557 to
inform us of their child's absence from class
School and Parent Communication
All communication, notices, etc. from the School are distributed by email. Please provide a current email address on your registration form to receive school information throughout the dance year and notify us immediately should you have a change of e-mail.
McConnell Practice Guide
Irish Dance is disciplined learning and requires consistent practice and effort to become proficient. Like any skilful activity, hard work is required to achieve success. In order for a dancer to progress in Irish dance, hard work, dedication, and at-home practice is essential. We encourage all students to practice at home and parental assistance is necessary.
Personal progress and performance are directly affected by practice time, attitude and effort in class and at home.Practice Music: Practice tunes are available for listening on the member's area of the website. Due to copyright legislation, we are unable to provide dancers with music for their routines at performances. Irish dance music is timed accurately we encourage dancers to use practice music provided on the website.How long should my child practice?Daily practice will help dancers to remember steps and improve technique.
Dancers should try to practice at least three times a week.
The times listed above are minimum times for practicing dance steps and technique.
Remember to warm up and stretch well before every practice. Don't forget to cool down.
To increase flexibility, dancers should spend at least 10 minutes a day stretching.
Information for Parents: Supporting your dancer
Some children have a natural drive to practice on their own. These dancers need only support and encouragement to continue with their good practice habits.
Some dancers desire to progress with their dancing but have trouble understanding how to fit practice time into their day. These children often need help from their parents to set out a weekly practice plan and stick to it. Quite often, after a month or two of help and support, these children can learn to practice diligently on their own to achieve their goals. It is important to discover what your child's practice style is and compare that with what their goals are for their dancing. As an Irish dance parent, your most important role is to accept the character type of your child and do your best to be supportive of them and the decisions they make regarding their Irish dance.
Only offer encouragement, especially when your child may be struggling.
Avoid criticizing your child's practice or performance.
Stick to your parental role. Avoid trying to be your child's coach or teacher (i.e. becoming too involved in steps or technique, etc).
Irish soft shoes (ghillies) are recommended for practice and required for performance. Socks, gym shoes and ballet slippers may be worn for the first few classes
or duration of Summer Session. Dancers should purchase Irish soft shoes as soon as they determine they will be continuing for the Fall Season.
A full range of Irish Dance shoes and supplies are available through our studio in Winnipeg and 2nd hand shoes listings are posted on our website
Fall Season Shoe Requirements
Preschool & Beginner - Soft shoes
Novice, Preliminary, Intermediate, Advanced - Soft shoes & Hard Shoes
Teen Intro & Adult Intro - Soft Shoes
Costumes / Performance
Dancers do not require Irish dance costumes for our Summer Session.
Students who register for our Fall Session (Sept - June) and wish to perform at the Irish Pavilion (Lieutenant Governor's Winter Festival in Feb) and at the
Year End Recital (in June) will require our school Costume for their registered level. Performance is optional for all students. Irish dance school costumes are designed
to be used for more than one season and parents are always encouraged to sell their 2nd hand costumes when no longer in use.
Brandon Division Class Costume Fees
Preschool & Beginner - $125
Novice & Preliminary - $150
Intermediate & Advanced - $175
Teen & Adult Intro - $150
Payment Policies
There will be a minimum of 5 students in a class. Classes that do not meet the minimum requirement will be combined,
or the option will be offered for semi-private or private rates.
* Fees are based on average of four classes per month and include Christmas and Spring Break. Classes are cancelled on statutory holidays,March 17th,
and Recital
* To change a payment method, notification must be in writing (or e-mail) and a minimum of 7 business days before the payment due date
* $10.00/monthly late fee. $25.00 NSF & Decline Credit Card Transactions
Payments and Methods of Payment
Fall Season Payment options
9 Monthly Payments - posted dated cheques OR credit card
3 Term Payments -posted dated cheques OR credit card
1 Full Season Payment -posted dated cheques, credit card, OR cash
Payment Methods
Credit Card (Visa / Master Card/AMEX) -preauthorized payments processed on the 1st of the month
Post -dated Cheques -dated for the 1st or 15th of each month ( payable to McConnell School of Dance)
Cash - full season payment only
Registration Fee (non-refundable)
Individual $15 Family $25
A yearly non-refundable Registration fee is due with Registration Form.
Students registering for Summer and Fall Sessions are only required to pay registration fee once.
Receipts
Receipts for payment of lessons are sent via e-mail monthly or every term, depending on payment schedule.
Please keep your receipts if you require them record for tax purposes.
Income Tax Summary Receipts -$10 charge for a yearend tax summary.
Withdrawals & Refunds
Notification for withdrawal must be done in writing (or e-mail) and submitted to McConnell School of dance in order for a refund to be processed.
The date of written notification (not the date of absence) is considered the departure date. Pupils are responsible for all outstanding monetary
balances (i.e. costume orders, product orders, tuition). There will be a $25 processing fee for all withdrawals.
N.S.F. Cheques and Declined Credit Card Transactions
A $25.00 charge will be applied to any N.S.F. cheques and declined monthly / term credit card transactions. Accounts with outstanding N.S.F.
payments will be notified by McConnell School of Dance by phone or e-mail. Payment will be expected within 7 business days of notification.
If payment is not made within 7 business days, there is a 3% charge per day on the total outstanding bill
Missed Lesson and Make Up Lesson Policy
McConnell School of Dance does not reimburse for lessons missed during the month. If a lesson is cancelled by McConnell School of Dance
(due to weather, etc.) , students will have the opportunity to attend a make-up class.
Make up Lessons dates are announced on the website and notification is sent via e-mail.
Due to limitations of our class sizes, students cannot make up missed lessons due to illness, injury or their scheduling difficulties.
We are a performance Irish dance school and all instructors are members of our Performance Division. There are rare occasions when classes are
cancelled due to our Instructor's commitment to a performance. At least 7 days notice will be given in these circumstances and students will be offered
a make-up lesson.
Dress Code and Rules of Conduct
Irish Dance students should wear proper dance attire such as tights, leotard, skirts (above the knee), or short. T-shirts may be worn providing they are not baggy. Yoga pants or sweat pants are acceptable providing they are not too long (no lower than ankle bone). Hair should be tied back and no jewellery should be worn. Poodle socks are recommended for practice with Irish dance shoes.
1. Students who have difficulty wearing their shoes due to injury should inform their instructor prior to class.
2. Students with injuries should inform their instructor prior to class. Parents, please send a note in with your child should they be ill or suffering
with an injury or condition which may affect their performance or behavior in class.
3. Dancers are to remain in the rehearsal studio unless excused by the class instructor.
4. Parents are not allowed in the rehearsal studio, unless during scheduled Parent's Days.
5. Only dance shoes, dance bags, purses / wallets, and water bottles may be brought into the studio (no food or outerwear).
Please bring all necessary items in to class with you at the beginning of class.
6. NO cellular phones, video games, laptops, cameras, video cameras, IPods, or books allowed in rehearsal studio.
7. Respectful behavior and a positive attitude toward the class instructors and fellow dancers must be demonstrated by dancers and their
parents at all times.
8. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. Parents are asked to call or e-mail info@mcconnelldancers.com or call 793-8557 to
inform us of their child's absence from class
School and Parent Communication
All communication, notices, etc. from the School are distributed by email. Please provide a current email address on your registration form to receive school information throughout the dance year and notify us immediately should you have a change of e-mail.
McConnell Practice Guide
Irish Dance is disciplined learning and requires consistent practice and effort to become proficient. Like any skilful activity, hard work is required to achieve success. In order for a dancer to progress in Irish dance, hard work, dedication, and at-home practice is essential. We encourage all students to practice at home and parental assistance is necessary.
Personal progress and performance are directly affected by practice time, attitude and effort in class and at home.Practice Music: Practice tunes are available for listening on the member's area of the website. Due to copyright legislation, we are unable to provide dancers with music for their routines at performances. Irish dance music is timed accurately we encourage dancers to use practice music provided on the website.How long should my child practice?Daily practice will help dancers to remember steps and improve technique.
Dancers should try to practice at least three times a week.
The times listed above are minimum times for practicing dance steps and technique.
Remember to warm up and stretch well before every practice. Don't forget to cool down.
To increase flexibility, dancers should spend at least 10 minutes a day stretching.
Information for Parents: Supporting your dancer
Some children have a natural drive to practice on their own. These dancers need only support and encouragement to continue with their good practice habits.
Some dancers desire to progress with their dancing but have trouble understanding how to fit practice time into their day. These children often need help from their parents to set out a weekly practice plan and stick to it. Quite often, after a month or two of help and support, these children can learn to practice diligently on their own to achieve their goals. It is important to discover what your child's practice style is and compare that with what their goals are for their dancing. As an Irish dance parent, your most important role is to accept the character type of your child and do your best to be supportive of them and the decisions they make regarding their Irish dance.
Only offer encouragement, especially when your child may be struggling.
Avoid criticizing your child's practice or performance.
Stick to your parental role. Avoid trying to be your child's coach or teacher (i.e. becoming too involved in steps or technique, etc).
Brandon Lesson Schedule
Brandon Lesson Fees
Recommended practice time
(not including warm up and cool down).
Preschool /Beginner- 15 mins per day OR 1 ½ hrs. per week(not including warm up and cool down).
Novice / Preliminary- 30 mins per day OR 4 hrs. per week
Intermediate / Advanced- 45 mins per day OR 5 hrs. per week
Teen / Adult -30 mins per day OR 4 hrs. per week
