Irish Dance Classes
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our philosophy is to provide dancers with an encouraging, positive learning environment where students can achieve individual goals and learn the value of working as a team in safe, family atmosphere.
Dancers choose their own path with options for recreational, competitive, and performance Irish dance.
- Our teaching methods are based on Irish tradition and incorporate modern techniques to accelerate learning.
- Class sizes are limited for individual focus on students and do not exceed an 8 -1 student to teacher ratio.
- Dancers receive one on one time with instructors and are encouraged to seek their personal best through training, hard work, and support from their instructors.
BENEFITS OF IRISH DANCE
IRISH DANCE TEACHES US
- Discipline
- Value of hard work
- How to set goals
- How to listen
- How to win & how to loose
IRISH DANCE MAKES US
- Better athletes
- Better musicians
- Better teammates
- More confident
IRISH DANCE GIVES US
- Good health and Fitness
- Life-long friendships
- Determination
- Perseverance
Which type of Irish Dance is right for you?
RECREATIONAL
IRISH DANCE FUN, EXERCISE, AND ENJOYMENT
Learn CRN graded Irish dances used for competition and performances in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Suitable for all levels and ages. CRN Graded Level Exams are available for recreational and competitive students.
SEASONAL REGISTRATION
Fall/Spring Session - Sept to May (9 Months)
Summer Session - July to August (2 Months)
OPTIONAL PERFORAMNCES
Christmas Ceili, St. Patrick's Recital, Folklorama
OPTIONAL COMPETITIONS
Canada Feile, Canadian Open Championship
COMPETITIVE
JOIN OUR AWARD WINNING COMPETITIVE TEAM
McConnell Irish Dancers compete at CRN Local, Regional, National, and World Championships in both Digital and In-Person competitions. CRN Graded Level Exams available for competitive and recreational students.
SEASONAL REGISTRATION
Fall/Spring Session - Sept to May (9 Months)
Summer Session - July to August (2 Months)
OPTIONAL PERFORAMNCES
Christmas Ceili, St. Patrick's Recital, Folklorama
OPTIONAL COMPETITIONS
Canada Feile, Canadian Open Championship, CRN Regional, National, and World Competitions
PERFORMANCE
DEDICATED DANCERS WHO LOVE TO PERFORM
Performance Teams for dancers of all ages. Our Troupe dances at over 30 local, corporate, and charitable shows each season and travel internationally to perform in festivals over the world.
12 MONTH REGISTRATION
Performance Teams register for the full season
September to August (12 Months)
PERFORAMNCES
Christmas Ceili, St. Patrick's Recital, Folklorama,
2023 International Festival, approximately 30 local performances each season.
Please scroll down for more information on our Summer Classes and Terms of Registration.
Beginner Irish Dance Classes
Class for Beginners of all ages from pre-school, teen, or adult. It's never too late to start Irish dance.
PRESCHOOL AGES 3 - 6
A fun introduction to the basics of Irish dance. Students explore movement, rhythm, music, and song in an energetic class. Dancers develop coordination, social skills and gain confidence within the studio environment in a small class setting with individual focus from instructors.
SHOE REQUIREMENTS
Irish Soft Shoes, Boys Reel Shoes, or Black Ballet Slippers
Ankle Length Poodle Socks
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Holiday Ceili, St Patrick's Day, Recital, Folklorama
SUMMER 2022
July 6 - Aug 24 (2 months)
Wednesday 5:00 - 5:45 pm
$60 / Month * GST
BEGINNER AGES 5 - 11
A fun and energetic introduction to Irish dance for students five to seven years. Dancers learn basic Irish Soft shoe technique, rhythm, and timing. Students learn the Basic & Bunghrád Reel, and Ceili dances. Students develop technique, gain confidence, and social skills in a small class setting.
SHOE REQUIREMENTS
Irish Soft Shoes or Boys Reel Shoes
Ankle Length Poodle Socks
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Holiday Ceili, St Patrick's Day, Recital, Folklorama
SUMMER 2022
July 6 - Aug 24 (2 months)
Wednesday 5:00 - 6:00 pm
$65 / Month *GST
Irish Dance Grades
Once dancers learn the basics in a Beginner class, they move through 5 levels of Irish dance (Bunghrád, Ullmhuchán, Meanghrád, Ardghrád, Craobhghrád). Each level increases in difficulty and students gain skill and learn the necessary technique with the help of our CRN certified team of instructors. CRN Graded Levels provides structured learning for recreational and competitive Irish dance students and motivates our Irish dancers to the highest levels.
BUNGHRÁD
LEVEL 1
Students learn 4 the Bunghrád dances (Reel, Slip Jig, Single Jig, Light Jig).
An introduction to Irish Hard Shoe technique is included in the lesson. Hard Shoes are recommended but not required for this class. This class is suitable for recreational and competitive students.
SHOE REQUIREMENTS
Irish Soft Shoes or Boys Reel Shoes
Irish Hard Shoes - optional
Ankle Length Poodle Socks
SUMMER 2022
July 6 - Aug 24 (2 months)
Wednesday 6:00 - 7:15 pm
$85 / Month *GST
Multi-Class Rate & Family Discount Available
BUNGRÁD-ULLMHUCHÁN-MEANGHRÁD
LEVEL 1 - 3
Students learn 5 Ullmhuchán dances (Reel, Slip Jig, Single Jig, Heavy Jig, Hornpipe ) and move on to 5 Meanghrád (Reel, Slip, Single, Heavy Jig, Hornpipe).
This class is suitable for recreational and competitive students. Two levels are combined to allow students to advance easily, at their own pace for each dance.
SHOE REQUIREMENTS
Irish Soft Shoes or Boys Reel Shoes
Irish Hard Shoes
Ankle Length Poodle Socks
SUMMER 2022
July 6 - Aug 24 (2 months)
Wednesday 6:00 - 7:30 pm
$95/ Month *GST
Multi-Class Rate & Family Discount Available
MEANGHRÁD
LEVEL 3
30 minute Menaghrád class for students who are proficient in all of their Level 3 dances (Reel, Slip Jig, Single Jig, Heavy Jig, Hornpipe).
This class is suitable for recreational and competitive students for Meanghrád level only practice and technique.
SHOE REQUIREMENTS
Irish Soft Shoes or Boys Reel Shoes
Irish Hard Shoes
Ankle Length Poodle Socks
SUMMER 2022
July 6 - Aug 24 (2 months)
Tuesday 5:00 - 5:30 pm
$45 / Month *GST
Multi-Class Rate & Family Discount Available
ARDGHRÁD
LEVEL 4
Students learn 5 Ardghrád dances (Reel, Slip Jig, Single Jig, Heavy Jig, Hornpipe ) in addition to contemporary and traditional set dances. This level is split into entry and advance classes. Dancers will be notified of their placement prior to the commencement of classes.
Suitable for recreational and competitive students. Private lessons are recommended for dancers who require individually choreographed steps and one-on-one time with an instructor.
Ardghrad 1 Mon 5:00 - 8:30 pm and/or Thur 5:00 - 8:30 pm
Ardghrad 2 Mon 5:30 - 9:00 pm / Thur 5:30 - 9:00 pm
$145 - $280 / Month
Multi-Class Rate & Family Discount Available
CRAOBHGHRÁD
LEVEL 5
Students who've achieved Championship status learn 5 Craobhghrád dances (Reel, Slip Jig, Single Jig, Heavy Jig, Hornpipe ) in addition to contemporary and traditional set dances. This level is split into entry and advance classes. Dancers will be notified of their placement prior to the commencement of classes.
Suitable for recreational and competitive students. Private lessons are recommended for dancers who require individually choreographed steps and one-one-one time with an instructor.
Craobhghrád 1 Mon 5:00 - 8:30 pm and/or Thur 5:00 - 8:30 pm
Craobhghrád 2 Mon 5:30 - 9:00 pm / Thur 5:30 - 9:00 pm
$145 - $280 / Month
Multi-Class Rate & Family Discount Available
Specialty Classes
Special Classes are additional options for dancers already enrolled in our other programs.
TRADITIONAL SETS
Recreational and Competitive dancers Level 2 and up.
Learn CRN Traditional Set Dances to help establish a grounding in hard shoe Irish dance and prepare dancers for more intricate and difficult Contemporary Set Dances.
Traditional Sets include St. Patrick's Day, Humours of Bandon, Job of Journeywork, The Blackbird, White Blanket, and Garden of Daisies.
Tues 5:30 - 6:00 pm
$45 / Month *GST
Multi-Class Rate & Family Discount
CEILI / TEAMS
Recreational and Competitive dancers for all levels, including Beginner
Learn CRN Traditional Ceilis Dances to help establish a grounding in soft shoe Irish dance and choreograph.
2 Hands, 3 Hands, 4 Hands, and 8 Hand Team dances for all levels of Irish dance and for both recreational and competitive Irish dancers.
Tues 5:30 - 6:00 pm
$45 / Month *GST
Multi-Class Rate & Family Discount
Private Lessons
Not ready to join a class yet? Looking for individual time with an instructor for accelerated learning?
Private lessons are a great option for dancers who wish to work one-on-one with an instructor.
New students are encouraged to enrol in private lessons to work one-on-one with an instructor before transferring to our group lessons.
30 Minutes - $35 60 Minutes - $70 5 Private Lessons - 30 Minutes $150
Please contact us to schedule private lessons at info@mcconnelldancers.com
Brandon Irish Dance
We offer Recreational and Competitive Irish Dance classes in Brandon, Manitoba.
FALL 2022 - SPRING 2023
REGISTRATION INFORMATION COMING SOON!
Lesson Fees and Payments
Term fees are based on an average of 4 classes per month including statutory holidays and breaks. In an effort to assist in keeping fees as low as possible, we offer a reduce rate multiple class hours and family discounts. Fees are divided into monthly payments, for the duration of the session.
REGISTRATION FEE
Registration fees are posted and processed at the time of enrolment.
- $30 - 1 Student
- $50 - 2 Students (Family Rate)
- $65 - 3+ Students (Family Rate)
LESSON PAYMENTS
DANCE FEES ARE PAID MONTHLY
Fees are based on an average of 4 classes per month including statutory holidays and breaks. In an effort to assist in keeping fees as low as possible, we offer a reduce rate multiple class hours and family discounts.
Monthly fees are scheduled for the 1st of each month. Fee are processed automatically through a secure on-line payment processing (SafeSafe). Families must keep a valid credit card or banking information on file.
LATE & RETURNED PAYMENTS
A $25 Fee will be automatically applied for all returned payments including NSF & Expired Credit cards. Pupils will be notified via email when payments are returned and will have 7 days to make the payment through the Student Portal. After 7 days, a $25 Late Fee will be applied. After 30 days outstanding, students will be not be permitted to attend the class until the account has been brought up to date and full term fees will be applied.
LATE REGISTRATION
Enrolment is seasonal (Fall - Spring and/or Summer) however registrations are accepted at anytime during the session. Students who enrol mid session will have the option to pay full season tuition or the drop-in class rate.
EARLY WITHDRAWAL
Dancers are expected to attend classes for the full term they have registered, however we understand there may be extenuating circumstances where dancers withdrawal from classes prior to the end of the season.
- New students may withdrawal without additional withdrawal fee charged within the first month of classes.
- After one month a $65 withdrawal fee will be applied and payments for classes taken will be adjusted to the drop-in rate as multi-class discounts are only available for full season enrolment.
MULTI CLASS DISCOUNTS
To assist dancers who enrol in multiple classes, we offer a reduce rate. Multi Class discounts are only offered for students enrolled a full session
(Fall-Spring and/or Summer Session)
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DROP IN CLASS RATES
- .75 hr - $20.00 / Class
- 1.00 hr - $20.00 / Class
- 1.25 hr - $25.00 / Class
- 1.50 hr - $27.50 / Class
- 3.50 hr - $50.00 / Class
Drop in class fees are applied and processed at the time of sign up or immediately upon completion of the class.
FAMILY DISCOUNT
To assist families, we offer a 10% discount off all lesson fees, for 2nd and 3rd students from the same household.
ADDITIONAL FAMILY DISCOUNT
After 3rd family member, fees are waived
(applied to member with the lowest monthly rate.)
DRESS CODE
Dance clothing should allow for non-restrictive movement and must not inhibit ability or safety.
- Long hair should be tied back at all times.
- Jewellery should be limited to wedding rings and medical alert.
- Simple stud earrings for dancers who cannot remove earrings.
BOTTOMS
- Colour Black - Tights, yoga or dance pants, shorts and dance skirts must be of an appropriate length and not impede with dancers movement. For safety yoga and dance pants must not be longer than ankle length.
TOPS
With the exception of school clothing or competition t-shirts, all dancers should wear plain black tops.
- Bodysuits, Athletic Tops, and T-shirts are permissible as long as they allow for movement and are not overly large.
NOT PERMITTED
- Jeans, dress pants, sweat pants or dresses
- Hoodies or sweatshirts
- No hats or baseball caps
FOOTWEAR
SEE CLASS REQUIREMENTS
Dancers should have the required footwear for their class within the first month of classes
Poodle socks should be worn with all dance shoes to prevent shoes from over-stretching.
For the first few classes, dancers may wear socks but for safety reasons, all dancers must have correct footwear after their first month of classes.
Instructors will notify dancers or families if their attire is not suitable for class.
Questions? Would you like additional information?
Please fill out the form below to allow us to assist you further with registration for our Irish Dance classes.