2026 - 2027 BRANDON
CLASS ENROLMENT INFORMATION
- Winnipeg, MB
- Brandon, MB
- Parksville, BC
- Family Atmosphere: We provide a safe, encouraging, and positive learning environment.
- Balanced Growth: Students achieve individual goals while learning the value of teamwork.
- Tradition Meets Innovation: Our teaching methods blend deep Irish traditions with modern learning techniques.
- Small Class Sizes: We maintain a strict maximum 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio for personalized focus.
- Expert Guidance: Dancers receive dedicated one-on-one time from certified instructors and caring assistants.
- Personal Best: We inspire students to reach their full potential through hard work and community support.
Discover the perfect class tailored to your schedule, age, and skill level. We offer complete flexibility and a supportive environment to help every dancer thrive.
- Full Season Sessions: Structured 10-month programs
- Term Sessions: Short 2 to 3-month blocks
- Summer Camp: Day camps
- All Abilities Welcome: Programs designed for pre-schoolers, teens, and adults.
- All Skill Levels: Seamless progression from brand-new Beginners to Championship competitors.
- Three Dynamic Tracks: Choose from Recreational, Competitive, or Performance Irish Dance
- Dedicated Mentorship: Our instructors trained with us since childhood, bringing deep passion and school tradition to every class.
- Goal-Oriented Teamwork: Dancers achieve personal milestones while discovering the power of working together.
- Safe, Family Atmosphere: Every class operates in a fun, positive, and encouraging environment.
FULL SEASON CLASSES
| FULL SEASON: 10 Months September 2026 - June 2027 |
When enrolling for FULL SEASON, you are committing to the entire term (Sept - Aug or Sept - May) and the major performances for St. Patrick's and Year End Recital.
SESSION BASED CLASSES
| FALL SESSION: September 2026 to December 2026 |
| WINTER SESSION: January 2027 to March 2027 |
| SPRING SESSION: 8 Weeks April 2027 to May 2027 |
WHICH TYPE OF IRISH DANCE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
- Recreational: Weekly classes focused purely on fun, fitness, and friendship.
- Competitive: Elite training offering paths to Local, Regional, National, and World Championship stages.
- Performance Team: Exciting opportunities to showcase your skills and travel the world
RECREATIONAL CLASSES
Recreational classes are ideal for those who wish to dance for fun, fitness, develop new skills, meet friends and maintain cultural connections.
Recreational classes include warm-up, technique, drills, and choreography. Recreational classes perform at St. Patrick's, Recital, and have the option to participate in Folklorama (summer classes).
Recreational students also have the opportunity to compete at Canada Féile (we recommend competing dancers also attend a full season or session based competitive class to properly prepare for competition).
Recreational students may choose to attend one or multiple classes per week. We offer week-night and weekend scheduling options.
- All ages from 2 & up
- All abilities from Beginner to Advanced
- Performances at Multicultural Festival, St. Patrick's, and Year End Recital
- Compete in Canada Féile (optional)
CLASSES
COMPETITIVE CLASSES
As a registered and certified member of Cumann Rince Náisiúnta CRN, our students have the option to compete in any CRN Competitions, Open Platform Irish dance competitions, our local Canada Féile held in November, and Digital (Virtual) competitions. Digital competitions are an affordable option for those who wish to compete without the commitment and travel expenses.
Our competitive classes focus is on training dancers to develop strong foundations in Irish dance with good technique and styles based on CRN Graded Levels 1-5. Competitive Irish dance is open to all levels from Beginner to Champion and all ages including Adult.
Competitive classes do no participate in performances. Dancers who wish to perform should enrol in our Recreational classes or join our Performance Team.
- All ages from 4 & up
- All levels form Beginner to Advanced
- Compete in Canada Féile Regional, National, and World Championships
- Non-performing classes (Dancers who wish to perform should also enrol in a Recreational class)
HOW TO ENROL
Students register, select classes, payments, and maintain contact information through our secure system called Jackrabbit.
Jackrabbit can be used On-Line - Click Here or using our Mobile App.
Our Mobile App provides pupils the opportunity to easily manage their accounts, class registration, and receive push notifications, from the convenience of their mobile phone.
To Download our App
Go to App Store or Google Play Store
Search McConnell Irish Dance
Select Download
Upon sign-up you will be asked for contact details for students and parent or guardians and payment information. Multiple contacts may be added to family account so all parents, guardians, dancers, and family members can receive school emails. Contact information may be updated at anytime through the Jackrabbit system.
ENROLMENT QUESTIONS?
Please see below for information on registration, tuition, policies, and payments.
Still have questions? Let us assist by filling out an on-line
or call (204) 793-8557 during regular business hours.
2026 - 2027 SCHOOL POLICIES
BRANDON IRISH DANCE TERMS OF ENROLMENT
REGISTRATION FEE
A one time yearly, non-refundable registration fee is processed at the time of enrolment confirmation.
New students, registration fees are processed after the trial class is complete and you have confirmed you will continue with enrolment.
Returning students fees are applied at the time of registration.
Registration fees are only applied once per year and extend through Yearly, Full Season, or Session based programs.
- $35 - 1 Student
- $55 - Family - 2 Students
- $75 - Family - 3+ Students
KEY FOB ACCESS
Brandon School of Dance has enhanced door security for additional safety while dancers are in the studio.
For the 2026 - 2027 Season, all families will be required to have their own FOB for studio access.
- There is a $25 deposit required by Brandon School of Dance.
- The $25 deposit fee will be added to the season's registration and processed in the Student Portal at the time of registration. A $20 cash refunded will be return to each family on the final day of classes (Full Season or Session)
*If you already have a FOB for Brandon School of Dance, please let us know at the time of registration so we do not process the FOB deposit fee on your account.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Brandon School of Dance will issue all families a FOB to access the studio. BSD asks for a $25 deposit for the FOB and at the end of the season $20 is refunded if the FOB is returned. All FOB's will be arranged through McConnell Irish Dance, to help facilitate easier access to FOB's for our Irish dance families.
HOW TO OBTAIN A FOB
FOB's will be organised by McConnell Irish Dance and handed out at the 1st class. Our instructors will meet families at the front door on the 1st day of classes!
TUITION PAYMENTS
PAYMENT METHODS
Tuition payments are processed through a secure on-line payment processing system through Jackrabbit called SaveSafe.
Pupils must maintain a valid credit card or bank account information in the Student Portal on Jackrabbit. If your credit card changes or expires, you will need to update your payment information in the Student Portal.
Accepted methods of payments include;
- Visa or MasterCard
- Bank Draft (ACH)
For Full Season & Full Session Payments we also accept;
- Cheque
- Cash
- E-Transfer
Please contact us at the time of registration if you wish to pay with Full Season Payments by Cheque, Cash, or E-Transfer.
LATE AND NSF PAYMENTS
Returned payments due to NSF or expired credit cards will be subject to a non-negotiable $25.00 fee. Pupils will have two weeks to pay the overdue amount or additional late fees of $25.00 per month will be added to accounts.
We do our best to work with families with extenuating circumstances. If you are unable to make a payment, please contact us immediately so arrangements can be made in advance of a payment being declined.
FULL SEASON CLASS PAYMENTS
Full Season class fees are offered at a discounted rate to session based classed. Full Season class fees are calculated by the total number of classes per season (not monthly), taking into account statutory holidays and lessons missed due to major performances or competitions.
- 1 PAYMENT: One full payment for yearly or full season enrolment receive a 5% discount in addition to Full Term, Multi-Class, and Family Discounts. Full Term payments are processed at the time of registration and are non-refundable, with the exception of New Students who have until Oct 15th to receive prorated refunds for early withdrawal.
- 10 PAYMENT OPTION: Full & Yearly Season Tuition fees are divided into 10 pre-authorized payments, scheduled for the 1st of each month (Sept -June). Students receive Full Term, Multi-Class, and Family discounts based on the Full Season Class rates. Pre-authorised 10 Payment Option fees are non-refundable with the exception of New Students who have until Oct 15th to receive prorated refunds for early withdrawal.
SESSION BASED CLASS PAYMENTS
FALL, WINTER , AND SPRING SESSIONS
Session based tuition payments are processed at the time of registration confirmation and session fees are non-refundable. Early withdrawals will receive a refund if refund is received in writing (email) up to 14 days prior to the start of the class.
To receive Term, Multi-Class, Family Discounts, and 5% FulL Season Payment Discount, students must enrol in Full Season Classes.
TUITION FEES
Irish dance is a specialized form of dance which requires a high degree of skill developed through proper training as good technique is important to maintain cultural traditions. McConnell Irish dance classes offer a high teacher to student ratio to insure students receive sufficient one-on-one with certified instructors for the highest quality instruction. Our Irish dance classes have a smaller number of students compared to other disciplines of dance. Due to the nature of Irish dance a large studio floor space and specially designed sprung flooring is required for dancer's safety. For these reasons, Irish dance tuition may be priced slightly higher than typical dance classes in ensure the highest quality and and safety for our students.
YEARLY & FULL SEASON CLASS RATES
- FAMILY DISCOUNTS: To assist pupils, we offer a family discount for students within the same household. The 2nd enrolment receives 10% off tuition, 3rd enrolment 15% off tuition, 4th or more enrolment 25% off tuition. Fees are applied to the student with the lowest monthly rate.
- MULTI CLASS DISCOUNTS: To assist dancers who enrol in multiple classes, we offer a reduce hourly rate. Multi Class discounts are only offered for students enrolled in Full Season Classes.
HOURLY & MULTI CLASS RATES *GST not included
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SESSION BASED CLASS RATES
Session based classes class fees are determined by the length of class and the number of lessons in each term. Please see Session Based Class enrolment for individual class fees.
To receive Term, Multi-Class, and Family discounts, students must enrol in Full Season Classes.
DROP IN CLASS RATES
Drop in class rates are offered for students who do not wish to enrol in the full session or for those who would like to drop in to a class or extra practice from time to time. Family and multi-class discounts are not available for Drop-In classes.
- . 30 hr $20.00 / Class
- .75 hr $22.00 / Class
- 1.00 hr $25.00 / Class
- 1.50 hr $35.00 / Class
- 1.75 hr $37.50 / Class
- 2.00 hr $40.00 / Class
- 2.50 hr $55.00 / Class
MISSED CLASSES
Regular attendance is essential for dancers to progress along with their class. Students who miss classes and fall behind may be asked to take private lessons to catch up or may not be included in all performance routines at the discretion of the instructor.
Students are asked to advise us in advance of any missed classes by scheduling the absence in the Student Portal on the McConnell Mobile App
- Click on Student in Jackrabbit Portal
- Select Schedule Absences
- Select Date(s)
- Indicate Reason for Absence
- Select Next Step
- Check Classes Missing
- Click Submit
Refunds and Credits are not offered for missed lessons, under any circumstances.
If lessons are cancelled for any unforeseen reason, such as power outages, inclement weather, etc. we try to offer students the opportunity to make up the time missed but adding additional time on to their weekly class or the option to attend another class scheduled during the week. Refunds or credits will be offered for any missed classes.
CANCELLATIONS
If a class is canceled due to inclement weather or other unforeseen reasons, an email will be sent to all registered dancers to the contacts listed in the Student Portal. Pupils are responsible to check emails or social media during weather advisories to insure classes are going ahead as scheduled.
Refunds are not offered for lessons cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances or inclement weather. If possible a make-up class will be offered in these circumstances.
If a major performance, competition, or other MSD or MSDSA sponsored event is scheduled during class time, there will be no tuition refunds, adjustments, or scheduled replacement class for any students as these events are factored into the monthly tuition rates.
LATE REGISTRATION
We offer Yearly, Full Season, and Session Based terms. Enrolment is based on our Full Season, Winter Session, Spring Session, and Summer Session however registrations are accepted during the session.
For students who miss registration for Full or Session based terms, please contact us at admin@mcconnelldancers.com to discuss registration options.
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. Please see below for Early Withdrawal terms and policies.
YEARLY AND FULL SEASON
NEW STUDENTS
New students may withdrawal before Oct 15th. Notification of withdrawal must be received in writing (email) before October 15th.
- Payments for classes attended will be adjusted to the drop in rate as multi-class and family discounts are only available for Full Season enrolment.
After October 15th, no withdrawals will be accepted and no refunds offered. Term payments will continue until the end of the season.
EXISTING STUDENTS
Refunds are not offered for returning students who enrol in Full Season classes, unless there are medical reasons. Students must provide a letter from a doctor or physician for early withdrawal due to medical issues. Notification must be received in writing (email) and the date of notification is considered the withdrawal date.
- Payments for classes attended will be adjusted to the drop-in rate as multi-class and family discounts are only available for Full Season enrolment.
SESSION BASED CLASSES
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer (8 - 15 Week Sessions)
Refunds for session based classes will be offered up to 14 days prior to the start of the session's 1st class. No refunds will be offered after this time.
REFUNDS
Tuition refunds are not offered for any reason. Once processed, all lesson fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Costume Fees, Product Orders and School Event Tickets are non-refundable.
COMMUNICATION
All school communication is sent through email. Students and parents are responsible to check emails regularly and encouraged to follow McConnell Irish Dance on social media to receive important school communication. School notifications are sent out via email to the address(s) listed as contacts in the Student Portal. If you miss an email, you may view them in your Student Portal or on our Mobile App
The best method to contact us is email to admin@mcconnelldancers.com
- If you would like to speak on the phone, please call 204-793-8557 during daytime business hours.
- If you prefer text, 204-793-8557, during regular daytime business hours.
Please avoid sending messages through social media (Messenger, Instagram, or WhatsApp). Our social media accounts are monitored by administrators, teachers, and assistants and are not private or secure methods of communication.
We ask you not contact instructors or assistants on their personal email, phone, or social media. In order to maintain a healthy work-life balance for our staff and professional relationships for our pupils, all communication should be done through the school.
1. Parental Responsibility
Parents and legal guardians assume full responsibility for any social media accounts, group chats, or messaging applications (including but not limited to WhatsApp, Discord, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok) created or used by their children to communicate with other students of the school.
2. School Liability Disclaimer
McConnell Irish Dance is not responsible or liable for any communication, media sharing, or interactions that take place between students outside of official, staff-monitored studio channels.
3. Parental Monitoring Advisory
We strongly caution and encourage parents to actively monitor all digital communications on their child’s devices. Cyberbullying, inappropriate content sharing, and unmonitored group chats can negatively impact your child's well-being and our positive studio environment.
4. Negative Comments & Expulsion Policy
McConnell Irish Dance maintains a zero-tolerance policy for online behaviour that harms the reputation, safety, or community spirit of our school. Students or parents found to be posting, sharing, or encouraging negative, defamatory, bullying, or disrespectful comments about the studio, its staff, or fellow students in private group chats or public platforms will face immediate disciplinary action. This action may include suspension or permanent expulsion from the school without a refund.
SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT
The School Code of Conduct exists for the safety and well-being of all. Students and their family members must abide by all McConnell School of Dance rules, policies and procedures including;
- Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not interfere with other people’s use and enjoyment of McConnell School of Dance facilities.
- Offensive language, harassment, and bullying will not be tolerated at McConnell School of Dance Studios, or at events or any performance venues.
- Students and family members agree that disparaging media publicity of any kind that damages the good name and reputation of the McConnell School of Dance is prohibited.
- Students agree to use common sense and respect when using the McConnell School of Dance name, logo, or related imagery on social media platforms.
- Students are required to respect the privacy of McConnell School of Dance staff and other students and may not post any content on social media without permission from all individuals pictured and/or named.
- Photography, audio, and video recording is not permitted while students are in class, rehearsing, or performing. Photography, audio, and video recording at other times is not permitted except with express permission of all individuals pictured and/or named and/or present.
- Students are encouraged to use McConnell School of Dance hashtags to connect with the organisation #mcconnellirishdance.
- McConnell School Dance reserves the right to insist content be removed from social media if it does not comply with the School Code of Conduct.
- Any printed material, products, or promotional activity referencing the McConnell School of Dance and/or using the McConnell School logo must be pre-approved by McConnell School of Dance
STUDIO AND CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE
Students and parents/legal guardians are expected to at courteously and respectful towards instructors, students, and dancer's family members both inside and outside of the studio and on social media.
Parents and family members are expected to;
- Be responsible for their students in the McConnell School of Dance studio and any performance or event venues.
- Accompany children under 12 years of age to and from the studio waiting for classes.
- Ensure that students are picked up at the time their classes, rehearsals, and events are finished. McConnell School of Dance is not responsible for students who remain in the studio or performance venues after the conclusion of scheduled programming and additional fees may be applied if parents are repeatedly late for pick up.
- Remove outside shoes at the door when entering the studio waiting room.
- Not enter the dance studio unless you are invited by an instructor.
- Not peer through glass or cause distraction to a class in progress.
- Not video tape or photograph a class in session without permission.
Instructors generally do not have time during or in between classes to communicate with parents. If you have questions, please refer to our website or email us at admin@mcconnelldancers.com
Students are expected to:
- Attend all scheduled classes/events to which they are assigned.
- Arrive on time for all classes/rehearsals/events.
- Follow McConnell School of Dance dress code requirements.
- Notify us in advance if they are going to be absent using Jackrabbit Student Portal system.
- Notify the teacher prior to the beginning of class of any injury that prevents full participation.
- Notify the teacher prior to the beginning of class of any need to leave class early.
- Respectful and good behaviour expected at all times.
- Positive attitude, please leave your troubles at the door.
- If you are having a difficult day, notify instructor before class.
- Remove outside shoes at the door.
- No food, gum, or drinks (water bottles only)
- No Cell Phones out in studio. Dances under 18 are asked to use the cell phone storage rack for their phone while in the studio.
- Turn Smart Watch notifications off.
- Proper dance Shoes must be worn in class.
- Be excused personally by the teacher before exiting the classroom.
- Work hard and try your best.
- Always put their best effort forward, listen to instructor feedback and apply corrections.
- Practice at home and return to class knowing your steps.
PERFORMANCES
Students enrolling in Full Season (Sept - May) Recreational and Performance classes are expected to perform at St. Patrick's Fest' and the Year End Recital.
For dancers who do not wish to perform, we recommend you join a Competitive Class where performance is not required.
When enrolling in Full Season classes, you are committing to both St. Patrick's Fest' and Year End Recital. It is important dancers attend classes regularly so they do not fall behind in their routines and do not miss the 2 major performances of the season. Choreography is planned in advance and when dancers do not attend performances, it creates unfair challenges for the other students and our instructors.
- Performance is optional for Adult classes.
- Folklorama is optional for all dancers and summer classes are necessary for those who wish to participate.
INJURIES
Irish dance is a demanding physical activity which requires participants to be in good health and fitness. Minor injuries (stiffness, aching muscles, minor bruising, and blisters) can occur. Dancers who have longer lasting issues or isolated pain as a result of Irish dance class will need to
seek treatment from a physician immediately.
- If an injury or medical issue prevents a dancer from fully participating in more than 2 consecutive classes instructors will require doctor's note explaining the medical issue and modifications recommended by a medical professional.
Dancers who are injured are expected to attend their class(s) to watch from the sidelines so they do not fall behind. Injured dancers will learn steps from a seated position, even if they are not able to dance with the rest of the class.
There are no refunds offered for dancers who miss lessons due to injury.
Instructors may limit dancer’s activities in class or at performances due to injury or as part of the recovery process. Depending on the type of injury and severity, some dancers may experience delays or setbacks with the progress in Irish dance. This is normal and should be expected from dancers recovering from an injury. Dancers who fall behind due to illness or injury may need to take private lessons to catch up to their class.
MINOR INJURY OR ILLNESS
Students with an illness or injury that affects their participation in class must inform the instructor at the beginning of lesson.
Students under 12; parents should email admin@mcconnelldancers.com in advance of the class or speak with the instructor before the lesson begins.
BLISTERS OR SHOE ISSUES
Students who have difficulty wearing their shoes due to injury or blisters should inform the instructor at the beginning of class. If an issue occurs during the class, please inform the instructor immediately.
Students under 12; parents should email admin@mcconnelldancers.com in advance of the class or speak with the instructor before the lesson begins.
Shoe issues need to be dealt with immediately as it is essential dancers wear well-fitting shoes to class. Dancers who cannot wear proper footwear will not progress with the rest of their class and this may affect their participation in performances and competitions.
MEDIA RELEASE, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND VIDEO WAIVER