Three Generations of Irish Dance

The McConnell family founded the first Irish dance school in Ballymena, Northern Ireland over 100 years ago (now Seven Towers Dancers)

McConnell Irish Dance is the largest and most successful Irish Dance school in Manitoba, Canada with three generations of Irish dance excellence.

In the  early 1930's Agnes McConnell began teaching Irish dance to the local millworker's children and was one of a rare few who initiated the re-introduction of the Irish Dance tradition in the North of Ireland. Agnes's younger brother Samuel followed in his sister's Irish dance footsteps and also branched out to other styles of dance, such as Ballroom, Tap Jazz and Folk.  In the tradition of the ancient Irish dance masters, Sam McConnell travelled the Irish countryside to neighbouring villages during this time of the growing resurgence of the Irish dance tradition in County Antrim.  Sam was first introduced to his wife Sarah McConnell (nee McNally) at a dance competition, and together the two competed at ballroom dance events across the country.  In 1947, shortly after the end of World War II, Sam and Sarah moved their young family with three children to Winnipeg, Canada where they established McConnell School of Dance.

Truly a family affair, Sam and Sarah's four children Raymond McConnell, Pearl McConnell, Sam (Jr.) McConnell with his wife Paulette McConnell all taught for the school and at many satellite and rural locations throughout Manitoba.  Pearl's daughter Shayleen McConnell Finucan continues to run the school today.

Sam and Sarah McConnell established the Sam McConnell Dancers (McConnell School of Dance) in Winnipeg in 1947.  McConnell School of Dance was one of the first dance studios in Manitoba and it quickly grew become a full time occupation for Sam and Sarah.  The school offered classes in many disciplines of dance including Irish, tap, ballet, ballroom and folk dance.  McConnell School of Dance is one of the longest running dance schools in Manitoba and was the first Irish dance school established in Western Canada.

The school has taught thousands of students across Manitoba, spanning generations of families who return with their children and grandchildren.  McConnell School of Dance's annual recital at Pantages Playhouse Theatre was a two day sold-out event with live band accompaniment from the Ted Komar Orchestra. Sam McConnell was the choreographer for many CBC Winnipeg television shows, Rainbow Stage and Hollow Mug productions. 

Sam was one of the founding members of the "Folk Arts Council of Winnipeg" and Folklorama.  Both Sam and Sarah received citizenship awards from the City of Winnipeg for their community service work.  The McConnell's were lifetime honorary members of the "Winnipeg Irish Association" and "Irish Association of Manitoba".  On the school's 25th Anniversary, they were recognised by her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth.

Pearl McConnell began dancing at age four in Ireland.  She studied Irish, Tap and Ballet and would often accompany her father to lessons in neighbouring towns, perched on the handle bars of his bicycle.  At a young age Pearl had the honour of performing an Irish Jig with Glenn Miller and his orchestra in Belfast, shortly before his untimely death.   Pearl performed and choreographed over 300 CBC television shows including "Red River Jamboree" and "Pick the Stars" in Toronto.  She was a regular dancer in Rainbow Stage productions and a choreographer for the "Hollow Mug" musicals for ten years running.  Pearl established the "Norberry Dancers" when she was only 16 years of age and continued to perform and teach with her father at "McConnell School of Dance."  In keeping with the tradition of the Irish dance masters, she travelled to many rural areas to teach, including St. Norbert, St. Pierre, St Adolphe and Carman.  Pearl established the "Shannon Irish Dancers" at the "Manitoba Irish Association."  In 1982, after the passing of Sam and the retirement of Sarah, Pearl took over the running of "McConnell School of Dance."