MCCONNELL PERFORMANCE TEAMS

McConnell School of Dance Performance Team was established in 2007 due to the growing requests for performances locally and abroad.  Our Performance team is a professional troupe comprised of dancers of all ages, talented musicians, and singers who perform locally at 30 - 50  shows each year and travelled all over the world.

Performance Team dancers are dedicated, hardworking, and willing to commit to dance above other extracurricular activities.  Dancers achieve the highest standard of Irish dance, gain confidence, learn valuable performance skills and work together as a team.  Dancers in our Performance Teams become dance family, make life-long friendships, and benefit from experiences beyond a standard dance class.

Performance Team enrolment is 12 months and dancers commit to classes and shows for the entire year. Placement in Performance Division teams is determined by age and ability but all dancers are welcome to join our team.

 

 

 

ENROLMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Completed at least 1 full year in our Recreational or Competitive classes.
• Must be enrolled in a Level 1 - 5 Class

Performance Team Orientation Meeting - Tuesday, September 12th 5:30 - 7:00 PM

• All Performance Team Dancers and their parents are asked to attend the orientation meeting.

JUNIOR & ADVANCED TEAMS

Dancers will be placed on either the Junior or Advance team, depending on their age, dance level and skill. Dancers must fulfil all admission requirements for their Performance Team. 

SENIOR TEAM 

Dancers 18 and over with 5 years (or more) in Performance Division may qualify for Mature Status and may enrol in our Alumni Performance.  Dancers who graduate, move on to higher education, or enter the work force and not always able to commit to the full admission requirements.  We recognise dancers long term commitment and contributions within the Performance Troupe and offer an option to continue on a limited basis with Mature Status.  Senior Team dancers must enrol in the Ceili / Team Class.  Enrolment in Level 1 - 5 class is optional for Senior Team members, however we STRONGLY recommend dancers consider enrolment in at least one graded class to learn new steps, maintain technique, and keep up with new dances.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE

TUESDAYS

• 5:30 - 6:30 PM    Junior Team
• 6:30 - 7:15 PM    Show Practice
• 7:15 - 8:00 PM    Ceili / Teams
• 8:00 - 9:00 PM    Advanced & Senior Team

Dancer's schedules may vary depending on performances and events. 

• More than 1 practice per month for a maximum of 6 practices missed per season.
• Any practice two weeks prior to major performances.
• The practice prior to a performance they are taking part in.

 

SHOWS & PERFORMANCES

Students enrolling in Performance Teams must be available for the majority of shows during the dance season (minimum of 80 % of all required performances).  There can be 30 - 50 performances each season, in addition to Folklorama and international festivals.  Local and charitable performances help dancers to gain necessary experience for professional performances and festivals and these shows are a necessary part of performance team enrolment, in addition to being fundraising opportunties for the troupe.  Performances often take place on weekends and dancers should insure their schedules allow for evening and weekend performances before committing to the Performance Team.

MANDATORY ATTENDANCE PERFORMANCES

• St. Patrick’s Fest (March 17th, 2024)
• St. Patrick’s Weeks (March 9th - 24th, 2024)
• End of Year Recital (June 14th, 2024)
• Folklorama (Week 2 Aug 11 - 17th, 2024)

Not all Performance Division Levels will be required for every performance. Decisions regarding which dances a student performs are left to the discretion of the instructors and the school as it is our responsibility to consider the entire group and maintain a professional quality performanc

Our performances include both traditional and modern style Irish dances.  Traditional Ceili dances and choreographed routines for our classes have a set number of dancers required for each dance.  There are times when dancers must share a position.

• Due to our involvement the British Isles Pavilion, some of our shows will include Irish, Welsh, English, and Scottish dance.  All Performance Division members are expected to participate in every aspect, not just Irish dance performances.

Enrolment in Performance Division does not guarantee a dancer will perform with McConnell Irish Dance team. Dancers must learn performance routines and perform them at the high standard required for our performance troupe. 

New members or younger dancers should not expect to perform at every show and understand it takes years to perform at a high standard required for Performance Teams. 

Participation in shows is dependant on many factors which include requirements from the client, dancers contributions to the show, and seniority.

 

SHOW CONFIRMATION

All performances are listed in TeamSnap https://www.teamsnap.com/ and dancers must download the app and join the McConnell Irish Dance Team

DANCERS ARE REQUIRED TO CONFIRM THEIR ATTENDANCE (yes or no) BY THE DATE LISTED ON EACH SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT.

• Depending on the performance, we may be required to sign a contract and it is essential we know dancer's availability BEFORE we contractually commit to the client booking the performance. 

IF YOU ARE UNCERTAIN OF YOUR AVAILABILITY BY THE CONFIRMATION DEADLINE, PLEASE INDICATE NOT ATTENDING SO WE CAN PLAN THE PERFORMANCE WITHOUT YOU.

• If your availability changes we will do our best to include dancers in the performance so they do not fall below their 80% show attendance criteria.

IF YOUR AVAILABILITY CHANGES WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF THE PERFORMANCE, PLEASE EMAIL admin@mcconnelldancers.com BEFORE CHANGING YOUR AVAILABILITY ON TEAMSNAP

• Shows take considerable time to plan and practice in class.  Performances are organised 2 weeks before the show so dances, choreography, and music may be selected.  In some cases, dancer names, show lists and music is sent to the client in advance.  If you need to change your availability within two weeks of the performance CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY as your absence may cause serious problems for the rest of the team. 

 

LESSON & REHEARSAL ATTIRE

Dance clothing must allow for non-restrictive movement for safety. Long hair should be tied back at all times. Jewellery should be limited to medical alert. Simple studs for dancers who cannot remove earrings.

Poodle socks (ladies) or Black Dress Socks (men) should be worn to class to insure dance shoes do not over-stretch.

BOTTOMS - Colour Black

Tights, leggings, 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 - Colour black

With the exception of Malley School Clothing or Feis-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 APPROPRIATE

• Jeans, dress pants, sweat pants or dresses
• Hoodies or sweatshirts
• No hats or baseball caps

 

SHOW & PERFORMANCE ATTIRE

For the 2023 - 2024 dancers will require the Malley Sport Performance Troupe Package.  All Performance Division members are asked to order the Malley Sport Package for the season.

• Malley Sport Performance Team Package (T-Shirt & Skort for females and Skinny Pants for males) and Track Jacket
• Dancers should bring soft shoes, hard shoes, and black trainers to every performance
• Black Dance trainers are required for all Performance Team dancers.

 

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SHOWS

Teamsnap will provide information on whether the performance is public or private.  Private performances require dancers to be dropped off / picked up and parents are not permitted as spectators.  Parents and family are welcome at any performances open to the public.

• Please try to arrive on time for shows and allow for traffic or parking delays.
• If you are running late, please do not speed and risk accident, we want you to arrive safely!
• Always arrive with your wig on, socks & tights on, and make-up applied.
• Dancers will need to be checked in and out of dressing room for our major performances St. Patrick’s, Recital, and Folklorama.  Dancers under 12 will require an authorised parent or guardian to check out.
• Parents are not allowed in dressing rooms at any performance, unless they are designated as dressing room volunteers.
• Parents should not ask to communicate with Instructors at a performance unless it is an emergency.  
• Applying make-up and changing costumes in public washrooms should be avoided, if possible.
• Be respectful of limited amounts of space in dressing rooms, especially when sharing with other performing groups. 
• Healthy, non-messy snacks and drinks (clear liquids) are recommended for all dancers in the dressing room at performances as dancer’s burn a great deal of energy.  Please send peanut free snacks as we have dancers with allergies.
• Practicing in public is considered unprofessional and dancing in lobbies, waiting rooms or hallways is not permitted (unless under the supervision of a teacher)
• Leave dressing rooms clean after using them.  Please take garbage home with you, if refuse containers are not provided.
• Please make every effort to foster good relations with other dancers and groups at shows.
• Please do not discuss or grade other dancers or groups in public and refrain from making derogatory remarks about other performers.

Please remember that while wearing your McConnell Irish

Dancer attire and costume, you are representing the entire school and appropriate and polite behaviour is expected at all times. 

 

ATTITUDE AND TEAM SPIRIT

Performance Division members are expected to have a positive attitude and work together as a team. 

• Equal value is placed on dancer’s positive attitudes as well as their skill as a performer on the team.
• Hard work and dedication is required in class and with at home practice.
• Dancers must demonstrate a willingness to learn new things and a desire to improve as a dancer and performer. 
• Competitive or mean-spirited behaviour will not be tolerated from dancers or their family members.
• Disrespectful behaviour towards instructors and other dancers on the team will result in suspension or expulsion.

 

DANCE FRIENDSHIPS 

With any large group of young people who spend a lot of time together, strong friendships develop between dancers and their extended family.  Dancers thrive and benefit within this family atmosphere and we encourage these relationships whenever possible.  As with all friendships, there are times when misunderstandings, disagreements or relationships change. 

In order to maintain a healthy environment on the Performance Team, it is essential that any issues which occur outside of dance do not have any place within the studio or at dance events.  Dancers and their family members are asked not to involve instructors or other dancers and families in outside issues or activities.  Please treat  each other with kindness and respect all all times and leave any personal issues outside the studio.

Performance Division allows dancers to spend a great deal of time together and this experience provides them the opportunity for life experiences and life-long friendships.  It is important parents and family members allow dancers to develop these friendships on their own, without affecting the dance environment.

 

FAMILY SUPPORT

Participation in the Performance Division requires a great amount of commitment from dancers, but also requires a large commitment on the part of dancer’s family members.  There are many additional expenses with additional lessons, costuming, dance supplies, and travel to and from performances.   Parents must be able to arrange their dancer’s transport to lessons and performances.  Often this includes long waits in vehicles and parking lots and delays due to performances which may run behind schedule. We strongly encourage parents to car-pool to lessons and performances in order to save on time and fuel. 

Family members are asked to work cooperatively with McConnell School of Dance and follow all policies of Performance Division.

 

PERFORMANCE TEAM COSTUMES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLASS COSTUMES

Orders will be placed once during the season.  Order times will vary and will depend on when the majority of team members require a new costume.  

• Junior Team - $450 (approximately)
• Advanced & Senior Team - $950 (approximately)

*1st Year Team dancers may wear the Malley Sport Dress or T-shirt & Pants

Performance Dancers require a well-fitting class costume for the season.  Dancers who’ve out-grown their dress, should order a costume whenever necessary.

SHOW COSTUMES
Additional costumes may also be needed for Performance Dancers who have roles in our major productions, including solo competitive costumes.  
MSDSA & Performance Division assists in funding some costumes for our major productions. Dancers who participate in dance productions may be required to purchase additional costumes for the show.  Dancers & parents will be notified during the season, if additional costumes are required.

FUNDRAISING

Performance Division members are required to participate in group fundraisers and volunteer for school and MSDSA events and activities. 

• Performance Division fundraising is organised on a yearly basis and fundraisers may be announced during the season.  
• Individual and group fundraising may also be organised for international travel.
• Dancers have the option to opt out of fundraising activities for a monetary donation but will not receive travel subsidy.

 

 

Our performance troupe has been privileged to participate in many CIOFF and International festivals through the years including;

Each festival is unique and hosting members may set criteria such as festival duration, number of performers, traditional or contemporary cultural representation, age of participants, and live music or dance components.   Most CIOFF festivals provide meals and accommodation once participants arrive at the festival and some provide monetary compensation.  Accommodation may vary from hotels, hostels, school or university dormitory, or billeting with host families.  All International festivals have an application process and groups must meet certain requirements and standards before being accepted as participants.  

 

In the past MSDSA has provided a minimum funding of 60% (or more) of travel costs for dancers attending international festivals. In order to qualify for subsidy, dancers must meet performance division requirements (2 full years in performance, lesson & show attendance, fundraising contributions, etc).  Dancers who don't qualify for subsidy may be offered the option to attend the festival at their own expense, if numbers allow.  Dancer's travel subsidy is derived from fundraising efforts, performances, and Folklorama proceeds.  In addition to MSDSA's minimum 60% subsidy, travelling dancers are offered individual fundraising opportunities to help offset any personal travel costs.  If travel costs cannot be fully covered by MSDSA and fundraising, dancers must be prepared to cover any shortfalls for their travel expenses.

 

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL 2024

PERFORMANCE DIVISION TRAVEL SUBSIDY

OUT OF TOWN PERFORMANCES

 

Dancers who do not follow the rules for Performance Team and guidelines for out of town travel may risk being sent home at their own expense. 

 

• Travel Fundraising (group / individual) or Monetary Contribution in lieu of fundraising
• Good & respectful behaviour is expected at all times.
• Please follow all hotel policies, respect all pool rules and closing times.
• Absolutely no disagreements between dancers, dancing siblings/ family, parents, and non-dancing siblings will be permitted.  Dancers are expected to get along, include all members of their age group in any group activities or outings.
• Parents, please send dancers with healthy snacks and the recommended $30 / day food allowance. 
• Pool time should be limited for dancers performing as it tires dancers out and they are unable to perform their best.  Parents, please make certain young dancers do not overdo it in the pool.
• Modest attire is expected and dancers with short or revealing clothing will be asked to change in to something more appropriate.
• Absolutely no unauthorised guests in dancer’s rooms at any time.
• Chaperones are determined by the school and dancers are expected to treat chaperones with respect at all times.