MCCONNELL IRISH DANCE IS ONE OF THE OLDEST IRISH DANCE SCHOOLS IN CANADA
THREE GENERATIONS OF IRISH DANCE
McConnell Irish Dancers are one of the oldest Irish dance troupes in North America. Founded in Ireland over 100 years ago, the school was established in Winnipeg, Canada in 1947. Well into it’s third generation, the McConnell Irish Dance is under the direction of accomplished dancer and choreographer Shayleen McConnell Finucan (ODCRN) and a team of dedicated teaching assistants who've all trained with the school since they were youngsters.
McConnell Irish Dance is the largest and longest established Irish Dance school in Manitoba with locations in Winnipeg MB, Brandon MB, and Parksville BC. Offering the highest quality of Irish dance classes for all ages and abilities from preschool to adult. McConnell School of Dance has instructed thousands of students in Manitoba spanning over 100 years and three generations of Irish dance excellence.
McConnell School of Dance is a member of Cumann Rince Náisiúnta (CRN), based in Dublin, Ireland and their World class dancers compete across North America and at the CRN World Open Irish Dance Championships in Ireland. Our students compete at the highest levels earning Regional, North American, and World Championship titles. We are proud to be the only Canadian school with a 2 x CRN World Champion (McKinley Hodgins U13 Boys 2024, U15 Boys 2025) and 2025 2nd Place World Championship Winner Katie Olafson U19.
McConnell Irish dancers host both of Manitoba's only Irish Dance Competitions, Canada Feile and the Canadian Open Championship.
McConnell Dancers are recognised for their high calibre, energetic performances which encompasses both traditional and contemporary forms of Irish Dance. McConnell Irish Dancers perform at shows and festivals all over the world and perform locally for corporate and charitable events.
McConnell Irish Dance was a founding member of Folklorama and our dances have performed at the Irish Pavilion and sponsored the Isle of the Shamrock, the United Kingdom Pavilion, and the British Isles Pavilion.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE - CLICK ON LINK BELOW
https://3common.com/event/69a095aff25a6e102a14297f
St. Patrick's Fest' 2026
Winnipeg's largest St. Patrick's Event, hosted by the McConnell Irish Dancers.
Irish,Music, Song, and Dance with continuous entertainment from McConnell Irish Dancers, Barefoot Ceili Band, Enaid, and more!
Irish Food & Drink will be available for purchase.
ADVANCED TICKETS - Adult (18+) $20 Senior (65+) $15 Youth Child (4 - 17) $10
TICKETS AT THE DOOR - Adult (18+) $25 Senior (65+) $20 Youth Child (4 - 17) $15
Children 3 and under receive free admission
Silent Auction, 50/50 Raffle, Children's Activities
Location
Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain
340 Provencher Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R2H 0G7
Doors Open 5:30 pm and entertainment will run until 11:00pm.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
SPRING SESSION 2026
Our 7 Week Session of Irish Dance is the perfect opportunity for dancers of all ages to try Irish dance without having to commit to a full season!
Always wanted to try Irish Dance? Looking for a fun and healthy activity?
Introduction to Irish Dance: 7-Week Spring Session
Our recreational program offers a structured yet fun entry point into the world of Irish Dance. Designed for those seeking a healthy activity without a full-season commitment, this 7-week session focuses on the core pillars of the art form
Technical Foundation: Each class includes a thorough warm-up, technique drills, and step choreography.
Fitness & Wellness: Dancers develop muscle tone, balance, and cardiovascular health.
Cultural Experience: Maintain a meaningful connection to traditional Irish heritage through music and movement.
This session serves as a prerequisite for our Performance and Competitive tracks, ensuring every dancer has the skills needed to succeed.
Not sure if you want to commit to the Winter Session 12 Weeks?
Sign up for a Free TRIAL CLASS!
IRISH DANCE SUMMER CAMP - Monday July 6 - Friday July 10th, 2026
Two great camps to choose from this summer - Recreational & Competitive!
Monday to Friday 9:00 - 4:00 pm daily with early drop off and late pick up included.
- Early Drop Off: 8:00 - 9:00 AM
- Late Pick Up: 4:00 - 5:00 PM
$300 Early Bird Registration Ends - April 1st, 2026
- $335 After April 1st, 2026
- $350 Late Registration after May 31st, 2026
- 10% Family Discount: For all students from the same household
- 10% Non-Dancing Friend Discount - Current students bring a non-registered friend and both receive a 10% discount. Please contact us via email at the time of registration so friendship discounts can be applied.
End of Camp Demonstration for Families - Friday, July 10th 4:00 - 5:00 pm
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Click on the Icons or QR Code to download or FREE App where you can keep up to date with our School events, Register for Classes, and Access the Student Portal from your mobile or portable device.
IRISH DANCE TEACHES US
Discipline
Value of hard work
How to set goals
How to achieve goals
How to listen
How to follow & how to lead
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
FOLLOW US