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 and Brandon. 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 CRN World Champion (McKinley Hodgins U13 Boys 2024)
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
MANITOBA'S ONLY IRISH DANCE COMPETITION
Sunday, June 1st, 2025
OPEN PLATFORM IRISH DANCE - Open to all schools, from all organisations
McConnell Irish Dance is a proud to host the CRN Canada Feile and Canadian Open Championship, Manitoba's only Open Platform Irish Dance Competition.
Dancers compete in 5 Solo Levels of CRN Bunghrád, Ullmhúchán, Meanghrád, Ardghrád, and Craobhghrád. Team Competitions (2 Hands, 3 Hands, 4 Hands, 8 Hands), Traditional Set Dances, and the Pearl McConnell Cup - Special Trophy (Reel or Slip Jig and Contemporary Set Dance)
- Competitions are offered for all ages and abilities, including adult students. Pre-Beginner Reel
- Team competitions include all traditional figure dances and modern choreography.
- All dancers are welcome to compete in our Open Platform Irish dance competition, regardless of school, organisation or affiliation.
REGISTRATION & PAYMENTS
Registration Closing Date: Monday, May 5th, 2025 12:00 pm (Central)
Solo Registration: CLICK HERE
Teachers Team Registration: CLICK HERE
Invoices will be sent out by May 12st, 2025
Payment deadline May 19th, 2025
COMPETITION SYLLABUS
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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
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