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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.

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

 

Winnipeg 78th Annual Recital

 

Experience the energy and tradition of Manitoba's oldest Irish dance school at the McConnell Irish Dance 78th Annual Recital in Winnipeg.

 

Dancers of all ages and abilities will showcase a year’s worth of dedication in a vibrant year-end performance.

 

Event Details

 

 

 

Brandon Irish Dance Annual Recital

 

Experience the energy and tradition of Manitoba's oldest Irish dance school at the McConnell Irish Dance Brandon Division’s Annual Recital

 

Dancers of all ages and abilities will showcase a year’s worth of dedication in a vibrant year-end performance.

 

Event Details

 

 

SUMMER SESSION 2026

Summer Session of Irish Dance is the perfect opportunity for dancers of all ages to try Irish dance!

Always wanted to try Irish Dance?  Looking for a fun and healthy activity? 

Introduction to Irish Dance: 9 Week Full Summer Session OR Monthly Enrolment for June & July
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 9-week session focuses on the core pillars of Irish dance

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 streams, ensuring every dancer has the skills needed to succeed.

Not sure if you want to commit to the Summer Session?  Monthly June and July class options and Drop-In's also available. 

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

DOWNLOAD OUR APP

Available for iOS & Android devices. 

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