2025 - 2026 BRANDON
RECREATIONAL IRISH DANCE CLASSES
Recreational classes are ideal for those who wish to dance for fun, fitness, develop new skills, meet friends and maintain cultural connections. Recreational classes include warm-up, technique, drills, and choreography. Recreational classes perform at St. Patrick's, Recital, and have the option to participate in Folklorama (summer classes). Recreational students also have the opportunity to compete at Canada Féile (we recommend competing dancers also attend a full season or session based competitive class to properly prepare for competition).
COMPETITIVE IRISH DANCE CLASSES
McConnell Irish Dance is a registered member of Cumann Rince Náisiúnta (CRN), based in Dublin, Ireland. Students compete in CRN and Open Platform competitions, which take place at the Local, Regional, National, and World Championship levels.
Digital Competitions where dancers submit videos and compete with dancers all over the world are a great option for those who wish to compete without travel. Digital competitions are an economic option for dancers to advance through all the Irish dance levels, win medals and prizes, and enjoy competitive Irish dance without the hardships and commitment of travel.
Shayleen McConnell Finucan the first and only fully certified Irish Dance teacher achieving her ODCRN certification in Solo & Ceili Dancing from Cumann Rince Náisiúnta(CRN) in 2020. Shayleen has served on the CRN Executive Committee, CRN North American Nationals Committee, and is Regional Lead for CRN North America West Region.
McConnell Irish Dancers compete at the highest levels of Irish dance and our dancers have won Regional, National, and World Championship titles.
2025 - 2026 FULL SEASON
Sept 14, 2025 - May 31, 2026
When enrolling for the FULL SEASON, you are committing for the entire term (September - end of May) and performances including St. Patrick's and Year End Recital. For those unable to commit to the full term, please enrol in our Session Based Classes.
FULL SEASON CLASSES
FULL SEASON: 9 Months Sept 8, 2025 - May 29, 2026
When enrolling for FULL SEASON, you are committing to the entire term from (Sept - end of May) and St. Patrick's and Year End Recital performances.
SESSION BASED CLASSES
FALL: 15 Weeks Sept 14 - Dec 21, 2025
WINTER: 12 Weeks Jan 11 - Mar 29, 2026
SPRING: 8 Weeks Apr 12 - May 31, 2026
BRANDON IRISH DANCE CLASSES
AGES 2 - 4
A fun introduction to Irish Dance with a 30 minute program designed specifically for students 2 - 4 years of age. Dancers develop coordination, social skills, and gain confidence in the studio environment. Wee Ones performance at St. Patrick's, Recital, and Folklorama (optional Summer classes)
Sunday 10:30 -11:00 AM
FULL SEASON (Sept - May): 1 Payment $470.25 or 9 Payments $55.00 Add GST
5% Full Season Payment Discount and 5% Family Discounts offered for Full Season Enrolment
FALL SESSION (Sept - Dec): 1 Payment $240.00 Add GST
AGES 2 - 4 CLASS INFORMATION
Please click on the tabs below for more information
Female - Irish Soft Shoes or Black Ballet Slippers with Ankle Length Poodle Socks.
Male - Black Capezio Jazz Shoes with Black Dress Socks.
New Irish Dance Shoes may be ordered on-line -CLICK HERE Second Hand Irish Dance Shoes are an economic option for growing dancers. McConnell School Facebook group dedicated to Buy and Sell for Second Hand shoes and costumes - CLICK HERE
Dancers should have the necessary footwear by the end of the first month of classes. New students may wear socks for the first few weeks of classes. Running shoes and dress shoes are not permitted for safety reasons. Student's may choose female or male dance shoes, which ever they feel most comfortable wearing.
Dance clothing should allow for non-restrictive movement for safety. Long hair should be tied back at all times. Jewellery should be limited to medical alert only. Simple studs for dancers who cannot remove earrings. Dance costumes should not be worn to class.
Poodle socks (female) or Black Dress Socks (male) should be worn to class to insure dance shoes do not over-stretch.
BOTTOMS - ANY COLOUR
Tights, leggings, yoga or dance pants, shorts and dance skirts should be of an appropriate length and not impede with dancers movement. For safety yoga and dance pants should not be longer than ankle length.
TOPS - ANY COLOUR
Bodysuits, athletic tops, and t-shirts should allow for ease of movement and should not be overly large.
NOT APPROPRIATE
Jeans, dress pants, dresses, and Irish dance costumes (these should be saved for performances). No Hoodies, sweaters, sweatshirts, hats or baseball caps
Option 2 (male)- McConnell Malley Sport Polo Shirt or T-Shirt, Black Dress Pants
Student's may choose female or male costume options. Irish Dance costumes are used for several years, until a dancers grows or advances levels and needs to upgrade. New costume orders are placed in October. Second hand costumes are a good, economic option for growing dancers. We have a school Facebook group dedicated to Buy and Sell for Second Hand Dance Shoes and Costumes - CLICK HERE
Costume Rentals are available for those who wish to rent for the season rather than purchase.
All performing dancers require a costume.
New Costume Fees
Option 1(female)-Malley Sport Skirt $95
Option 2(male) - Malley Sport Polo $75 or T-Shirt $60
Costume Rental Fees Beginner Skirt: $50.00 In addition to the Beginner skirt, students will need to purchase a long sleeve black bodysuit and poodle socks as these items are not included with the costume rental.
Wee Ones students enrolling in Full Season perform at St Patrick's Ceili, and Year End Recital. Fall Session (no performances), Winter Session (St. Patrick's Céile), Spring Session (Year End Recital).
Wee Ones ages 2 - 3 interested in competitive Irish Dance are invited to compete in our local competition Canada Féile. The competition offers a Pre-Beginner competition where Wee Ones have the opportuhnity to dance with an older student to gain the experience of competition, have fun with their friends, and have the reassurance of an older dancer to help them compete.
Competition is optional and dancers require a school costume in order to compete.
AGES 5 - 7
A fun and energetic class for students ages 5 - 7. The 60 minute class includes warm up, technique, and choreographed routines for performance. Students learn the Basic Reel, Slip Jig, Single Jig, or Light Jig and a Céili (group) dance. Dancers develop technique, timing, and gain confidence with the basics of Irish soft shoe. Students perform at St. Patrick's Ceili and Recital.
Sunday 11:00 - 12:00 pm
FULL SEASON (Sept - May): 1 Payment $641.25 or 9 Payments $75.00 Add GST
5% Full Season Payment Discount and 5% Family Discounts offered for Full Season Enrolment
FALL SESSION (Sept - Dec): 1 Payment $325.00 Add GST
AGES 8 - 12
A fun and energetic class for students ages 8 - 12. The 60 minute class includes warm up, technique, and choreographed routines for performance. Students learn the Basic Reel, Slip Jig, Single Jig, or Light Jig and a Céili (group) dance. Dancers develop technique, timing, and gain confidence with the basics of Irish soft shoe. Students perform at St. Patrick's Ceili and Recital.
BEGINNER 8 - 12 (60 min)
Sunday 11:00 - 12:00 pm
FULL SEASON (Sept - May): 1 Payment $641.25 or 9 Payments $75.00 Add GST
5% Full Season Payment Discount and 5% Family Discounts offered for Full Season Enrolment
FALL SESSION (Sept - Dec): 1 Payment $325.00 Add GST
AGES 13 - 17
A fun and energetic class for students ages 13 - 17. The 60 minute class includes warm up, technique, and choreographed routines for performance. Students learn the Basic Reel, Slip Jig, Single Jig, or Light Jig and a Céili (group) dance. Dancers develop technique, timing, and gain confidence with the basics of Irish soft shoe and hard shoe. Students perform at St. Patrick's Ceili and Recital.
BEGINNER 8 - 12 (60 min)
Sunday 1:00 - 2:00 pm
FULL SEASON (Sept - May): 1 Payment $641.25 or 9 Payments $75.00 Add GST
5% Full Season Payment Discount and 5% Family Discounts offered for Full Season Enrolment
FALL SESSION (Sept - Dec): 1 Payment $325.00 Add GST
AGES 5 - 7 / 8 - 12 / 13 - 17 CLASS INFORMATION
Please click on the tabs below for more information
Female - Irish Soft Shoes with Ankle Length Poodle Socks. Beginner 5 - 7 may wear Black Ballet Slippers with Ankle Length Poodle Socks .
Male - Black Capezio Jazz Shoes with Black Dress Socks.
New Irish Dance Shoes may be ordered on-line -CLICK HERE Second Hand Irish Dance Shoes are an economic option for growing dancers. McConnell School Facebook group dedicated to Buy and Sell for Second Hand shoes and costumes - CLICK HERE
Dancers should have the necessary footwear by the end of the first month of classes. New students may wear socks for the first few weeks of classes. Runners and dress shoes are not permitted for safety reasons. Students may choose female or male shoes, whichever they prefer.
Dance clothing should 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. Dance costumes should not be worn to class.
Poodle socks (girls) or Black Dress Socks (boys) should be worn to class to insure dance shoes do not over-stretch.
BOTTOMS - 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 should not be longer than ankle length.
TOPS - BLACK
Bodysuits, athletic tops, and t-shirts should allow for ease of movement and should not be overly large
NOT APPROPRIATE
Jeans, dress pants, dresses, and Irish dance costumes (these should be saved for performances). No Hoodies, sweaters, sweatshirts, hats or baseball caps
Males 5 - 7 McConnell Malley Sport Polo Shirt or T-Shirt, Black Dress Pants
Females 8 - 12 / 13 - 17 McConnell Malley Sport DressMales 8 - 12 / 13 - 17 McConnell Malley Sport Polo Shirt or T-Shirt, Black Dress Pants
Irish Dance costumes are used for several years, until a dancers grows or advances levels and needs to upgrade. New costume orders are placed in October. Second hand costumes are a good, economic option for growing dancers. Students may chooe to wear the female or male costume. We have a school Facebook group dedicated to Buy and Sell for Second Hand Dance Shoes and Costumes - CLICK HERE
Costume Rentals are available for those who wish to rent for the season rather than purchase.
All performing dancers require a costume.
New Costume Fees
Females -Malley Sport Skirt $95, Malley Sport Dress $195
Males - Malley Sport Polo $75 or T-Shirt $60
Costume Rental Fees Beginner Skirt: $50 Full Season. Malley Sport Dress $75.00 Full Season. In addition to the Beginner skirt, students will need to purchase a long sleeve black bodysuit and poodle socks as these items are not included with the costume rental.
Full Season Beginner Students perform at St Patrick's Céili, and Year End Recital. Fall Session (no performance), Winter Session (St. Patrick's Fest'), Spring Session (Year End Recital).
Beginner Students interested in competitive Irish Dance are invited to compete in our local competition Canada Féile.
All Beginner interested in competitive Irish Dance are invited to compete in our local competition Canada Féile. The competition offers a Pre-Beginner and Beginner competition where dancers of all ages have the opportuhnity to gain the experience of competition and have fun with their friends. Competition is optional and dancers require a school costume in order to compete.
COMPETITIVE LEVELS 1 - 3
BUNGHRÁD - ULLMHUCHÁN - MEANGHRÁD
Once dancers learn the basics in a Beginner class, they move through Irish Dance Levels 1 - 5 of (Bunghrád, Ullmhuchán, Meanghrád, Ardghrád, Craobhghrád). Each level increases in difficulty and students gain skill and learn the necessary technique with the assistance of our CRN certified team of instructors. Dancers progress at their own pace through each dance and level and generally spend 1 - 3 years in each level before advancing. CRN Graded Levels a provide structured learning for recreational, performance, and competitive Irish dance students and motivates Irish dancers to the highest levels.
LEVEL 1 - 3
In this 60 minute class, students learn the 4 Bunghrád dances (Reel, Slip Jig, Single Jig, Light Jig), 5 Úllmhuchán dances (Reel, Slip Jig, Single Jig, Heavy Jig, Hornpipe ) and 5 Meanghrád (Reel, Slip, Single, Heavy Jig, Hornpipe). The lesson includes warm up, technique and drills. Students progress at their own pace and dancers may spend several years mastering the dances, technique in order to have the necessary skills to advance to higher levels.
Sunday 12:00 - 1:00 PM
FULL SEASON (Sept - May): 1 Payment $641.25 or 9 Payments $75.00 Add GST
5% Full Season Payment Discount, Multi class discount, and 5% Family Discounts offered for Full Season Enrolment
FALL SESSION (Sept - Dec): 1 Payment $325.00 Add GST
LEVEL 3 - 5
In this 60 minute class, students learn the 5 Meanghrád (Reel, Slip, Single, Heavy Jig, Hornpipe). Traditional Set dances including St. Patrick's Day, Humours of Bandon, Job of Journeywork, Blackbird, White Blanket, Garden of Daisys and unique Ardghrád and Craobhghrád dances . Students progress at their own pace and dancers may spend several years mastering each level. The Level 3 - 5 class includes warm up, technique, soft and hard shoe, and céilis and choreographed routines.
Saturday 2:00 - 3:30 PM
FULL SEASON (Sept - May): 1 Payment $897.75 or 9 Payments $105.00 Add GST
5% Full Season Payment Discount and 5% Family Discounts offered for Full Season Enrolment
FALL SESSION (Sept - Dec): 1 Payment $365.00 Add GST
BUNGHRÁD, ULLMHUCHÁN, MEANGHRÁD CLASS INFORMATION
Please click on the tabs below for more information
Females - Level 1: Irish Soft Shoes with Ankle Length Poodle Socks. Level 2 - 3: Irish Soft Shoes and Hard Shoes with Ankle Length Poodle Socks
Males - Level 1: Boys Capezio Shoes with Black Dress Socks. Level 2 - 3: Boys Capezio Shoes and Hard Shoes with Black Dress Socks
New Irish Dance Shoes may be ordered on-line -CLICK HERE Second Hand Irish Dance Shoes are an economic option for growing dancers. McConnell School Facebook group dedicated to Buy and Sell for Second Hand shoes and costumes - CLICK HERE
Dancers should have the necessary footwear by the end of the first month of classes. New students may wear socks for the first few weeks of classes.
Dance clothing should 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. Dance costumes should not be worn to class.
Poodle socks (girls) or Black Dress Socks (boys) 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 should not be longer than ankle length.
TOPS - COLOUR BLACK
Bodysuits, athletic tops, and t-shirts should allow for ease of movement and should not be overly large.
NOT APPROPRIATE
Jeans, dress pants, sweat pants, dresses, and Irish dance costumes (these should be saved for performances. No Hoodies, sweatshirts, hats or baseball caps
Males - McConnell Malley Sport Polo Shirt, Black Dress Pants
Irish Dance costumes are used for several years, until a dancers grows or advances levels and needs to upgrade. New costume orders are placed in January. Second hand costumes are a good, economic option for growing dancers. We have a school Facebook group dedicated to Buy and Sell for Second Hand Dance Shoes and Costumes - CLICK HERE
Costume Rentals are available for those who wish to rent for the season rather than purchase.
New Costume Fees
Girls -Malley Sport Dress $195
Boys - Malley Sport Polo $75, Black Dress Pants $30 - $50
Costume Rental Fees Malley Sport Dress $95 Full Season
Full Season Level 1 - 3 Students perform at St.Patrick's Fest', Recital, and Folklorama (optional summer classes). Fall Session (no performance), Winter Session (St. Patrick's Fest), Spring Session (Year End Recital), Summer (optional Folklorama).
Dancers require a school costume in order to participate.
Level 1 - 3 dancers who are interested in competitive Irish Dance are invited to compete in our local competition Canada Féile. Dancers should enrol in our Competitive Level 1 - 3 Class if they wish to advance in Competitive Irish Dance. Graded competitions are offered for dancers over 6 to adult.
Competition is optional and dancers require a school costume in order to compete.
ADULT +18
BEGINNER - INTERMEDIATE - ADVANCED
In this fun, 60 min Adult's Only Class, adult students of all ages are welcome for Soft Shoe Irish & Hard Shoe Irish dance. This class is suited for dancers with none or previous Irish dance experience of all fitness levels. This class incorporates fitness with Bunghrád (Level 1), Ullmhúchán (Level 2) and Meanghrád (Level 3) steps with choreography, and Ceilis in addition to figure dances and choreography. * Adult dancers who wish to compete are strongly encourage to enrol in our Level 1 - 3 Competitive Classes.
Sunday 1:00 - 2:00 PM
FULL SEASON (Sept - May): 1 Payment $641.25 or 9 Payments $75.00 Add GST
5% Full Season Payment Discount, Multi class, and 5% Family Discounts offered for Full Season Enrolment
FALL SESSION (Sept - Dec): 1 Payment $325.00 Add GST
ADULT CLASS INFORMATION
Please click on the tabs below for more information
Females - Irish Soft Shoes or Black Ballet Slippers. Hard Shoes are required for the Hard Shoe Class.
Males - Black Capezio Jazz Shoes with Black Dress Socks. Hard Shoes are required for the Hard Shoe Class.
New Irish Dance Shoes may be ordered on-line -CLICK HERE Second Hand Irish Dance Shoes are an economic option for growing dancers. McConnell School Facebook group dedicated to Buy and Sell for Second Hand shoes and costumes - CLICK HERE
Dancers should have the necessary footwear by the end of the first month of classes. New students may wear socks for the first few weeks of classes.
Dance clothing should 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. Dance costumes should not be worn to class.
BOTTOMS - 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 should not be longer than ankle length.
TOPS - BLACK
Bodysuits, athletic tops, and t-shirts should allow for ease of movement and should not be overly large.
NOT APPROPRIATE
Jeans, dress pants, sweat pants, dresses, and Irish dance costumes (these should be saved for performances). No Hoodies, sweatshirts, hats or baseball caps
Men - McConnell Malley Sport Polo Shirt, Black Dress Pants
Irish Dance costumes are used for several years, until a dancers grows or advances levels and needs to upgrade. New costume orders are placed in January. Second hand costumes are a good, economic option for growing dancers. We have a school Facebook group dedicated to Buy and Sell for Second Hand Dance Shoes and Costumes - CLICK HERE
Costumes are only required for dancers who wish to perform.
Performance is optional for all Adult students. Full Season Adult Students are invited to perform at St Patrick's Fest, Recital and Folklorama (optional summer clases). Fall Session (no performance), Winter Session (St. Patricks Fest'), Spring Session (Year End Recital), Summer (optional Folklorama)
Performance is optional and dancers require a school costume in order to participate.
Adult who are interested in competitive Irish Dance are invited to compete in our local competition Canada Féile. Graded competitions are offered for dancers over 6 to adult. Canada Féile is a great opportunity for dancers to try competitive Irish dance. Adult dancers who are intersted in competitive Irish dance are strongly encouraged to enrol in our Competitive Level 1 - 3 Class.
Competition is optional and dancers require a school costume in order to compete.
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
We acknowledge that we are located on First Nations Treaty 1 territory, the ancestral territory of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Dakota, Dené, and Ojibway-Cree, and the traditional homeland of the Métis Nation. We recognise and honour that our drinking water comes from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation on Treaty 3 Territory.