Virtual Workshop – Learn How to Irish Dance!

Workshop Details

Learn the basics of Irish dance techniques and traditions in a fun workshop suitable for all ages and abilities! Get top quality Irish dance instruction by the award-winning dancers from McConnell Irish Dance who will show you how to get started and have fun!

The origins of Irish dance can be traced back to Druidic times, but what we think of as Irish dance had its beginnings in the mid-eighteenth century. Irish dance evolved through the work of Irish Dance Masters who travelled the country teaching dance from village to village. In the last 30 years, Irish dance has achieved world-wide recognition with renowned touring shows like “Riverdance” and “Lord of the Dance”.  Today Irish dance organizations and schools can be found in nearly every country and Irish dance competitions are held all over the world.

Join us for this FREE virtual workshop streaming on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram on March 18th at 7:00 pm CST.

Please Note: This is an online workshop that will stream across Folklorama’s social media channels. Please follow and subscribe so you don’t miss the workshop premier. Requires a computer, laptop, or mobile device with audio.

Artist Biography

Shayleen McConnell Finucan is a certified ODCRN (Irish Dance Instructor) with Cumann Rince Náisiúnta (CRN) and has been involved with Folklorama since 1976.  McConnell Finucan has an extensive background in Irish music and dance.  McConnell Finucan is the Artistic Director and Choreographer for McConnell Irish Dancers, one of the largest Irish dance schools in Western Canada.

McConnell Irish Dance is one of the oldest Irish dance groups in North America. Originally founded in Ireland over 80 years ago, the school was established in Winnipeg, Canada in 1947.

McConnell Dancers are recognized for their unique, high calibre, performance-style dancing which encompasses both traditional and contemporary forms of Irish Dance.

McConnell School of Dance is a member of Cumann Rince Náisiúnta (CRN), based in Dublin, Ireland and their award-winning dancers compete at the CRN World Irish Dance Championships in Ireland.

The dancers have performed at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and with well-known performers such as “The Irish Rovers”, “Tommy Makem”, and “The Irish Descendants”.  The group has travelled the world to perform at International Dance Festivals, Peru (2007), Costa Rica (2009), Bulgaria (2011), Disney World (2012), Ireland, (2013), Peru (2016), North Carolina (2017).

McConnell Irish Dancers have been involved with Folklorama for over 45 years and are the sponsoring organization of the United Kingdom Pavilion.