Local Irish dancer performs on world stage

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This article was published 15/08/2024 (600 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Claire Finlay has been making waves in the world of Irish Dance.

Already a notable talent here in Manitoba, Claire recently became the first dancer from Brandon, to compete in one of the most prestigious Irish dance competitions on the planet.

“I am incredibly grateful to my dance instructors and the team for the endless support that made it possible for me to travel to the world competition,” Claire said. “To dance on the world championship stage and meet dancers from around the globe was a surreal experience and I am so proud to represent Brandon, Man.”

Last month, Claire competed in the CRN World Open Irish Dancing Championships in Killarney, Ireland, marking her first trip to the country. Accompanied by her mother, sister, instructor, and fellow students from McConnell Irish Dance, Finlay had a memorable experience both on and off the stage.

The competition involved performing a Reel (light shoe dance), a Traditional Set Dance (hard shoe dance), and a Contemporary Set Dance (hard shoe dance). Competing in the U19 CRN Cumann Rince Náisiúnta Craobhacha Oscailte Na Cruinne, Claire was highly commended for her performances.

Participating in such a prestigious event came with its challenges. The preparation was intense, requiring the young dancer to balance her academic responsibilities with her rigorous dance schedule.

Starting her journey with McConnell Irish Dance through the Westman Multicultural Festival, Claire’s passion for dance was ignited early on, inspired by her family’s active involvement in the Irish Society of Western Manitoba.

Claire’s parents, Jodi and Norm Finlay, were volunteers for the Irish Pavilion during the festival, where Claire and her older sister Cailin performed for many years. Their commitment to their heritage and the local community fostered Claire’s deep connection to Irish dance.

Shayleen McConnell Finucan, Claire’s instructor, holds her in high regard.

“I’ve been instructing classes in Brandon for 14 years and had the pleasure of teaching Claire since she was four years old,” McConnell Finucan said. “This is an incredible achievement for a local Brandon dancer whose success is a result of a great deal of hard work, training time, dedication, and perseverance. Claire is a diligent and talented Irish dance student who is a mentor and inspiration to everyone in the McConnell Irish Dance School in Brandon, Manitoba.”

McConnell School of Dance is a member of Cumann Rince Náisiúnta (CRN), based in Dublin, Ireland. Their world-class level dancers compete across North America and at the CRN World Open Irish Dance Championships in Ireland. McConnell Irish dancers also host Manitoba’s only Irish Dance Competitions, Canada Feile and the Canadian Open Championship, a three-adjudicator championship and CRN Nationals Qualifier.

McConnell Irish Dancers perform at shows and festivals internationally and locally at over 50 shows each year. The school was a founding member of Folklorama in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and their dancers have performed for many years at the Irish Pavilion for the Westman Multicultural Festival.

Established in Canada in 1947, McConnell Irish Dance is Manitoba’s largest and most successful Irish dance school. The family-owned and operated school has taught thousands of students through three generations, emphasizing excellence and tradition.

The McConnell family founded their first Irish dance school over 100 years ago in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Shayleen McConnell Finucan, the granddaughter of Sam and Sarah McConnell and daughter of Pearl McConnell, continues this proud tradition.

The school began offering classes in Brandon 14 years ago in response to requests from local residents with Irish cultural connections who enjoyed the group’s performances at the Irish Pavilion during the Brandon Multicultural Festival, what was then known as the Lt. Governor’s Winter Festival. The Brandon location, under the direction of CRN-certified instructor Shayleen McConnell Finucan, has grown significantly. It now includes two local instructors in training for their Irish dance teacher certification.

Claire’s dedication is evident in her rigorous training schedule. She attends classes weekly in Brandon, travels to Winnipeg for extra practice, and spends countless hours practising at home. At 18, Claire has already graduated from high school and completed her first year at the University of Brandon.

Looking ahead, Claire plans to continue training at McConnell Irish Dance in Brandon and hopes to compete in the CRN World Irish Dance Championships again next year. She aims to inspire others and promote the beauty of Irish dance within her community.

“Irish dance is a wonderful way for Claire to connect to her Irish cultural heritage and family,” McConnell Finucan said.

Reflecting on her experiences, Claire believes that Irish dance has shaped her into a more confident and disciplined individual. She encourages other young people in Westman to pursue their dreams in the arts or sports, emphasizing that Irish dance is an inclusive activity that offers numerous benefits, from physical fitness to cultural enrichment. This cultural connection has been a driving force in Claire’s dance journey.

“I have been dancing for 13 years and would never have imagined the huge role dance would take in my life and all the possibilities it would present,” Clair said. “Dance connects me to my heritage and keeps the tradition alive. Traveling to where it all began is incredibly meaningful to me.”

Just like the enjoyment of St. Patrick’s Day festivities, you don’t need to be Irish to dance. It’s a great way to stay healthy with fun exercise, meet friends, and enjoy the opportunity to learn more about Irish culture here in Westman. For more information about McConnell Irish Dance, visit their website at mcconnelldancers.com.

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