Performance FAQ

About Our Performances

Our dancers are asked to perform at many venues throughout the greater Albuquerque area throughout the entire year.  Once dancers have learned their dances they may choose to participate in these performances.  Dancers perform at Celtic and Irish festivals, schools, churches, Kirtland AFB, nursing homes, senior centers, community centers, and other locations.  Often the performance earns ISDNM a nominal donation to help offset costs—a primary source of funds for ISDNM.  In Mid-March, of course, McTeggart is typically booked for as many as half a dozen performances in a single day.  The remainder of the year usually averages 1-2 performances a month.  Participation in performances is not required, but we have found that performing instills confidence and a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among the dancers and parents. It is encouraged because the dancers have so much fun and the audience always loves them.  In addition, it gives them additional practice, especially if there is a competition coming up for them.

To request a performance call Beverly Coleman: 505 866-5867

Performance Guidelines

Dancers presenting themselves in public are representing the McTeggart School. Consequently, a dancer should be appropriately and modestly dressed, presenting themselves as a positive role model in the public square.

• Performances are not necessarily affiliated with ISDNM (Irish Step Dancers of New Mexico, a 501(c)3), but are ALWAYS McTeggart.

• All performances come through the ISDNM Performance Scheduler for numerous reasons

  • To ensure there are no time conflicts

  • To ensure there are no dancer conflicts, and all performances will have enough dancers to fill the set lists

  • To keep track of donations for IRS purposes

  • So that requests of clients can be taken into account and communicated to the dancers through standardized channels

Music and Set Lists

We have choreographed consistent dances and music so ALL dancers know what to expect when participating in a performance. It is unfair to do otherwise.

• Set lists are distributed via email to all dancers signed up for the performance at least two days in advance

• Set list will include details of the performance, to include:

  • Location, time of arrival, and length of performance

  • Contact person and phone number at the performance

  • Lead dancer name and phone number

  • Any additional pertinent information necessary

  • Set list, which includes dances to be included and which dancer is performing each; if figures, states which dancers are partners

  • Required costume

• The Lead dancer is the person in charge at the performance

Performance Costumes

Costumes are defined for each level of dancer to ensure that all dancers are dressed appropriately, in a modest fashion, and no dancer feels out of place in the group. There are to be no alterations to any of these costumes unless specified by the teacher. Each dancer has the responsibility to have their complete costume with them at the time of a performance. Patterns, fabrics and further information including available seamstresses may be obtained by contacting the Costume Chairman. Hem length is to be no shorter than fingertip length and no longer than 2” above the floor when dancer is kneeling.

• Beginner performance/competition costume – black or navy skirt for girls, pants for boys, with white long sleeved shirt and red bow for girls, tie for boys. Girls should also wear flash pants under the skirt, poodle socks, and a McTeggart headband. This costume for girls may be replaced by the intermediate performance dress as listed below. This costume for boys is standard regardless of dancer level.

• Intermediate to Championship performance costume – black dress with lace sleeves, black tights, McTeggart headband, red scarf, McTeggart brooch, flash pants

• Novice to Prizewinner team costume – otherwise known as the ‘dog dress’; a black velveteen dress with white and red embroidery, red scarf, McTeggart brooch and headband, poodle socks and flash pants. This costume is worn for team competitions and special occasion performances when requested by the client.

• Novice to Championship solo costume – optional costume allowed for solo competitions after dancer has reached the Novice level. Also used in special occasion performances when requested by the client.

• Senior Team Costume – costume worn by dancers participating in a team competition at major competitions; also used in special occasion performances when requested by the client. The materials for the first costume of this type are awarded by ISDNM when a dancer reaches the Preliminary Championship level. Construction of the dress is the responsibility of the parent.

LEAD DANCER RESPONSIBILITIES

The Lead Dancer is in charge of the performance. Any questions or concerns are to be directed to this person. This authority will be respected.

• Lead Dancer needs to be at the site of the performance at least 15 minutes prior to the arrival time of other dancers

• Responsible for making contact with the customer, conveying any invoices necessary, taking payment if due, tracking attendance at the performance, ensuring all dancers are in appropriate costume

• Responsible for having music CD or MP3 player and following the published set list; changes may be made in cases of issues with venue or last minute performer cancellations.

• May delegate parts of this responsibility to others, but in the end is answerable to the teacher.

• Will submit attendance, any money, and reports of problems to the appropriate authority (teacher or Performance Scheduler) after the fact

• Lead Dancers are chosen on a proven ability to take responsibility and the likelihood that they will be able to adhere to school guidelines

• Parents’ role in a performance is to stand in the background and assist when needed and requested.

• Goal for the dancer is to allow him/her to learn, grow in experience, and develop the ability to lead.

• This responsibility is given to dancers who have requested a more prominent role in the dance group.