ROANOKE—The National League of Junior Cotillions, Roanoke Valley Chapter held their Grand Ball last month. The students and chaperones gathered together on March 17 at the Shenandoah Club, in beautiful downtown Roanoke for an evening of delectable desserts, social dancing and two special guest appearances! Lyndsye Rothkopf, 18, a senior at Salem High School, played several classical pieces for a rapt audience, including The Blue Danube, by Johann Strauss, the Younger, by special request of the cotillion director, Jessica Hilbish. At the refreshment break, Dave Osterhaus, a part-time tennis coach (and mentor to several cotillion members) spoke to the students on the subject of good sportsmanship, posture/carriage, and personal conduct on and off the courts. Said Jessica Hilbish, director of the local NLJC program, “Dave is a positive role model in our community, and we are delighted for the students to hear from a person of this caliber.” In addition to the basic waltz, swing and foxtrot, current line dances and Top 40 tunes were enjoyed by all. “It was a marvelous opportunity for students to practice the social skills they have been learning all year.” The NLJC’s etiquette training programs and social dance instruction benefit thousands of students nationwide. A very formal dinner will be held for second year students, at the Shenandoah Club in April. The students have agreed to practice the art and science of light conversation and polite table manners as they sample classic French fare, including the specially requested Crème Brulé. This local chapter of the national organization aims to bring standard etiquette into the modern era with flair and grace at the Shenandoah Club. For information regarding the program, please email the director: Jessica.Hilbish @ nljc.com.
-The Salem Times-Register
Courtesy photos
