Register Now for High Country Cotillion 2010-2011 Session

 

The High Country’s unique and entertaining social education program, High Country Cotillion, is registering students for its new 2010-2011 season. During the 2010-2011 season three classes of 5th-6th grade, 7th-8th grade and 9th-12th grade students will meet one Saturday afternoon or evening a month at the Broyhill Inn on the ASU campus for a series of 7 themed party events.

Cotillion Director Sharon Carlton explained, “Each Cotillion event provides a different, fun experience aimed towards equipping students for life. We provide an entertaining setting for instruction and practice in pertinent social skills and dance that will prepare youth to be confident, respectful young adults wherever they travel, whatever they do. This season’s events are as diverse as the ‘You Had Me at Hello’ introductory event where students will meet the other students and interact with games exploring famous greetings from movies, songs and literature, a ‘Mountain Masquerade’ where students will dress the way they think they will be in 15 years, a ‘Harvest Hoedown’ contra dance, a ‘Tacky Prom’ featuring gawdy décor and dress and an old fashioned 50’s sock hop.” Seventh through 12th grade students will attend a dinner dance finale where dining etiquette will be presented during a three course meal, a guest of honor will speak and parents will be invited (for the last half hour) to observe students dancing.

Students spend the majority of each class learning classic and contemporary dances. Social graces topics are introduced at age-appropriate levels through skits, role-playing and games followed by activities for students to apply the skills.

“High Country Cotillion is coaching students to cope and to excel where they are today and where they are headed tomorrow. Students learn to present themselves well, to converse with their peers and adults appropriately, to use today’s social technology (telephones, cell phones, texting, and internet forums) respectfully and safely, and to conduct themselves courteously in common, current social situations. We address conduct and skills for school, for visiting someone’s home, for public social activities, thank you notes, RSVP’s and more. Older students are introduced to interview skills that will help them in job and scholarship opportunities. Our team of Cotillion Leaders (ASU and WHS students) share stories and lessons from their own experiences to prepare students for success. Students truly identify and connect with these positive young role models,” said Mrs. Carlton.

Dance instruction serves as a tool to model young lady and gentleman conduct. “Students who begin the season feeling awkward are soon chatting comfortably with their dance partners and new friends, because HCC students treat each other with respect and courtesy,” said Mrs. Carlton. High Country Cotillion allows students from all over the High Country to meet in a fun, accepting environment.

Club Cotillion events will continue this season. Scheduled after the high school classes Club Cotillion events offer students an additional less structured venue to socialize and dance with friends. Rather than a class atmosphere, Club Cotillion is a dance. Any current or previous High Country Cotillion student may attend and bring a friend. Guest DJ’s play great tunes for dancing and lead the group in non-stop activities and dancing.

“We are committed to teaching youth tools for building good relationships, equipping them with a good foundation of social skills that will prepare them to be the leaders of tomorrow and to making their Cotillion experience enjoyable and inspirational. We coach classic skills in today’s language and students ‘get it!’ More and more students and parents approach me with stories of how using “Cotillion manners” is making a positive difference in their lives,” Carlton said.

For more information about High Country Cotillion, visit www.highcountrycotillion.com ,www.facebook.com/highcountrycotillion, or call Sharon Carlton at (828) 297-3133 (Limited partial scholarships are available for worthy students.)