Special to The T&D

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The National League of Junior Cotillions, a program of etiquette, character education and social dance training for middle and junior high school students, has announced plans to establish its national program in Orangeburg County.

"We will be selecting a director for a local chapter, who will receive complete training and an exclusive territory for expansion," said Anne Colvin Winters, NLJC national director.

The organization currently has directors operating hundreds of chapters in 34 states.

"This program is making a positive impact on students across the nation, and we are delighted to know that more young people in this area will have the opportunity for this vital training," Winters said. The program currently has active chapters statewide.

The purpose of the NLJC program is to give students instruction and practice in the courtesies that make life more pleasant for them and those around them. Students actively learn courtesies through a creative method employing role playing, skits and games. Standard ballroom and line dancing is taught using nationally approved top 40 music.

In addition to the usual courtesies connected with dancing and etiquette, character instruction is also provided regarding honor, respect, ethics, sportsmanship, acknowledgments of gifts, behavior at cultural and civic events, correspondence, inter-action in groups, introductions, paying and receiving compliments, receiving lines, table manners, instructional dinners, electronic etiquette, cell phone courtesy and many other areas of social conduct.

The program, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., was established in 1979 and has licensed local cotillions nationwide. The cotillion includes monthly classes plus a Holly Ball and Spring Ball and instructional three-, five- and seven-course dinners.

"The program has met with equal success in metropolitan areas including Atlanta, Orlando, Minneapolis, Houston and in small communities across the country," Winters said. "We believe it will be an important addition to the training of young people in this area."

Applications or nominations for cotillion director are currently being received. For more information, call 1-800-633-7947, visit www.nljc.com or e-mail cotillions@nljc.com.

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