Welcome

We always look forward to a new cotillion season.  This exciting program offers young people instruction and practice in the courtesies that make life more pleasant for them and those around them.  Each lesson highlights various etiquette, manners and character education along with instruction in standard ballroom dance.  The Junior Cotillion setting encourages young ladies and gentlemen to be comfortable together, make new friends and enjoy themselves.  After constant practice in a peer group, students are expected to leave the program with the confidence and poise that comes from knowing the proper and traditional etiquette in any social situation.  

For more information, contact Mrs. John B. Schroth - [email protected] 

Announcements

Registration for the 2024-25 season is now closed.  However we will be accepting additional registrations for gentlemen in both the 6th and 7th grade classes.  If you are interested in registering or have questions,  contact Mrs. John B. Schroth at [email protected]

About Director

Robyn Schroth has been the director of the Blue Ridge Junior Cotillion in Winchester, VA. since 1994.  Little did she know that answering a small ad in her local paper would lead to something that has become a big part of her life!

Cotillion has been an exciting and rewarding extension of Robyn’s lifelong passion for teaching young people of all ages.  This commitment allowed her to fill a void in her community and honor the legacy of her own mentor, Miss Dorothy Ewing.  Miss Ewing taught all forms of dance, including ballroom, for over 37 years and Robyn was fortunate to have Miss Ewing by her side as she began her own teaching career.

Robyn was born and raised in the Winchester area, and after graduating from Mary Washington College (now University of Mary Washington) in Fredericksburg, Virginia, she returned to begin teaching at Shenandoah University in the fall of 1977.

During her time at Shenandoah she helped establish the dance major and served as chair of the dance division for 11 years. As a former adjunct assistant professor, she taught ballet, social dance and pedagogy courses for the dance division.  Through the years she has also served as choreographer for numerous musicals presented by the Theatre Division, and was a founding member of the creative team for Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre in 1984.  Robyn has over 100 musical productions to her credit.  In addition, she holds a Masters degree in Dance Education from George Washington University.

Robyn is the Dance Program Coordinator for Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy, an affiliate of Shenandoah University that serves local students desiring training in the arts.  The dance program has over 300 students enrolled in all levels of ballet, modern, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop and musical theatre dance.

Robyn is delighted the community of Winchester embraces the tradition of cotillion.  “It is nice to know parents recognize the value of good manners, positive first impressions and the confidence that goes with having polished social graces.  It is tremendously satisfying to know that I am able to contribute to their successes in the future.”