Welcome

Our first class is Saturday, August 23, 2025 @ 4PM

National League of Junior Cotillions   

We provide training in character education, modern manners, and social dance.  This curriculum is designed to give students practice in courtesy, lessons in formal etiquette and it reinforces some of the nice manners they've already learned at home. 

Classes start with the beginning of each school year.  We meet about once a month for an hour and a half.  If you know of any families who may be interested in participating in our program, please forward this link on to them: www.nljc.com/chapter/roanokevalley  

Announcements

1st class 8/23/2025

The Roanoke Valley Chapter welcomes all middle school students, with an emphasis on working with 6th and 7th graders.   

There is no cost to register, it just helps to keep your family in the loop on the upcoming plans, dates, details etc.  

The entire cotillion gets together for the formal evening ball at the end of the season.  

If graduates of our Junior Cotillion would like to attend the next Spring Ball, as assistants, please contact the director to make arrangements.   

TESTIMONIALS

The NLJC program has been transformative for our daughter. .. The curriculum is comprehensive, providing a balance of lecture and practice, reinforced by an optional homework component.  We observed our daughter grow in confidence, both in presence in the way she now carries herself, and verbally in her interactions with peers and teachers. Her newly acquired skills were on full display during a recent trip, where friends and family both were impressed with her poise, her quiet confidence, and deeply appreciative of her consistently pleasant demeanor; even under somewhat stressful circumstances, she knew what to do and what to say.  One year ago, we watched a shy, timid young girl enter a ballroom with apprehension; last month, we stared in admiration and joy at the young lady who confidently entered the Grand Spring Ball with self-assurance, grace, and a new set of lifetime skills.       Michelle  - parent

When I first joined Junior Cotillion, I really wasn't that excited. I had to wear an uncomfortable suit and had to dance. But as it went on, I became comfortable, learned all the little things, and it all became second nature.  I thought it would be YEARS before the skills I had learned would help me; I was wrong.  Just a month after the "Grand Ball," I competed on out school's mock trial team.  Because of participating in Cotillion, I knew the importance of posture and when to button my suit jacket for standing and sitting. I knew how to address the jury while on the stand and just how to feel natural in the court room. I even coached some of my teammates on posture. I really believe the confidence boost I got and the etiquette I learned helped play a role in my team winning the championship.    Andrew  - student

About Director

Jessica Hilbish ~ In our increasingly digital culture, I see a real need to strengthen traditional face-to-face interaction among our young people, "in real life," and to help them feel confident speaking seriously with one another and with adults.  With direct instruction in polite conversation and courtesy and a supportive place to practice, our students here gain confidence and will be better prepared for more formal social functions with friends and family.  As a licensed K-8 teacher, I make sure their lessons are grounded in consideration and mutual respect.