Girls say cotillion isn’t about the crown

Editor’s note: This story is part of a periodic series exploring the evolution of Vermont’s only continuing cotillion.
http://rutlandherald.com/article/20140224/NEWS02/702249949

0224_loc_Spring Cotillion Kevin O'Connor / Staff Photo Springfield High School girls watch instructions on how to curtsy during a rehearsal for their town's 58th annual Apple Blossom Cotillion. Published February 24, 2014 in the Rutland Herald Girls say cotillion isn’t about the crown Editor’s note: This story is part of a periodic series exploring the evolution of Vermont’s only continuing cotillion. By Kevin O’Connor Staff Writer Springfield High School senior Hannah Sorrell, sporting a New York Giants cap and matching football jersey, stares intently as her coach details, dissects and finally demonstrates the big make-or-break move: The curtsy. First, stand up straight — ah, after you pocket your cellphones, young ladies. Now elevate and extend your arms. Bend your knees. Bow your head. And since this practice isn’t about meeting a queen but instead morphing into one, end it all with a twirl. “That’s where your individuality is going to stand out,” the instructor says. Step into a rehearsal for this town’s 58th annual Apple Blossom Cotillion and you might feel you’ve stumbled into a time warp, what with girls dancing on the guiding arms of boys just like the inaugural event in 1957, when debutantes were formally “introduced” to this Windsor County community of 9,373. Fast-forwarding to today, the 14 daughters following in their foremothers’ footsteps have heard many classmates whisper words like “outdated” and “objectifying.” But read the applications submitted to the benefit’s sponsor and you’ll see how some in this next generation view it more as an opportunity. “I believe by participating,” Makayla Davis writes, “the program will be a great way to fundraise for Springfield Hospital, as I believe that it is my duty to repay them for all that they have done for me.” Such statements aren’t scripted by a pageant professional. Davis instead speaks as someone admitted to the 25-bed facility with a virus. “I was really sick and fell asleep,” the 17-year-old recalls. “When I woke up, I was really scared. So one of the nurses working that night shift came in and sat with me and reassured that everything was going to be OK.” Classmate Kylie Bellows also appreciates the hospital. Her grandfather is receiving cancer treatment there. “And I play sports, so I go a lot for injuries,” adds the member of her school’s basketball, soccer, tennis and track teams. Helping raise some $15,000 isn’t the only reason to sign up. Says Kelsi Howard, 18: “I really want to show my niece that she can be like the princesses she sees on television and in books by helping out the community she lives in.” And Laura Laskevich, 18: “My mother, aunts, sister and cousins have all been a part of the cotillion over the years and I’m excited that it is my turn.” But for every happy memory is a bittersweet story. Says Kaylee Haskell, 18: “After losing my father in 2009 and living in a single-parent household, money has been tight, so being eligible to obtain a scholarship would go a long way toward paying for college next year.” That’s the side of the cotillion 1,000 or so people won’t glimpse when they squeeze into the school gymnasium the first Saturday in May to watch a circle of couples move to the music. And it’s equally unknown to the out-of-town judges who’ll score each girl on “poise,” “personality,” “presentation” and “performance.” Says Howard: “I want my family to be so happy and proud when they see me dancing, singing and having fun up in front of everyone.” And Haskell: “The cotillion is a great opportunity to show everyone the true talent we may have that typically goes unseen. I also love the idea of getting close to your peers and putting on a big show right before we all graduate and go our separate ways.” And so it’s back to practice — every Sunday for two hours for four months. Says Kelsey Hildreth, 18: “I don’t care about winning. I just would like the experience of being the older dancers who the little kids look up to, just like when I was a kid.” And Sara Locke, 17: “Since it is my senior year, I don’t want to leave with any regrets. I want to live it to the fullest.” And Meghan Courchesne, 17: “It’s important for the community to come together to support a local facility because the community has a shared interest in its success.” And Kylie Freitas, 18: “I would be crazy to miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity.”