Opera Guild

The Opera Omaha Guild is a group of men and women dedicated to supporting the Company with fundraising and opera education efforts. Members plan and promote events such as Cotillion (etiquette classes for area six graders), an Annual Gala,
the Burgers & Bordeaux chef competition, and Spirits of the Opera wine event.

Cotillion Information Here

Jenn Locke | President

Mark Hinrichs | Past President

Vernie Jones | VP Social

Lisa Hagstrom | VP Membership

Jennifer Taylor | VP Fundraising

Debbie Hart | Treasurer

Deana Walocha | Corresponding Secretary

Christine Aranda | Recording Secretary

President-Elect (position not yet filled)

VP Education (position not yet filled)

Sheila McNeill | Membership Drive

Joan O'Brien | Membership Drive

Sally Lusk

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To receive a Guild Membership Form
Click Here
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Omaha, NE – The Opera Omaha Guild will soon be sending invitations for the 2010 Opera Omaha Guild's Cotillion.  This program is open to 6th grade students in the metro area.  The purpose of this curriculum is to provide young people with instruction and practice in courtesy, manners, formal dance, general etiquette, and character education.  The program encourages young ladies and gentlemen to be comfortable together, make new friends, and leave the program with confidence from knowing proper etiquette in social situations.   The classes begin on September 19t, 2010.  

For more information or to receive an inviation, please contact Opera Omaha at 346-4398 or email: Opera@operaomaha.org

About the Program
Cotillion classes are scheduled on Sunday evenings, with one-hour sessions starting at 3:15 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:45pm and 7:00 pm.  Students are assigned a class time for the entire program based on the number of students, balancing the ratio of ladies and gentlemen, and parental requests.    Parents are welcome to observe any of the classes and are strongly encouraged to attend the orientation during the first class.  Detailed information on volunteer chaperones, dinner rehearsal, and graduation are all covered at orientation.  An additional benefit of participation in Cotillion is special discount offers to Opera Omaha productions. 

At the conclusion of the six weeks of instruction the students participate in a graduation dinner and dance at the Qwest Center.  Invitations for parents and guests to attend graduation are sent once classes begin.  There is an additional charge for parents and guest to attend graduation.
 
History of Cotillion
In 1985, the first Cotillion classes of dance and etiquette began for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.  As these classes grew, the format was changed to include only 6th graders.  In ensuing years this activity has become a prime source of dancing, social graces, and fun for the young people.  Throughout the 23 years of Cotillion classes, this program has grown from a beginning number of 120 students to over 300 in 2008.   Many recent students are second generation attendees – their parents being some of the earlier graduates.  Cotillion Reunion was introduced three years ago as way for former alumnae to re-connect and celebrate with friends.