Grade 11 students at J.T. Foster school in Nanton are counting down the days to the Queen's Ball.

Students have spent the last three months learning proper etiquette and ballroom dancing - without getting any high school credits for their work.

Last years Queen, Avery Sheldon says one new part of the program this year was learning how to act at a cocktail party.

"Traditionally we learn how to properly act at a formal tea, but since that is so uncommon these days so we did a cocktail party," Sheldon said.

Or in this case a mocktail party. Students learned how to balance a glass with a drink, eat appetizers while visiting with guests.

The event was the hit of the season so far, although after they still had to learn how to sit on a chair, balance a hot tea cup with a square and answer questions the judges might ask the day of the Ball.

Sheldon was the 50th student to earn the title of Queen at J.T. Foster school but the tradition has gone on for many years before that.

On December 1 the students will first meet the judges at a formal tea, one for the girls and one for the boys, followed up by one-on-one interviews starting at 6 p.m. at the school.

They then take part in the judged ballroom dance competition starting at 9 p.m.

Best escort Trey Southgate says his advice to the students competition is to relax, stay hydrated and enjoy the day, it goes by fast.

The participants also make a special stop between the tea and the interviews once they are in their ballgowns and tuxedos.

"The seniors in the lodge, they love to have us come down and see them," said Southgate. "It is very important to them because they don't get to come out and see the ball."