Capital Cotillion provides dance instruction and social etiquette in an inclusive, age-appropriate and fun-filled environment, enabling all children to learn in a welcoming and congenial atmosphere. While we embrace tradition and the importance it plays in our society, we believe that keeping current with the needs of today’s youth is equally important. We prepare our students with social skills for the “elite experience” without promoting the elitist paradigm of the past. We also feel a responsibility to our youth to present everyday social situations and address how they can be handled with respect and enthusiasm. Capital Cotillion continues to set itself apart by offering general etiquette instruction at each class. In addition to teaching traditional social skills, we discuss meaningful everyday situations and how etiquette can be applied, (e.g. sleep-over etiquette, restaurant etiquette, technology etiquette). The program seeks to recognize each student as an individual contributor to the class and society. Capital Cotillion seeks to bring out the very best in every child or teen.
Social Etiquette
Students who choose to participate in the optional etiquette assignment are eligible to participate in our raffle. This optional assignment is designed to reinforce the skills learned in the class and takes our message of respect for self and others out into the larger community. Some optional assignments include: collecting sample size toiletries for delivery to homeless shelters, contributing canned food to local food pantries, collecting socks, mittens and hats for the homeless, or writing a thank you note. Gift cards to local businesses are given to the participant whose name is drawn from the raffle basket.
I like Capital Cotillion because it gives me a chance to meet students from other schools.”
— Eighth-grade student
A third-grade girl, twirling in her living room at home said, “Now I know why they have Capital Cotillion… because it makes little girls so happy!”
— Third-grade girl
I do not like middle school dances, but I like cotillion.”
– Seventh-grade boy
Dance Instruction
Professionally trained dance instructors take special care in planning each class to provide instruction that is compatible with the physical and social development of each grade level. The program teaches traditional ballroom dancing, as well as popular social dances (e.g. shag, line dances, etc.). Contemporary dances enable students to participate enthusiastically in the festivities at special family celebrations. At no time is a student met with disrespect or humiliation. Everyone is treated with civility and instilled with confidence.
Live music sets the tone for students to experience dance in a true ballroom setting. Refreshments are provided by a caterer and the break allows a brief period of socialization. Classes meet monthly from September or October though April or May at National Presbyterian Church – Stone Hall. Children are expected to wear appropriate dance attire to each class as outlined in our invitation.
The total cost for the season is $720.00, which may be paid in one or two installments, and is non-refundable.
The program has been so popular with so many of our boys … [My son] and his buddies love it!”
– Mother of sixth-grade boy