Program Information

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 K-2nd grades. Open membership. The foundation of the cotillion experience. Topics include greetings, building character, playing fairly, basic table manners with (mini meal provided) being a friend, party dances, and more. The topics will be explored and applied through activities, games, crafts, and lessons. This program is held quarterly in one-day 90-minute sessions and serves as a precursor to the Preteen Cotillion Program.  

The introductory program for grades 3-6 and is held August-April with a break in December. Activities include structured, chaperoned theme parties with refreshments, social skills practice, etiquette instruction, line dance instruction, an instructional meal, the Fleur de Lis Social, community service activities, the Grand Celebration, and more. All music used will be child friendly and will not contain suggestive or explicit language.  

This expanded level builds upon the skills and knowledge gleaned during Preteen Cotillion I and adds new topics.  Included in our second level are the theme parties with refreshments, social skills practice, etiquette training, line dance instruction and practice, a social outing (theater, sporting event, area attraction, etc.,) a community service project, an instructional holiday meal, the Fleur de Lis Social and the Grand Celebration.  

There are two additional levels of Preteen Cotillion that continue to build upon the first two levels, introduce new information, and provide more review, practice, and social opportunities. The 90-minute parties and events will occur monthly on Sunday afternoons in Martin Hall of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church. Contingent upon enrollment, grades may be split. The Fleur de Lis Social will be held at a larger facility and will include members in both levels of the program. 

The Preteen Cotillion Club is an open membership program, meaning all 3rd-6thgrade students are welcome; however, space is limited to 34 members per party and is granted in the order dues are received. 

7th-9th grades. This program is by invitation. Gender balance is important at this level, and a waiting list may be necessary. This is our flagship program that includes basic ballroom and social dance, a progressive level of etiquette & social skills training, a community service project, a social outing, a 3-course instructional meal, a semi- formal winter dance, and a formal spring ball. This is an 8-month program that meets monthly for 90 min. 

The program is held August-November and resumes January-April. There are two additional levels of the Jr. Cotillion League that build upon the first two levels, introduce new information, add advanced ballroom dance, while providing review, practice, and additional social opportunities.

Selected High School students may apply to serve as Teen Cotillion Assistants. There are a limited number of assistants needed, depending upon enrollment. These students will receive a stipend, training, and valuable experience. Siblings of members have legacy status and will receive priority consideration. 

Members who are enrolled in any Louisiana State Cotillion program are invited to apply for participation in auxiliary activities as Cotillion Ambassadors. Ambassadors have opportunities to ride in parades, attend special events, make public appearances, participate in State Cotillion functions, meet dignitaries, and more. Ambassadors will have training meetings that focus on presentations, public speaking, media relations, interviewing, etc.  

COMING SOON! This program functions very much like adult civic and social organizations. Officers are elected, meetings are held, service projects are determined, etc. This program also consists of casual mixers, formal dances, and society balls.