Big Changes for 2026-2027: The Comprehensive Cotillion Program

Over the years, our cotillion program has grown alongside the students we serve. We’ve watched children enter timid and uncertain—and leave standing taller, speaking more confidently, and engaging others with genuine respect.

As we reflected on that growth, we asked an important question:

What structure best serves today’s middle schoolers and their families?

That question led us to an intentional change.

Beginning this season, we are moving from a Level 1 / Level 2 cotillion model to a single, comprehensive cotillion experience. Here’s why—and what it means for your child.

What the New Program Looks Like

Our comprehensive cotillion is a single, cohesive program designed for 6th-8th grade middle school students. Rather than separating skills by level, students learn and practice all core social skills together over the course of the season.

The program includes seven events over seven months:

Four instructional classes provide etiquette and dance training, while two dining events—the Afternoon Tea and Formal Dinner—offer multiple opportunities for hands-on practice in one of the most essential skills: table manners.

The season culminates in our Celebration Ball, where students dance with a parent, apply their skills in a formal setting, and enjoy a high-energy, joyful evening.

Click below to expand the full Scope & Sequence of the curriculum:

How It Differs from the Level 1 / Level 2 Model

What Exactly Was Changed

• The separate “Level 1” and “Level 2” tracks have been combined into a single, comprehensive program.
• The program now includes seven events instead of six.
• Certain topics—interview skills, professional emails, tipping, and toasting—are reserved for a future workshop for older, high school students.
• An Emotional Intelligence segment has been added to each event to address a crucial gap in social-emotional learning.
• The partner dance has been simplified to the basic Rumba, providing enough partner dance experience to meet cotillion goals while allowing more time for fun and practical line dances.
• Both the Afternoon Tea and Instructional Dinner are included, rather than offering only one option.
• More opportunities for friends and family are available: students may invite a friend to the Afternoon Tea, and parents may attend the Instructional Dinner if space allows.

Instead of spreading skills across multiple years, students now receive a complete foundation with intentional depth and opportunities for connection.

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Why We Made the Change

Middle school is a short but critical window. We revised the program to fit busy student schedules while ensuring every participant experiences the full curriculum in a single, connected season.

• Many families’ schedules only allow for one season; this structure guarantees full access to all lessons and experiences.
• A single option makes it easier for siblings and friends to attend the same year.
• Streamlines choices and simplifies planning for parents.

What If My Child Just Finished Level One?

Your child is well-positioned for the comprehensive program. While there will be some review of foundational skills, this repetition should help solidify what they’ve already learned.

Familiar activities they’ll see again:

• Afternoon Tea (though students may invite an outside friend this year!)
• Introductions and carrying yourself with confidence
• Manners in public spaces
• Thank you notes and addressing envelopes
• Party etiquette—being a good guest and host, invitations, RSVPs
• Rumba
• Waltz at the Ball

Exciting NEW material they haven’t experienced yet:

• Emotional Intelligence series
• Three new line dances
• Formal Dinner (parent tickets available, space permitting)
• Enhanced activities and games at the Ball
• Digital etiquette
• Advanced conversation skills
• Personal appearance, including tying a tie

To thank families for returning—and to account for the review of some material—a 15% discount code will be offered.

This combination of review and new experiences ensures your child continues to grow, build confidence, and enjoy fresh challenges each season.

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What If My Child Just Finished Level Two (and did NOT take Level One)?

Your child has already built strong skills, and this program provides opportunities to review key concepts while introducing exciting new material.

Familiar activities they’ll see again:

• Dress codes
• Digital etiquette
• Formal Dinner (parents may attend this year if space allows)
• Gentlemanly courtesies
• Conversation skills
• Encouragement notes
• Addressing envelopes

To thank families for returning—and to account for the review of some material—a 15% discount code will be offered.

New material includes:

• Emotional Intelligence series
• Three new line dances + Rumba
• Body language
• Introducing others
• Thank you notes
• Afternoon Tea
• Party etiquette: invitations, RSVPs, hosting, and being a good guest
• Manners in public spaces and interacting well in the community

This structure ensures students continue to practice and reinforce essential skills while gaining new experiences and leadership opportunities not covered in previous levels.

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What If My Child Has Completed BOTH Level One and Level Two?

Students who have completed both levels will encounter mostly review in the Comprehensive Program, reinforcing skills they’ve already developed, while also being introduced to a few exciting new elements.

New material includes:

• Emotional Intelligence series
• Body language and nonverbal communication
• Two new line dances

New twists on familiar events:

• Afternoon Tea (students may invite a friend this year)
• Formal Dinner (parent tickets available this year, space permitting)

To thank families for returning—and to account for the review of some material—a 15% discount code will be offered.

Bottom Line: If your child has already completed Levels One and Two, we generally do not recommend enrolling in the Comprehensive program—unless your child truly enjoys the cotillion experience and your family is comfortable with the value of review for reinforcing key skills.

One Program. Clear Outcomes. Meaningful Growth.

Our goal has always been the same: to help students move through the world with confidence, respect, and social awareness.

The comprehensive cotillion allows us to do that more clearly, more inclusively, and more effectively—meeting students where they are and preparing them for what comes next.

More questions? Please reach out!