A six-month formal program for 6th-8th grade ladies and gentlemen to practice their people skills, experience the tradition of partner dance, and skyrocket their social confidence.
announcing the 2024-2025 season of the
CHESAPEAKE cotillion
An adult's lifelong happiness is rooted in the kindness and good manners practiced in childhood.
i'm ready to register!
SIX EVENTS OVER SIX MONTHS
4 etiquette/dance classes
+ 1 instructional meal
+ 1 semi-formal ball
WHO 6th-8th grade ladies and gentlemen
LOCATIONS All events are held at the Real Life Christian Church on Centerville Turnpike in Chesapeake.
WHEN Once a month from October through March, mostly on Thursday evenings. Class times are to be announced as they are based on final registration numbers (tentatively planning in the 4:30pm to 9:00pm range).
TUITION $295-375 per child depending on grade level and if you register with a buddy.
Or read on to learn allll the things.
I understand and I've got you!
Here are the basics:
"I'm short on time, Sydney.
Tell me what I need to know."
Since 2016, I've been teaching etiquette to middle and high school kids. I intentionally chose this age group because I think they are the perfect age to learn and develop those vital social skills that will follow them to adulthood. My goal with my students (and my own kids) is to foster polite humans who love their neighbors more than themselves.
When I'm not teaching etiquette classes or directing cotillions, I work with my family on our tobacco and soybean farms. My husband, Lee, and I have four kids: Bear, Penny, River, and Galley. We live in Edenton, North Carolina (about an hour south of Hampton Roads).
Sydney dunn is an etiquette instructor from north carolina
Meet The Director
Etiquette classes and cotillions are a classic tradition that have been a rite of passage for young people for decades. Cotillion isn’t just a one-and-done extracurricular activity. It's a memorable and identifiable segment of adolescence (just ask any adult who's ever attended cotillion).
You've got to admit there's some pretty special memory-making going on when you put on white gloves or a bow tie, waltz with a partner, and share a three-course meal with your buddies.
And if i'm being honest, that old school vibe is THE #1 reason I love it.
Not going to lie-
cotillion is old school.
I have spent hours hand-selecting, updating, and customizing every. single. lesson. until I feel completely confident that it is relevant, useful, and necessary for today's youth.
I'm fully aware that the kids in my classes will soon be the adults who are running things in our communities. My goal is to help these kids learn how to build and maintain relationships that will translate to a happy and healthy adulthood.
The lessons in my classes will always be rooted in kindness, respect, humility, and selflessness.
but i'll tell you something else
Some things just never go out of style.
"your program blows the others away"
"The more cotillion classes my children attend, the more comfortable they become in formal social settings. As a family that has years of cotillion experience, your program blows the others away!"
The McLamb Family
Level 1
Level 2
The social basics: shaking hands, sitting, walking, and talking.
Introducing yourself and others with confidence.
DANCE The 'slow-quick-quick' rhythm of the Rumba and the basic box step.
Conversations, small talk, and interview skills.
Making friends and reading social cues.
DANCE The history and foundational steps of the Carolina shag.
How to Talk to anybody
Carrying Yourself with Dignity
Class One
Here's what we're learning at cotillion:
Level 1
Level 2
Audiences and funerals.
Carpool and public transportation.
Sports etiquette.
DANCE We introduce closed dance position and teach the gentlemen how to lead a rotation and turn.
Understanding dress codes and how to tie a tie.
Gentlemanly courtesies (which are also important for ladies so they are able to recognize a gentleman!)
DANCE We take the basic shag step and learn to add lady turns and gentleman turns.
Dress and Gents
Manners in Public
Class Two
Level 1
Level 2
Phones, texts, and emails.
Selfies and gaming.
Building a noble online presence that isn't all about your follower count.
DANCE We add more moves to our Rumba repertoire.
Polite guests and hospitable hosts.
Giving and receiving gifts.
RSVPs and thank you notes.
DANCE We try our hand (er, feet) at some fancier shag steps like Apple Jacks and the Sugarfoot.
Navigating A Digital World
You're Invited to the Party
Class Three
Note-writing.
Addressing envelopes.
DANCE All dance steps are reviewed in preparation for the ball!
Correspondence Clinic + Dance review
Class Four
This full-course instructional meal provides a very practical experience as we cover formal table manners, tipping, and toasting. Throughout the meal, students are encouraged to try a new appetizer, an unfamiliar utensil (chopsticks), and perhaps even offer a toast.
The dinner is also interspersed with discussions around empathy, interacting respectfully with people who are different than you, and navigating etiquette abroad.
All guests wear semi-formal attire and are encouraged to try out a new fashion accessory (pocket square, lapel pin, suspenders, brooch, etc).
Level 2 students only
'Here's to New Experiences' Dinner
Instructional Meal
The Afternoon Tea experience provides a wonderful introduction to table manners. Students will receive hands-on practice drinking tea, using a fork and knife, interacting politely with tablemates, and
And rest assured gentlemen, this is not a frilly, floral, or fussy tea party!
All guests wear semi-formal attire and are encouraged to wear a hat for our best hat contest!
Level 1 students only
Afternoon Tea
The Mystery Ball
The Ball
The Mystery Ball is the grand finale event for students to show off everything they've learned and make some quality memories with mom and dad!
Dance contests, puzzles, prizes, corsages and boutonnieres, and professional portraits make for a memorable evening.
Parents are encouraged to join the last 45 minutes of the ball to see the kids in action and learn the Waltz with their child.
A semi-formal celebration, but with a mystery to solve!
What's best for my child-LEVEL 1 OR LEVEL 2?
Our cotillion program is divided into two levels. Students will be automatically placed in the appropriate level based on their age and/or experience.
LEVEL 1: 6th graders and new 7th graders.
LEVEL 2: 8th graders and returning 7th graders.
What's best for my child-
LEVEL 1 OR LEVEL 2?
October 24th
November 14th
December 5th
February 6th
(Thursday Evenings)
Real Life Christian Church
All the
classes
tea or dinner
ball
Exact class times will be assigned to all registered students by September 26th. If the assigned times do not work with your child's schedule, we can look at possible alternatives. If we can't make it work for you, refunds are available until September 30th.
Details
Friday, March 7th
Real Life Christian Church
we're in!
register
Saturday, January 18th
Real Life Christian Church
show this video to your kid!
A lot of kids are nervous about cotillion because they simply don't know what to expect.
This video gives them all the details to help them walk through the door with confidence.
Here's what to expect:
Ladies wear short, white gloves at each event.
See your confirmation email for shopping suggestions.
TWO SEMI-FORMAL
outfits for the meal and ball
Pants, dress shirt, tie or bowtie, and blazer or sport coat. A suit would also be appropriate. Semi-formal/party/cocktail dress or jumpsuit. Level 1 students should please wear a hat to the Afternoon Tea. Level 2 students are encouraged to try a new fashion accessory for the 'Here's to New Experiences Dinner' (ie: a hat, brooch, pocket square, suspenders, etc).
FOUR DRESSY CASUAL
outfits for the classes
Pants, belt, and button-up shirt (ties or bowties encouraged, but not required). A modest and age-appropriate casual dress or skirt or romper and shoes suitable for dancing. No flip-flops or tennis shoes please.
What attire is needed?
After registering, a Cotillion Checklist and Dress Code Guide will be emailed to your that includes all of the above dates, locations, and wardrobe details.
...plus a few surprises
here and there!
8 HOURS of group instruction in etiquette, manners, and social dance at a wonderful venue.
INSTRUCTIONAL MEAL - let's give them practice in a formal dining setting before they get to the real thing.
SEMI-FORMAL BALL - a grand social event to culminate the season! An opportunity to show off their dance moves and make some quality memories with both their buddies and mom and dad.
ETIQUETTE REFERENCE GUIDE - professionally bound and customized to the lessons taught at cotillion. Your family can refer back to all the material for years to come.
REFRESHMENTS - every class. Always. The punch and cookies are serious business, y'all.
Tuition includes:
A Virtual Event on Zoom
Tuesday, September 17th, 2024
7:00 pm
(recording available afterwards on Facebook)
Please email me to request the Zoom link if you do not have it already from your invitation.
Parent Info Session
"He danced enthusiastically"
"My son definitely has an appreciation for dressing up now. After cotillion, our family attended a funeral and a wedding. At both events, he had no complaints about wearing a jacket and tie. Also, at the wedding, he danced enthusiastically, even if it wasn’t ballroom dancing."
The Belvin Family
Sign us up!
Registration is open to 6th-8th grade ladies and gentlemen until September 24th (or when classes fill). Waitlists are likely.
$295
Level One
how does this "Boy-Girl pair" thing work?
REGISTER
Please contact me directly to discuss sibling discounts for siblings enrolled in the same season or if your child has their heart set on cotillion and these payment options don't work for you.
6th graders and new 7th graders
each if registering as part of a Boy-Girl Pair
$325
if registering as an individual
$345
Level Two
REGISTER
8th graders and returning 7th graders
each if registering as part of a Boy-Girl Pair
$375
if registering as an individual
what if my child has allergies?
Please email me prior to the start of the event to discuss any allergies and I will do my best to accommodate as I have for many students in the past. Of course, I cannot guarantee the availability and safety of food items, but I am glad to work together to make sure your child has a plan and feels safe.
refund policy
Refunds are available until September 30th (less a $25 administrative fee). No refunds will be available after September 30th.
phone policy
Phones should not be visible during any part of the class, including the refreshment break.
Policies and Common Qs & As:
I still have a few questions...
do parents attend?
Parents are invited to observe the last 15 minutes of any class (optional) and the last 45 minutes of the ball (highly encouraged!). Parents are also asked to volunteer as chaperones throughout the season. Please indicate on your registration form if you would like to chaperone.
where can i find clothes for cotillion?
For boys, I like Macy's, Land's End, and Belk. For ladies, I like Dillard's, J. Crew, Ralph Lauren, Macy's, and Belk. Check out this Dress Code page that includes more details, photos, and links.
what if my child has to miss a class?
The information in each class subsequently builds toward the ball, but missing one isn't a deal breaker! Your student will be able to go over the missed material in their student booklet, complete the assignment, and watch the online dance lesson corresponding to the missed class so they'll be ready for the next event!
Not going to work out this year?
Add your family to The Invite List to be notified of future classes.
Your child is a 6th-8th grader and you're willing to drive (or carpool!) to Chesapeake, Virginia six times between October 2024 and March 2025.
Your core family values include kindness, courtesy, and showing respect to others.
You'd appreciate some reinforcement while navigating these socially awkward tween and teenage years. Someone to come alongside you who can reiterate the social lessons you're teaching at home.
Your child is a bit shy and could use a little confidence boost.
Your child is a social butterfly and needs a place to shine or fine-tune some soft skills.
You are looking for social connections- an opportunity to network with families in your area.
The Chesapeake Cotillion is likely a good fit for your family if
call, text, or email- whatever's easiest for you. I'll get back with you shortly!
Still have questions?
contact sydney
I'm ready to register!
boy-girl pair discount!
1. Find a buddy of the opposite gender (but SAME grade level) who wants to join cotillion with your child.
2. Have your buddy register ASAP and note each other's names on your registration forms!
Boy-girl pairs are solely for the registration discount. They will not be permanently partnered during the actual cotillion.
take advantage of the
ok, got it.
Save
$30
Copyright 2024 Sydney Dunn Etiquette LLC
TERMS & CONDITIONS | PHOTOS BY LITTLE TUNA STUDIOS
Page designed by em shop
Copyright 2024 Sydney Dunn Etiquette LLC | TERMS & CONDITIONS | Photos by Little tuna studios | Page designed by em shop