Send us an invitation!
Cotillion returns to Chesapeake, VA in the fall of 2026! Make sure your family is on THE INVITE LIST to get all the details as soon as they're released.
Well-Rounded adults don't just happen,
people skills take practice.
Chesapeake Cotillion
Parents join the fun at the finale event: The Celebration Ball
AGES Cotillion is open to 6th-8th graders. If you have older or younger kids, please add them to the Invite List as well in case other offerings come available!
SCHEDULE We will meet once a month from October to April for a series of four classes, two instructional meals, and a semi-formal ball.
WHEN Invitations will be mailed and registration will open around Labor Day (the last day to request an invite is August 20th).
COMMITMENT Adding your child to THE INVITE LIST does not commit you to the program nor does it reserve your seat. It simply insures your child will be offered an invitation to join once details are released.
The Basics
Big Changes for 2026-2027!
- One season delivers a complete, connected curriculum
- Fits busy middle school schedules and simplifies planning for families
- Adds Emotional Intelligence, an additional instructional meal, and new hands-on activities
- Enhances events with opportunities for more family and friend participation
During this transition year, returning students will see some review of previously learned skills. Please review the full program details to ensure it’s a good fit for your family. To thank families for returning—and to account for the review of some material—returning families were emailed a 15% discount code.
Calendar of Events
- Early Bird period
- Boy-Girl Pairs
- Standby List and Wait List
- Discounts and Payment Plans
- Schedule
- Refunds
WATCH: Everything you need to know about how cotillion registration works
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 learn to 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
watch this video with 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.
What to Expect at Cotillion
yes! mail us an invitation, please.
Families on The Invite List are the first to know when registration opens.
Avoid the waitlist!
they aren't just improving their manners and dancing the Rumba. They're building CONFIDENCE to help them navigate the awkward middle school years and learning LIFE SKILLS that will follow them into adulthood.
- introduce themselves properly
- carry on conversations with peers and adults
- give a solid handshake
- dance with a partner
- represent themselves well online
- balance their digital life with in-person interactions
- be a welcoming host
- write a thank you note
- and tie a tie,
Why join a cotillion?
When middle schoolers learn to:
what if my child has allergies?
Our allergy plan is shared with families before the first class and again prior to our dining events. We are also happy to discuss any additional safety measures a parent may request to help ensure your child feels safe and prepared. Please reach out if you have specific questions.
refund policy
We understand that committing to a program months in advance, before class times are finalized, can be challenging. We have taken this into account when creating our refund policy. Class times will be announced by September 25 giving families time to review. Refunds are available through September 30, minus a $25 administrative fee.
phone policy
We kindly ask that phones 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 kindly asked to attend the last 45 minutes of the ball (required) and are welcome to observe the last 15 minutes of any event (optional). Chaperones are also needed at each event- please note your interest to chaperone on the registration form.
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! Students can review the booklet, watch the online dance lesson, and complete the assignment to catch up. They may also attend the same class at a different location if desired. See the full schedule for alternate dates and options.
Does my daughter have to wear a dress?
For ladies who don't enjoy wearing dresses, jumpsuits are a great option! Our dress code page includes several non-dress options that still fit within the dress code for their gender.
AUGUST 20th is the last day
to add your family to The Invite List to be guaranteed a mailed invitation this season.
request an invite now
Copyright 2020-2026 Sydney Dunn Etiquette LLC
TERMS & CONDITIONS | Page designed by em shop
PHOTOS BY LITTLE TUNA STUDIOS unless otherwise noted
Copyright 2020-2026 Sydney Dunn Etiquette LLC | TERMS & CONDITIONS | Photos by Little tuna studios unless otherwise noted | Page designed by em shop