Send us an invitation!
Cotillion returns to Washington, NC 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.
Washington 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
September Photos Photography
- 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
Hello there! I'm Sydney Dunn and as a cotillion director, my goal is to come alongside parents to help grow their children into kind, capable, respectful, and socially-confident adults. Cotillion provides the perfect opportunity to practice those face-to-face interactions and social skills that will follow them the rest of their lives.
I've been teaching etiquette throughout eastern North Carolina and southeast Virginia since 2016. I am incredibly excited to help Chelsea bring this program to the families of Washington!
My husband, Lee, and I live in Edenton and have a farm and four children. As you can imagine, our life is never boring!
Sydney dunn
Director
Meet The Leaders
Hi, I’m Chelsea! I am thrilled to partner with Sydney's vision and bring this phenomenal program to our community.
I’m originally from Roper, NC, but moved to Washington in 2012 after marrying my high school sweetheart, Andy. Fast-forward to today, and I’m living my dream as a stay-at-home, homeschooling mama and part-time wedding planner. Since 2023, I’ve had the joy of leading the Washington cotillion group under Sydney’s guidance, and I’m excited to continue combining my passion for education and social events through cotillion.
We live in a world where the word “social” is most commonly associated with the word “media” and communication most often happens behind a screen and via thumbs. I believe, now more than ever, it is imperative that we intentionally cultivate social and communication skills in our students by presenting opportunities in which they are compelled to learn and grow. And that, my friends, is what cotillion is all about.
I look forward to meeting your children and hope they leave their time with us feeling more empowered and ready to engage the world with tremendous poise and purpose.
CHELSEA BOWEN
Lead instructor
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:
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