is currently underway!

the Washington Cotillion

The 2024-2025 season of

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Level 1

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.

Carrying Yourself with Dignity

Class One

Here's what we're learning at cotillion:

Level 1

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.

Manners in Public

Class Two

Level 1

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.

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

"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

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:

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. I’m now eager to apply my passion for education and social events in a brand-new way: 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

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!

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.

call, text, or email- whatever's easiest for you. I'll get back with you shortly!

Still have questions?

contact sydney