Send us an invitation!

Cotillion returns to Wendell, 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.

Wendell 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

Calendar of Events

September Photos Photography

Big Changes for 2026-2027!

Our cotillion program is now a single comprehensive season for 6th–8th graders, replacing the old Level 1 / Level 2 model.
Why the change?
  • 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

What does this mean for returning students?
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.
  • 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 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. I was raised in Wendell and now live in Edenton. I love teaching cotillion in my hometown!

Sydney dunn is an etiquette instructor AND WENDELL NATIVE

Meet The Director

"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

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