National League of Junior Cotillions
Charleston Chapter

ABOUT JUNIOR COTILLION (Fourth–Eighth Grade)

The National League of Junior Cotillions, with a copyrighted curriculum, is designed to give young people instruction and practice in the courtesies that make life more pleasant for them and those around them. Students receive thorough training in social skills and dance basics, along with meaningful opportunities to practice and enjoy these skills at memorable events. These experiences may include balls, dinners, and other special occasions, complete with decorations, refreshments, favors, and prizes.

Junior Cotillion is structured as a multi-year program where each year builds on the previous year’s instruction. Students develop greater confidence, stronger character, and improved social awareness over time, while continuing to grow in poise, leadership, and respectful behavior in group settings.

YEAR I JUNIOR COTILLION 

Year I provides the foundation for social skills, etiquette, and dance instruction. Students learn the essentials of:

• Greetings and introductions
• Handshakes, eye contact, and first impressions
• Conversation skills and respectful communication
• Netiquette and courtesy online
• Appropriate behavior in group settings
• Manners in the home and in public
• Host and guest responsibilities
• Refreshment etiquette, escorting, and seating
• Paying and receiving compliments
• Formal table manners and social dining expectations
• Basic dance instruction (Foxtrot or Waltz, Charleston Shag, and a current line dance)
•   

YEAR II JUNIOR COTILLION (Returning Students Only)

Year II is the next step for students who have completed Year I. It is designed for returning Junior Cotillion students and builds on the foundation previously taught, with more advanced instruction and higher expectations for maturity, leadership, and real-world application.

A key highlight of Year II is the INSTRUCTIONAL DINNER, where students practice proper dining etiquette in a guided, hands-on setting. This experience helps students develop confidence in formal dining environments while reinforcing:

• Advanced table manners and dining protocols
• Polite, confident conversation at the table
• Guest awareness, courtesy, and respect for others
• Hosting and social responsibility
• Continued refinement of introductions, social grace, and poise

Year II students continue to receive dance instruction and practice while strengthening their ability to carry themselves appropriately in formal and social settings.

PRE-COTILLION

The Pre-Cotillion program setting encourages children to feel comfortable together, make new friends, and enjoy themselves. Through role-playing, hands-on experience, and storytelling in a peer group, young ladies and gentlemen leave the program with the beginning of confidence and poise that comes from knowing the proper thing to do.

PRE-COTILLION I (First–Second Grade)

• Manners in the Home
• Being Introduced
• Paying and Receiving Compliments
• Birthday Party Etiquette
• Basic Table Manners

PRE-COTILLION II (Third Grade)

• Manners in the Home
• Greeting and Shaking Hands
• Rules of Introduction
• Sports Etiquette
• Fast Food Etiquette
• Correspondence (Thank You Notes & RSVPs)
• More Advanced Table Manners
• Basic Line Dance

ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL (Ninth through Twelfth Grade)

The NLJC High School Program prepares students in grades nine through twelve for the social, academic, and professional settings they will encounter as young adults. The curriculum focuses on leadership skills, advanced manners, communication etiquette, interview readiness, and confidence in both formal and informal situations.

Students practice proper introductions, public presence, hosting and guest responsibilities, formal dining skills, and respectful communication. Age-appropriate social dance is included to build confidence, teamwork, and poise.

This program equips high school students with the tools they need to present themselves well, build strong character, and step into college and future careers with confidence and courtesy.

ABOUT NLJC

The National League of Junior Cotillions copyrighted program has been directed in Mount Pleasant for over 29 years and is now under the direction of Charles Winters II and Jenna Winters. It is widely known as a signature social and character education experience for local students. Each class builds on the previous, allowing students to grow year after year.

The social and character education components of the program include: formal table manners, greetings and introductions, interview tips, netiquette courtesy, “how to’s” of conversation and networking, appropriate behavior in group settings, refreshment etiquette, escorting and seating, paying and receiving compliments, polite conversation, manners in the home, responsibilities of a guest, host/hostess, and many other areas of social behavior.

All students receive dance instruction in the Foxtrot or Waltz and the Charleston Shag, as well as a current, popular line dance. Our ethics program emphasizes keeping your word and taking responsibility for yourself. Classes are fun, educational, and designed to help students build confidence and strong character.

APPROPRIATE DRESS

Classes are dress-up affairs for which careful grooming is required. Hair should be neatly combed, shoes polished, and overall appearance neat and respectful. Dancing requires hard-soled shoes; no open-toe shoes, athletic shoes, or flip-flops, please.

Ladies should wear conservative Sunday knee-length dresses or skirts, short white gloves, and flat, smooth-soled dress shoes for dances. Gentlemen should wear khaki pants, dress shirts, ties, navy or dark blazers, and smooth-soled dress shoes.