National League of Junior Cotillions
Gulf Coast Chapter

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter emphasizes the importance of etiquette as a lifelong skill, and encourages students to gain an in-depth understanding by joining our program for multiple years. We are inclusive; providing children from every background with a warm and welcoming environment designed to bring out their very best.

Junior Cotillion Program 5th-8th Grade

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

Classes are held once a month due to busy lifestyles. Studies have shown this to be an effective schedule. Students are more likely to retain skills which are learned over a longer period of time.

Etiquette booklets are given to students to take home after the first class. Students are assigned a “Cotillion Challenge” which allows them to practice the skills they have learned in class. These booklets are to be brought to every class but not to the balls.

Parents’ Dip Into Dancing – Parents are invited to join us for our Dip into Dancing Day in February to learn the basic Waltz. At the Grand Spring Ball, parents are invited to attend the last half hour to observe and dance with their children.dals for the ladies.

The Five-Course Instructional Dinner begins with a tutorial dinner focusing on table etiquette, including proper use of napkins, utensils, finger bowls, proper silverware positions, and more. Students are guided with individual attention and instruction as each course is served. (For Sixth Grade students only.)

Black and White Ball allow students a formal environment to practice the etiquette and dance skills they have learned and to enjoy self-assurance that comes from know- ing the proper manners to use. The evening includes special prizes, contests, party favors, corsages, boutonnieres, and dancing.

APPROPRIATE DRESS

Classes - All Junior Cotillion sessions are dress-up affairs for which careful groom-ing is required. Hair should be neatly combed; fingernails clipped and clean, shoes polished and so forth. Dancing requires hard-sole shoes; no athletic shoes or flip flops please. Ladies should wear conservative Sunday dresses or skirts and dress shoes for classes. Gentlemen should wear khaki pants, white dress shirts, ties, and navy or dark blazers.

Black and White Ball - The Grand Ball is a formal event for which age appropriate dress is required. Year I ladies should wear formal, white or ivory dresses and white gloves. Year I gentlemen should wear black tie tuxedos. Year II ladies should wear formal black dresses and white gloves. Year II gentlemen should wear white dinner jackets and black tuxedo pants.

TUITION

Membership dues for Year I are $375 and include all costs for the training and balls. Dues for Year II are $395 include all costs for the training and ball plus a five-course instructional dinner. We highly recommend that you send in your reservation early, as class sizes are limited and are filled on a first- come, first served basis. Classes are filled according to the date the tuition is received. Tuition may be paid in full with the application or half with the application and the remaining half by October 15, 2024. Acceptance of the invitation and tuition payment must be received by October 15, 2024. There will be no refunds after October 16, 2024 except in the case of extraordinary circumstances such as moving or illness, in fairness to students who are placed on the waiting list. Monthly payments may be accepted; please contact the Director for details.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Members are required to conduct themselves at all times in accordance with the courtesies taught. The directors reserve the right to request the withdrawal of any lady or gentleman who fails to show progress in this area. At no time will the students be allowed to loiter around the facilities or in the restrooms.Parents of Junior Cotillion members have a standing invitation to observe one Junior cotillion session and are asked to chaperone one specified dance during the year. It is a joyous sight to see these young people in action.Parents are encouraged to stress the importance of prompt arrival and departure for each event

High School Cotillion

9th-12th Grade

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

ETIQUETTE 101 The first event of the season invites participants to meet new members, review the basics of etiquette, enjoy refreshments and skills practice, and dance. Discussion topics include Polite Conversation, Shaking Hands, Restaurant Etiquette, Party Courtesies, and Proper Seating and Escort Position.

THE STARTING POINT The second class guides students through learning both who they are and who they want to become through personality assessment, career planning, and goal setting.

CULTURAL EVENT / OUTING The cultural event is a “director’s choice” event that gives students the opportunity to practice social skills, including manners in public and polite conversation, with their friends at a fun, offsite event.

THE BUSINESS LUNCHEON EVENT Students are invited to learn from leaders in business, trade, and/or entrepreneurship on their path to success in a professional format. Students will have the opportunity address the panel with questions at the conclusion of the presentation.

TRANSITIONING FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE AND/OR THE WORK WORLD

Class Three continues the theme of preparing for adulthood but specifically focuses on students’ time and financial management. This class includes budgeting tools, realistic financial planning, and appointment tracking advice, as well as aid for students in navigating college applications.

SPRING SOCIAL The Spring Social is the culminating class for the High School Cotillion Program. Students will enjoy an evening of refreshments and dancing as they enjoy a final opportunity to socialize, dance, and practice party etiquette with friends.

APPROPRIATE DRESS

 All members are required to follow the Cotillion dress code for all events unless otherwise specified. Ladies should wear knee length dress or skirts and dress shoes. Gentlemen should wear dress pants, long sleeve dress shirt, tie, navy or black blazer, and dress shoes.

MEMBERSHIP DUES

Membership dues for the High School Cotillion are $425 for the season and includes all costs of the events scheduled. Dues may be paid in full with registration or one-half with registration and the remaining balance by October 1, 2023. There will be no refunds, except in the case of extraordinary circumstances like moving from the area or a serious illness.

STANDARD OF CONDUCT

Members are required to conduct themselves at all times in accordance with the courtesies taught. The directors reserve the right to request the withdrawal of any lady or gentleman who fails to show progress in this area. At no time will the students be allowed to drift around the facility or loiter in the restrooms. Parents of High School Cotillion members are asked to chaperone a specific event during the season. It is a joyous sight to see these young people in action. Parents are encouraged to stress the importance of prompt arrival and departure from each event.

Pre-Cotillion Pre-K-4th Grade

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

PRE-COTILLION I—(Grades Pre-K - 1st) offers instruction in the areas of basic manners in the home--appearances, introductions, sports manners and basic table manners, including such things as the proper way to eat soup, using a knife and fork--while introducing words and their meanings, referred to as power words, that will instill common courtesies throughout their lifetimes--thank you, you’re welcome, yes ma’am, no ma’am, yes sir, no sir, please, may I?, I’m sorry, and excuse me. We will have a birthday party for Peanuts complete with cake, presents, and thank-you notes taught in a manner that will emphasize the proper courtesies. An invitation will be sent home for parents to attend the last class, a graduation celebration, where all graduates will be awarded certificates. All etiquette taught is age-appropriate.

PRE-COTILLION II—(Grades 2nd-4th) offers continued instruction in the areas of introductions, sports manners, and basic table manners while exploring new areas, including making friends, keeping friends, writing correspondences, and school manners. Fast food manners will be practiced when refreshments are served in a fast food restaurant set-up. During the third class, students will learn dining in a nice restaurant complete with reservation, and menus. An invitation will be sent home for parents to attend the last class, a graduation celebration, in which all graduates will be awarded certificates. All etiquette taught is age-appropriate.

APPROPRIATE DRESS

All PRE-COTILLION™ sessions are dress-up affairs for which careful grooming is required. Hair should be neatly combed, fingernails clipped and clean, shoes polished, and so forth. No tennis shoes, rubber or crepe soles, please. Ladies should wear knee length, Sunday dresses or skirts and dress shoes. Gentlemen should wear khaki pants and shirt.  No athletic shoes, flip flops, or crocs, pleas

TUITION

Membership dues for all grades is $150. We highly recommend that you send in your reservation early as classes are limited and are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tuition may be paid in full with your registration or 1/2 with the registration and the remaining balance before class begins.  There will be no refunds except in extraordinary circumstances such as moving out of the area or a serious illness in fairness to students who are placed on the waiting list.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Members are required to conduct themselves at all times in accordance with the courtesies taught. The director reserve the right to request the withdrawal of any lady or gentleman who fails to show progress in this area. Parents of Pre-Cotillion members may be asked to chaperone a class. If you are interested, please contact me at 228-233-6554.Prompt arrival and departure for each event are encouraged.