Welcome

Welcome to the National League of Junior Cotillions North Austin/Cedar Park/Leander Chapter 

We have been providing Cotillion classes to middle school students in the Williamson County area for over 30 years! 

CHECK OUT THIS GREAT ARTICLE FEATURING OUR MOST RECENT COTILLION SEASON! CLICK HERE TO VIEW.

PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM HERE TO BE ADDED TO OUR 2025 - 2026 EMAIL DISTRIBUTION LIST.

The North Austin/Cedar Park/Leander Chapter classes are held at Balcones Country Club.  We are the only Cotillion program that hosts all of our classes and end of year Ball at Balcones Country Club. Our program consists of life skills, etiquette, and social dance training for middle school ladies and gentlemen. We offer classes for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students in the Austin area. We promote good manners and teach skills that are useful and relevant to today's teens lives, while having fun along the way! Etiquette isn't just about knowing how to hold your pinky while sipping tea anymore. Cotillion is about feeling confident and comfortable, while making others around you feel the same way in every social situation.

Our Cotillion classes are a mix of life skills, etiquette instruction and formal dance training including the cha cha, fox trot, waltz,  swing, salsa, two step, cotton eyed joe and several line dances. Dances are taught using current music. The social and life skills education components of the program include rules of proper cell phone courtesy, acknowledgments of gifts, introductions, hand shakes, participating in group settings, the art of conversation, paying and receiving compliments, sports etiquette, first impressions, dress code for all occasions, manners in the home and in public places, table manners, formal place settings, styles of dining including American, Asian, and Continental, skills involved in being a guest, hostess or host, and MANY other areas of social behavior! Other topics covered are the ethics involved in the areas of having honor, dignity, respect, honesty, fairness, a caring attitude, and accountability.

The Cotillion season for the 2024 - 2025 school year will run from August through November and consists of five classes and the annual Black and White Ball. Classes are held on one Thursday a month and are divided by grade level, with a balanced number of boys and girls in each class. The once a month flexible schedule allows families to participate in sports and other activities with ease! Make up classes are always available with our sister Chapters.

The maximum number of students per class for this season is 60. 30 gentleman and 30 ladies. Classes are filled on a first come, first serve basis giving priority to returning families, legacy siblings and Balcones Country Club members. 

General Program Information

Benefits to Your Child
- Increase in self-confidence
- Development of social and conversation skills
- Awareness of the importance of manners and etiquette
- Looks wonderful on High School Honor Society and college application

Tuition Rates for the 2024 - 2025 Season (All Inclusive)
6th grade: $395
7th and 8th grade: *$450
* 7th and 8th grade tuition includes a 5-course formal instructional dinner at the Black and White Ball

Each class introduces new etiquette and dance instruction. Tuition includes:

(5): 1.5 hour classes
Etiquette, life skills, and dance training
NLJC student booklet and reference guide
Refreshments during class
Prizes during the classes
Invitation to the Black & White Ball
5- course formal instructional dinner at the Ball (7th & 8th graders only)

Refund Policy
Refunds will only be given to families moving or under extreme circumstances in fairness to those on the waitlist. Refunds cannot be given for scheduling conflicts as dates for the season are posted 6 months in advance. 

Class Times

6th Grade: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

7th & 8th Grade: 7:15 - 8:45 p.m.

Director Contact Information
Phone: 512-785-7068
Email: [email protected]

Announcements

PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM HERE TO BE ADDED TO OUR 2025 - 2026 EMAIL DISTRIBUTION LIST.

About Director

Director Alexandra Starnes has been involved with the National League of Junior Cotillions for 20 years. She started the Junior Cotillion program as a shy, skeptical 6th grader but soon blossomed into a confident young adult. After attending all three years of Junior Cotillion, Mrs. Starnes was invited to be a student assistant and worked with NLJC throughout her high school years. Upon graduation, Mrs. Starnes tried out for the world-famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and was selected to the elite team. During her time in Dallas she accepted the position to be the NLJC Assistant Director of the Travis County Chapters. She received her dance education degree and teacher certification from Texas State University, specializing in drill team directing. She believes the National League of Junior Cotillions program has the ability to guide students into becoming well-mannered,  savvy young adults who will positively impact their communities for years to come. Alexandra is entering her 10th season as a Director with NLJC. She is the owner and Director of the Travis County and Williamson County Chapters.