The cotillion (also cotillon or French country dance) is a social dance, popular in 18th-century Europe and America. Originally for four couples in square formation, it was a courtly version of an English country dance, the forerunner of the quadrille and, in the United States, the square dance.
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What is another terminology or word for cotillion?
festivity, fete. (or fête), gala, masque.
What is a cotillion in English?
1 : a ballroom dance for couples that resembles the quadrille. 2 : an elaborate dance with frequent changing of partners carried out under the leadership of one couple at formal balls. 3 : a formal ball.
Why is it called a cotillion?
The word cotillion was first used in 18th-century France and England to describe a group dance that is considered to be a forebearer of the square dance (à la the dancing in Pride and Prejudice). This specific dance came to be considered a good finale for any ball, which seems to translate well to its use today.
What does cotillion symbolize?
Cotillions are balls held to present debutantes to their community. The traditional event represents coming of age. After multiple months of practice and bonding experiences, a group of young women and their escorts impress a crowd of formally dressed individuals with the waltz.
Is cotillion still a thing?
For many people who grow up in the south, cotillion classes are a rite of passage. Today, these classes aren’t usually part of the school curriculum. But they’re still popular today as they’re a great opportunity for children to learn polite manners and habits that are highly valued in society.
What kind of dance is a cotillion?
square dance
The cotillion (also cotillon or French country dance) is a social dance, popular in 18th-century Europe and America. Originally for four couples in square formation, it was a courtly version of an English country dance, the forerunner of the quadrille and, in the United States, the square dance.
What is the name for etiquette classes?
While the word cotillion was originally used in 18th-century France and England to describe a group dance that often served as a finale for balls, these days and in the South, the term typically refers to etiquette classes for the elementary or middle school set.
Is cotillion a southern thing?
What Is Cotillion? It’s this dedication to good manners and common courtesy, perhaps, that’s made cotillion such a mainstay of Southern culture, where commitment to gracious behavior reigns supreme.
What is high school cotillion?
The Teen Cotillion is a 16-week, co-ed comprehensive program for young men (beaus) and women (debs) ages 15 to 18 (high school students), that runs annually from January–May. The program involves the entire family.
What age is cotillion for?
It’s going to depend a lot on where it’s being put on, but one common feature of these is what is called the debuting of young women who range in age from 16 to 21. It marks their official entry into society as respected members. These balls weren’t always about just this.
The cotillion (also cotillon or “French country dance”) is a social dance, popular in the late 18th-century and early 19th-century in Europe and America.
Is debutante still a thing?
Débutante balls exist in nearly every major city in the United States. They occur more frequently and are larger affairs in the American South. The Christmas Cotillion in Savannah, Georgia, first held in 1817, is the oldest débutante ball in the United States.
What do you wear to a cotillion?
Cotillion dresses: Should be appropriately dressy (semi-formal or formal) as indicated on the invitation. Hemlines should be longer than the lady’s fingertips when her arm is extended by her side, even while dancing.
What is taught in cotillion?
The cotillion three-year curriculum includes elocution; proper seating; how to be a polite guest; introducing yourself; how to compliment someone sincerely; greeting people; how to make a proper toast, and dances, such as the waltz, cha-cha and swing.
What is a male debutant called?
Debut presentat ions vary by regional culture and are also frequent ly referenced as “debutante balls,” “cotillion balls,” or “comingout” parties. The male equivalent is often referred to as “beautillion ball.”
Do you give a debutante a gift?
Guests are not expected to give gifts to the debutante. However, if guests wish to do something, sending a bouquet of flowers to the young lady’s home prior to the event is most acceptable.
How can my daughter become a debutante?
Debutante Guidelines
- In order to qualify as a debutante, the young woman must be approximately between 16 and 22 years of age.
- A Debutante Fee of $500.00 is required from the parent(s) of each debutante.
- Rehearsals for the White and Red Ball will start after the New Year.
What is a black cotillion?
MEMPHIS, Tenn — A debutante cotillion is the introduction of a young woman into society. The tradition has been traced as far back as the early 1600’s. Over centuries, it has changed tremendously. Local 24 News Reporter, Brittani Moncrease, shows us how Black organizations have helped reshape the debutante culture.
What are 3 types of dances that happened at cotillions?
In previous papers we’ve investigated some of the figures used in Cotillion dancing (Allemande, Pousette, Promenade), and their subsequent adoption into English Country Dancing; we’ve also investigated the origins of the Quadrille dance and how Quadrilling evolved from Cotillion dancing.
What age is a debutante?
between 16 and 18 years of
Ages of debutantes vary across history, but generally fall between 16 and 18 years of age.