Welcome to International Academy of Cotillion

The course of Cotillion is set up as a 3-year program.

The First Year is American style Etiquette, the second year is European style Etiquette, and the final year is international style Etiquette, with each year building on itself in Etiquette, dancing and the art of communication for grades 5th through 12th.

Level 1 American Style

• Introductions
  
• Receiving lines
• Art of the conversation
• Table setting
• Table Manners/Dinning Etiquette
• Participation in group settings
• Phone Etiquette
• Paying and receiving complements
• Ending with a Ball and 3 course Meal
  

Level 3 Asian/Middle Eastern Style

• Introductions
  
• Table Settings
• Table Manners /How to use Chop sticks
• Seating arrangements
• Taking Tea and Toasting
• Customs and Traditions
• Restaurant Etiquette
• Ending with a Ball and 7 course meal
  

Level 2 European Style

• First Impressions
  
• European Table setting for 5 Course meal
  
• International style Dinning Etiquette
• Entering and exiting a Vehicle
• Writing a Thank you Card
• Teatime Etiquette
• Bow and Curtesy/ Customs/Titles and Ranks
• Etiquette for being a Guest and Host/Hostess
• Ending with a Ball and 5 course meal

Highschool will include the following Life Skills in their Level Class

• Dating Courtesies
  
• Interviewing for a scholarship/Job
• Making a Budget
• Understanding Credit
• Apply for a Loan
• Paying Bills
• Buying a Car
• Understanding Taxes
• How to start a Business
• Positive self esteem and handling peer pressure
  

IAC Frequently Asked Questions

Are the IAC Cotillions solely focused on dance classes?

The IAC Cotillions extend beyond dance classes; they serve as a comprehensive social education program that uses dance as a vehicle to impart essential social and character skills not typically covered in traditional educational settings. Students participating in our classes develop increased self-confidence, improved communication abilities, and enhanced interpersonal skills. The Cotillion program nurtures positive behaviors that lead to long-term benefits and foster meaningful connections. The program does not center around refreshments.

How does IAC select its instructors and what qualifications do they hold?

All IAC instructors undergo rigorous training under the guidance of the Founder before assuming teaching roles. These professionals are responsible for instructing elementary and middle school students, as well as mentoring high school students.

Can 5th-grade students effectively retain the skills learned in Cotillion?

Fifth-grade students possess the ability to retain a significant portion of the knowledge and skills acquired during their Cotillion classes. To reinforce these social skills, parents are encouraged to provide additional support. Moreover, considering that children absorb information at different rates based on their age, consecutive years of participation can lead to valuable skill reinforcement.

What emotional and social benefits do students gain from participating in Cotillion?

Participation in Cotillion often aligns with the formative years when children undergo physical changes and encounter social challenges. Involvement in a structured environment that emphasizes respect and consideration offers substantial emotional and social benefits to participants. Furthermore, our instructors ensure that classes are both enjoyable and interactive, allowing students to stay engaged while learning essential concepts through dance and other activities.

Do children's apprehensions towards interacting with the opposite gender receive adequate attention in a supportive and nurturing manner within this program?

The IAC programs prioritize inculcating politeness and respect, which extends to nurturing appropriate relationships with peers of the opposite sex. By integrating dance and etiquette sessions, we establish secure environments that promote healthy cross-gender interactions, fostering increased confidence and comfort.

What fundamental life skills can children gain through Cotillion that might not be emphasized in conventional academic settings?

Educators often encounter limited opportunities to address vital subjects like respect, courtesy, and empathy within the academic syllabus, despite their importance alongside core subjects. Cotillion serves as a platform to educate students on these values and essential life skills. Participants learn the significance of proper self-introduction, personal presentation, and basic table manners and etiquette. Armed with this knowledge, students can confidently navigate real-world situations with poise.

Is Cotillion a single-year program?

No, the IAC has meticulously structured a comprehensive three-year curriculum. Year one focuses on American Style Etiquette, progressing to European/Continental Style Etiquette in year two, and culminating in Asia/Middle Eastern Style Etiquette in year three. Each year builds upon the dance skills acquired in the previous year. Notably, over 80% of our students express a desire to participate annually. Moreover, children absorb and retain information differently at various developmental stages, emphasizing the importance of consistent involvement throughout the program for reinforcing educational outcomes.

Why do girls need to wear white gloves?

Regarding the necessity of girls wearing white gloves during Cotillion, the practice is not rooted in social norms or fashion conventions. Rather, the purpose behind the glove requirement is to facilitate a comfortable atmosphere for students to engage in hand-holding and dancing. Through our experience and feedback from participants, gloves have been found to alleviate tensions and enhance the enjoyment of dancing, particularly among younger attendees. Moreover, gloves serve as a hygienic measure by reducing the risk of illness transmission.

My child has a learning disability can they still participate?

For children with learning or physical disabilities, they are warmly welcomed to participate in Cotillion. Our organization has a history of successfully accommodating students with diverse needs, offering a rewarding experience for both instructors and participants. Parents are encouraged to reach out before the classes commence to discuss any necessary accommodations. Additionally, we recommend that one parent accompanies their child for the initial classes to ensure a constructive and pleasant Cotillion experience.

Can parents attend class?

In the context of parental involvement, while parents are invited to partake in the Final Ball event, where they can engage in dancing and other activities with their children, we also welcome parents to observe select classes, subject to space availability.

When you have extra girls do you allow them to dance together?

Regarding dance partners, our policy of not allowing students of the same gender to dance together is designed to teach the social skill of "cutting in." This practice encourages a dynamic dance floor by enabling students to have multiple partners throughout the session. By promoting partner rotations, we cultivate an inclusive environment where both boys and girls have the opportunity to engage and interact with various dance partners, fostering an ethos of equality and social agility.

what do you do if you have an uneven number of students?

When classes have a surplus of either gender, our committees strive to maintain a balanced representation of girls and boys. In instances where there is an excess of one gender, etiquette lessons are provided on the art of politely "cutting in." Moreover, both boys and girls are encouraged to invite partners of the opposite gender to dance, fostering inclusivity irrespective of gender ratios.

What music will be playing?

Regarding music selection, the Institute of Artistic Cotillion (IAC) curates a diverse range of music spanning from the 1920s to contemporary hits, including popular classics and current Top 100 tracks. Each musical piece undergoes meticulous scrutiny based on criteria such as appropriate lyrics, rhythmic suitability for dance instruction, diverse styles to nurture music appreciation, and national popularity based on sales data. The aim is to offer a selection that resonates with students, encompassing both traditional and contemporary artists.

Do you offer refunds?

Regarding refunds, our policy, clearly outlined on all Cotillion invitations and paperwork stipulates a strict no-refund policy, with rare exceptions made for extraordinary circumstances. This policy is upheld to ensure fairness to all students, including those on waiting lists.

Are younger siblings allowed in class?

While we delight in the presence of younger siblings of our students at Cotillion classes, we kindly request that parents supervise younger siblings, who are potential future Cotillion members. This arrangement allows our instructors to focus entirely on the registered students, ensuring a conducive learning environment where students can concentrate on their partners and instructors without distractions.

For more information on class details and locations

available in the San Diego area.

Email us at IACotillion@gmail.com