Cotillion Club of Sarasota strives to provide both instruction and experiences to help members learn and practice proper behavior in social settings. During the Cotillion year, which coincides with the school year, there are three semi-formal dinner-dances for the 8th, 9th and 10th grade Member groups. The Senior Cotillion group (11th and 12th Grade) has two semi-formal dinner-dances and closes the year with a "black-tie optional" dinner-dance in the Spring.
 ETIQUETTEThe original etiquette manuals of Western civilization were, in fact, success manuals. As author Steven Pinker notes, they taught knights and nobles how to conduct themselves in the court of the king—which is where we get the concepts of “courtly” and “courtesy.” Manners are standards of conduct and behavior which are not forced upon anyone yet help in distinguishing the polite from the impolite and the refined from the unrefined. Manners are laws that set standards for a human behavior. What sets them apart from laws is the fact that there is no formal punishment if you break these laws. You may only suffer from indirect punishment that is disapproval by public and society. Manners make a man/woman. You should be refined, polite, and civilized in your manners because they are the hallmark of an educated human being. |
MEMBERSHIPCotillion Club of Sarasota proudly welcomes eligible, school aged boys and girls who either reside or attend school in Sarasota County. Our organization is run by a working Board of Directors whose children are or have been members of Cotillion. With revolving, three-year terms, the Board Members generously volunteer their time, working thoughtfully to include the children and families of our community in the timeless mission of Cotillion. Great effort is made to represent all areas and schools in Sarasota County. To ensure that the intent and ethos of our mission is upheld to the highest standard possible, that every member enjoy a meaningful and lasting social experience and that as many families as possible be served, we are committed to personally knowing each and every member who is part of Cotillion. For this reason, we have personalized criterion for admitting new Members and retaining existing ones. More Details |  PURPOSECotillion Club of Sarasota was established in 1951 by a group of Sarasota parents as a learning experience in social etiquette for their children and friends. This idea started with a few children in attendance. We now have over 1000 Members throughout Sarasota County from various schools. Cotillion Club of Sarasota has established a set of Core Values that we believe dictate the basis by which we conduct ourselves as an organization. These Core Values set the framework for the principles of Cotillion. We strive to instill these values in our Cotillion Members throughout their time in our organization. Cotillion Club of Sarasota strives to provide both instruction and experiences to help Members learn and practice proper behavior in social settings. Each Member is required to follow the Rules of Cotillion. New Members are required to attend an orientation session in the Fall before the season begins; this session is required for participation in the dinner-dances. During the Cotillion year, which coincides with the school year, there are three semi-formal dinner-dances for the 8th grade, 9th grade and 10th grade Cotillion groups. The Senior Cotillion group (11th and 12th Grade) has two semi-formal dinner-dances and closes the year with a "black-tie optional" dinner-dance in the Spring. |
