The following list will answer questions you may have about our Club. If further explanation is required, please contact one of the Directors listed on our Contact Page.

When are new Member names due to be included in the invitation list to join? Each year, nominations for new Members must be submitted by a Director to the Board by February 28th for the upcoming season. Parents are encouraged to be proactive and contact a Director any time prior to that date who knows your child and ask them to sponsor him/her.

Are siblings of past/existing Cotillion Members automatically added to the list to join Cotillion? No, each child is expected to obtain their own sponsor to submit their name to be invited to join. All parents are strongly encouraged to be proactive and clarify if their own children are on the invitation list to join before nominations are closed February 28th.

When are invitations to join Cotillion mailed?

Each year, nominations for new Members must be submitted by a Director by February 28th for the upcoming season. Therefore, children who are in the 7th grade are eligible for 8th Grade Cotillion the upcoming Fall. Parents are encouraged to be proactive and contact a Director prior to that date who knows your child and ask them to sponsor him/her.

For the prior Members in good standing, invitations will be mailed by March 15th. New Members in rising groups 8-12 grade will be sent invitations April 1. The Cotillion season coincides with the school year (August - May).

I just moved to this area but would like my child to join Cotillion, is that possible?
If you are new to the area, have an eligible student, and have not yet had a chance to become acquainted with any of the current or former Board Director, please contact the Vice President of Membership.

I go to a private school in Sarasota, but I live in Manatee County. Can I join Cotillion Club of Sarasota?
The Cotillion Club is for children who live in Sarasota County or attend a school in Sarasota County. Since you attend school in Sarasota County, you may join our Club.

Once my child has joined the Cotillion Club, is his/her membership automatically renewed each season?
No, a child is invited to join Cotillion for a season only. Each year, invitations to renew their membership for the upcoming season are mailed to individuals who participated the previous year unless they have an outstanding infraction.

Who can sponsor or nominate a child to join Cotillion?
Only a current or past Member of the Cotillion Board of Directors who has previously served for a minimum of two full Cotillion seasons may sponsor a child.

If my daughter is in Cotillion, can I sponsor another child to join?
You may not sponsor a child to join Cotillion unless you have served on our Board of Directors.

I was told my child would receive an invitation to join Cotillion, but she didn't receive one. What do I do?

At any time during the year, you may contact the Vice President of Membership,  to confirm whether your child's name is on the invitation list to join Cotillion. Parents must be proactive to ensure their child is listed because the Club fills very quickly.

How can I confirm if my child is on the invitation list to join Cotillion?
You are welcome to contact the Vice President of Membership, or sponsor to confirm whether your child is on the invitation list for the upcoming season.

My son was in Cotillion last year, why is he on the "wait list"?
Regardless if you were a Cotillion Member in the past, responses to join each season are considered in the order they are received. This is clearly stated on the invitation to join the Club. We allow children entry into our Club each year in the order their documents were received (first come, first serve). Very often, the Club fills within 14 days of the invitations being mailed. We encourage you to register online immediately. Each group often fills weeks before the final R.S.V.P. date listed on the invitation to join.

Why is my child on the "wait list"?
Regardless if you were a Cotillion Member in the past, responses to join each season are considered in the order they are received. This is clearly stated on the invitation to join the Club. Each year, we mail over 1,300 invitations to Sarasota County children who were sponsored by an existing/former Member of our Board of Directors. Those children who return their Membership Card and dues first are accepted into the Club. Once the Club maximum number of participants is reached, we place the remainder of the children on a "wait list". In the event a Member drops out or is removed, we contact those children on the wait list in the order their documents were received.

I was in Cotillion last year and my friend was not.  How come he got in this year, but I'm on the "wait list"? Regardless if you were a Cotillion Member in the past, responses to join each season are considered in the order they are received. While it's true returning Members receive invitations two weeks in advance of new Members, if you do not accept your invitation during that period, and your friend responds promptly, you could possibly be waitlisted. This is clearly stated on the invitation to join the Club.

I used to receive an invitation to join Cotillion, but I do not any longer. Why?
An invitation to join Cotillion is sent to individuals each year until it is declined. At that time, we remove the individual's name from our invitation list. If an individual would like to be placed on the active invitation list again, they must contact the Vice President of Membership.

Why can't you allow all children who return their Membership Cards before the RSVP deadline into Cotillion?
Our membership is limited due to the fire codes and occupancy restrictions of the venues used for our dances. It is very difficult to locate and reserve large enough venues that can handle our groups. We must plan on a maximum number of members attending each dance and ensure each venue can accommodate that amount.