How to Plan a Cotillion Dance

A cotillion dance is a party where attendees learn the proper techniques and etiquette for fine dining and ballroom dancing. If you would like to hold your own cotillion dance, there are a few important factors to keep in mind as you plan it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flowers
• Linens
• Formal dinnerware
• Centerpiece
• CDs of dance music

1. Find a venue for your cotillion dance. It is best to find a party location that has both a dance floor and a large dining area. If you plan on holding the party in your home, make sure you have plenty of room for dancing and enough tables and chairs for your guests. As long as there is enough square footage, it is possible to convert almost any space into a cotillion dance venue.

2. Hire a dance instructor if you are not an experienced dancer. Traditionally, the party planner acts as the dance instructor at the cotillion dance, you can hire a pro. Decide what dances you would like to teach at the party, and work with the dance instructor to learn each routine in enough detail to assist him.

3. Decorate the party venue with flowers and fine linens. Cotillion dances usually feature formal décor, so do your best to create an elegant atmosphere for your guests. The decorations set the tone for your entire event. Buy nice flowers and other upper-end materials.

4. Set each table with a linen tablecloth, formal dinnerware and a centerpiece of flowers or candles. You will be teaching your guests proper dining etiquette, so it is essential that you have fine silverware, plates, glasses and starched-cloth napkins for a meal with at least three separate courses. Provide a name card for each of your guests, so that everyone will feel encouraged to socialize during the dance.

5. Program the music for your audience. Incorporate modern music, such as hip-house, and dance routines with the classics during your cotillion dance. Though cotillion dances usually focus on ballroom dancing, a more contemporary approach may help keep your younger guests engaged in the lessons.

6. Open the dancing portion of the evening with a simple dance routine, such as the foxtrot or the waltz. This will make even the less experienced dancers among your guests feel more comfortable. Move on to more advanced dance routines as your guests become more confident.