The thank-you note etiquette I learned while going through Cotillion and the College Prep Etiquette course has proven especially useful while asking for letters of recommendation for the college application process. I have been able to use the manners I learned to politely ask for letters of recommendation, and also to send thank you notes afterwards. Furthermore, I’ve been able to utilize my thank-you note knowledge after college interviews. Mrs. Swindell’s dating etiquette has also helped me even in non-romantic relationships. I have learned how to politely ask my friends to hang out, which in my opinion, has resulted in me having more time with my friends—something I am incredibly grateful for. As a very extroverted person, I used to not know how to ask people to spend time with me, which made things a bit awkward for me and also made me a bit sad. Politely asking my friends what they would like to do at a specific time was something I learned through Cotillion, rather than asking, “Are you free?”. This has resulted in me having more interactions with my friends.
Cotillion and the College Prep Etiquette course has helped me in several ways. The manners and etiquette lessons have carried with me well into my senior year in high school. I have had interviews with several people for jobs, and the etiquette I learned at cotillion has helped me make an impact on my managers. The skills I’ve learned have also helped me prepare for college by teaching me how to appropriately draft emails and research colleges.
Mrs. Swindell’s Cotillion has been so great over the past few years. I have learned many valuable life skills, which have all reflected on who I have grown and am continuing to grow into as a person. Formal parties, dates, and just common social situation are so much less stressful because of her. Mrs. Swindell plans the classes so very well, and always know what to say. She makes every night we join her something to look forward to.
One of the most helpful things I learned from cotilion is how to have small talk with my peers. This is something that used to make me really nervous, especially during school, but after all the practice I’ve had from cotillion, it is something I hardly every struggle with.
I really appreciate the emphasis cotillion lessons place on writing thank you notes. A job interview, a gift received, a recommendation given all deserve a thank you note. During cotillion, students receive instruction on writing an appropriate thank you and then get real world practice. This often-overlooked soft skill is invaluable be it in the workplace, educational setting, or social realms.
I’ve used the lessons I’ve learned from cotillion in dinner etiquette. Recently, I attended a dinner where the dishes were set up for multiple courses. I remember how to carry myself from cutting the chicken to buttering the bread.
Cotillion was very much an eye-opener, and in addition to teaching me ballroom dance, it helped me learn key skills such as interview etiquette, formal dinner etiquette and more. Perhaps the most important part is that I will carry these skills with me for the rest of my life, which means they will not only aid me as a teenager, but also aid me through college and in my career.
My daughter has learned so much more than dance skills. The social skills she gained have really helped her get leadership positions and communicate with her teachers well. She’s excited to start year 4 of cotillion. We are looking forward to seeing what our 6th grade son learns this year!
I love the confidence that cotillion has given my girls. They are confident in the way they talk with adults now.
Both of my daughters have participated in all 4 years of the Bentonville-Rogers Junior Cotilion. It was the best investment I could have made in their development into young adults. I have gotten feedback from family and friends around me who said they can tell a difference in how they communicate and hold themselves in various situations. They learned how to read social cues and respond respectfully in various social and casual situations. Even though they would laugh about all the dances they learned, they said it was actually fun and still remember all these dances today. I highly recommend this experience for all upcoming 5th-9th graders.
What I have loved most is seeing her learn how to present herself to adults. She is extremely well-spoken, makes eye contact, smiles, and carries herself in a mature, respectful way. I have also loved watching her get dressed up and enjoy dancing with her friends. There are countless other aspects that attribute to what I love about your program, but he communication skills are definitely at my top.
Attending Cotillion has been such an amazing experience for me over the years. Other than the fun experience of dressing up and interacting with your peers, many of the lessons have already helped me in life. An example is writing a letter, making sure to have it addressed properly is something that have proven useful. Something I remember learning in my first year of Cotillion was with dealing with people I might have met before by always saying nice to see you, instead of nice to meet you. This has saved me from NUMEROUS awkward situations.
We absolutely love BRJC Cotillion. It has helped my son gain confidence and character. He loved getting together with a group of friends before and then gong to Cotillion. He was able to build great friendships with both boys and girls. I highly recommend Cotillion to all kids!”
The BRJC sessions have been such a benefit to my daughter. She has enjoyed all aspects of Mrs. Swindell’s’ vast knowledge of social dance, manners, and etiquette and with that came one of the most important realizations—confidence in herself. As parents, it’s been so wonderful to see! We are so thankful to have had this opportunity here in NW Arkansas.
Cotillion for me has been so beneficial, especially as I’ve gotten older. I’ve learned important skills that I have used in job interviews as well as the proper ways to interact with different people. Because of cotillion, I also know how to respond to emails well and I am able to communicate better online. I enjoy learning fun dances from around the world and having the opportunity to talk to many different people.
My husband and I made a concerted effort to tach our daughter social skills from a young age, and those skills were reinforced and nuanced through cotillion. Having another adult stress the value of showing gratitude and engaging other people in conversation and giving teenagers the opportunity to do so cemented the importance of etiquette that will last a lifetime.
Cotillion has not only provided my sons invaluable social and communication skills for a variety of real-life situations they will face or have faced, but it has also given them more confidence and ease when in social situations with the opposite gender.
One thing I believe that cotillion helped me with was being able to fit in when important occasions take place. With manners lessons, table customs, and ballroom dancing experiences I was set apart and impressed the hosts of my event.
I felt that cotillion helped my child to become someone who can succeed. With all the lessons that Mrs. Swindell teaches, her students are set apart from those who have no professional social skills. Cotillion is a great tool to help your child succeed later in college and eventually the rest of their life. I would definitely recommend it!