cotillions
Formal society dances
Cotillions are formal balls or elaborate dances, especially those introducing young people to society.
The word originally referred to a specific 18th-century French group dance with intricate figures and partner exchanges.
In American usage, a cotillion typically means a debutante ball where young women are formally presented: She made her debut at the winter cotillion.
The term now carries associations with Southern tradition and upper-class ritual.
Formally introduced young woman
- waltzDance in three-quarter time
- ballroomVenue for formal dances
- formalFollowing strict protocol
- choreographyDesigning performance movement sequences
partners · promenade · figures · grand march · bow · curtsy · presentation · society
Formal introduction to society
- coming-outPublic declaration of identity
- societyOrganized communal human existence
- presentationFormal display to viewers
- white gownPale formal garment
escorts · fathers · daughters · introduction · elite · aristocracy · finishing school · social register
Private recreational membership facility
- belleReigning social beauty
- antebellumBefore a war's start
- traditionCustom passed through generations
- charm schoolManners instruction program
manners · propriety · plantation · old money · heritage · refinement · grace · tea dance
Instruction in choreographed movement
- teenageOf youth, 13-19
- formal attireDressy occasion clothing
- etiquette trainingEducation in proper conduct
- social skillsAbility to interact well
middle school · parents · chaperoned · awkward · first dance · dress code · instruction · practice
debutante
Formally introduced young woman
choreography · partners · promenade · figures · grand march · bow · curtsy · presentation · society · formations
debutante ball
Formal introduction to society
- coming-outPublic declaration of identity
- societyOrganized communal human existence
- presentationFormal display to viewers
white gown · escorts · fathers · daughters · introduction · elite · aristocracy · finishing school · social register · high society
country club
Private recreational membership facility
- belleReigning social beauty
- antebellumBefore a war's start
- traditionCustom passed through generations
charm school · manners · propriety · plantation · old money · heritage · refinement · grace · tea dance · garden party
dance class
Instruction in choreographed movement
- teenageOf youth, 13-19
- formal attireDressy occasion clothing
- etiquette trainingEducation in proper conduct
social skills · middle school · parents · chaperoned · awkward · first dance · dress code · instruction · practice · gymnasium
- high societygossip, socialites, socialite, aristocrats, aristocrat
- Southern culturesweet tea, grits, fried chicken, front porch, barbecue
- parlor musicpiano music, sentimental ballads, piano solos, vocal solos, waltzes
- Victorian etiquettecalling hours, visiting cards, chaperoning, propriety, decorum
- socializingmingle, mingles, mingling, party, parties
- eliteelite, elites, aristocrats, nobility, best
cotillionsmosh pits
Chaotic concert dance areas
raves · keggers · warehouse parties · house parties · block parties
cotillionsstreet parties
Outdoor communal neighborhood celebrations
honky-tonks · all-ages shows · free concerts · open mic nights · street fairs