Cotillion 2026
What is Cotillion?
In the United States, Cotillion has evolved into a program where young adults learn etiquette and appropriate social behavior, often paired with dance instruction to practice introductions, confidence, and social interaction. It is traditionally offered to students as they enter a pre-adult or pre-dating stage, helping them feel more comfortable and confident in formal and semi-formal settings.
At Heritage Middle School, the PTSA organizes and hosts the Sixth Grade Cotillion in the SAC/Cafeteria. Students attend four Friday evenings in January, each featuring professional dance instruction and an etiquette lesson. Each week introduces a new dance style and focuses on skills such as introductions, dining manners, phone and email etiquette, and respectful social interaction.
2026 Cotillion Schedule
January 9 | 6–8 PM – Western
January 16 | 6–8 PM – Sock Hop
January 23 | 6–8 PM – Disco
January 30 | 6–8 PM – Red Carpet Hollywood
Students are encouraged to dress in themed attire for each evening, though it is not required. Semi-formal attire (dresses, slacks, and ties encouraged) is requested for the final night. Click here to see theme night examples.
Each Cotillion registration includes four nights of professional dance instruction, etiquette instruction, food, and a fun, social experience with classmates.
NOTE - if not showing up, please check to see that you are logged in and your student is assigned to your PTSA parent profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Etiquette?
Etiquette is a code of behavior that outlines expectations for social behavior according to contemporary conventional norms within a society, social class or a group. in other words: Good Manners
Do I have to ask a boy/girl to be my "date"?
No. This is a group event. The instructor will pair participants with a dance partner which will change about every five minutes.
Why should I attend Cotillion?
As you get older, you may be asked to attend formal events and parties. It is more fun and comfortable to attend these functions if you know how to present yourself and dance to the music played. Cotillion 2025 is a very fun way to learn all the appropriate etiquette!
Do I have to wear a ball gown/tuxedo?
No, there is a specific theme each week, making each Friday fun and something to look forward to. For example, you can wear jeans, boots and a hat for Western Night. For the finale, we would like the young ladies to wear a special dress and the young men to wear dress pants/khakis, a button down shirt and a tie.
The GCISD Council of PTAs Chic Boutique offers dressy, semi formal, and formal attire for girls and boys.
Also, consider joining the GCISD Cotillion Swap Facebook Group to lend, trade, or borrow accessories for each theme night.
A note from the 2026 Cotillion Chair...
Friday, January 9th, is our first night of Cotillion.
-
We look forward to seeing the boys at 5:45pm and the girls at 6:00pm.
-
Please ENTER through the FRONT DOORS of the building Boys will come out to the front and escort girls into the building upon their arrival.
-
Please PICK UP will be at the FRONT DOORS at 8:00pm
-
Please note that only volunteers that are registered to help will be permitted into Cotillion. All other parents/caregivers will drop off and pick up according to the times listed. Please be on the lookout for volunteer sign ups and complete the GCISD background check if needed.
-
Light snacks will be provided so please plan accordingly
-
Student cell phones ARE NOT PERMITTED. Please have your students leave their cell phones at home. Any cell phones that students bring will be collected at check-in, labeled, locked up and returned to them at the end of the night. We will have designated volunteer photographers taking photos throughout the night and will be shared back out to you.
-
Another reminder will be sent closer to the event date.
Please email me at hmscotillion@broncoptsa.org if for some reason your child is going to arrive late or must leave early. We will make arrangements to have them ready, or for someone to meet them. Please also let me know if your student has any food allergies that we should be aware of.
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to ask!
Meghan Decker
Sixth Grade Cotillion Chair
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteer sign up genius coming soon....
Note: All volunteers must have a current background check on file. These must be renewed every year to volunteer on all GCISD Campuses. Submit for Background Check
