A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR: Jon D. Williams Cotillion (Social Skills and Etiquette Training) at the Wayzata Country Club

A big Wayzata.com welcome and thank you to Jon D. Williams Cotillions as a sponsor. The Cotillions are social education opportunities and training that are held nationally, and are coming to the Wayzata Country Club on the following dates:

4th – 5th Grades (Sundays 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.)
April 19 Opening Class
April 26 Ladies Choice
May 3 Theme Party – to be determined by students
May 17 Table Etiquette & Class
May 31 Final Party & Parent’s Night
Registration has begun
View Schedule or Register Here

6th – 8th Grades (Sundays 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.)
April 19 Opening Class
April 26 Ladies Choice
May 3 Theme Party – to be determined by students
May 17 Table Etiquette & Class
May 31* Dinner Dance & Final Party/Parent’s Night 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Registration has begun
View Schedule or Register Here

S.E.E. Survival Etiquette Essentials – 9th – 12th Grades (Sundays 7:45 – 9:45 p.m.)
April 26, 2009
May 3, 2009
May 17, 2009, Dinner Dance
registration has begun
View Schedule or Register Here

Here is some substantial information about the Courses that Jon D. Williams Cotillions puts on:

co.til.lion \k-o/til/yen \ also co.til.lon \k-o/til/yen, k. o/t-e/ (y)-on\ n [F cotillion, Lit., petticoat, fr. OF, fr. cote coat] 1: a ballroom dance for couples that resembles the quadrille 2: an elaborate dance with frequent changing of partners carried out under the leadership of one couple at formal balls 3: To assemble a group of young people to develop, appreciate and respect their role in society through dance and social etiquette education.

There are several definitions for the term cotillion, but for thousands of young people in the United States the Jon D. Williams Cotillions hold a very special meaning. Once a year, the Denver-based Company bring their cotillion programs to different cities where students of all ages develop better communication, better socialization and dance skills that will have a positive impact throughout their lifetimes.

The Jon D. Williams Cotillions are social education programs, where students from the elementary grades through the university level learn the art of social dance and “survival” etiquette. From the traditional elegance of American and Latin dances to the electrifying beat of the latest contemporary variations, the Jon D. Williams Cotillions offer one of the most unique and extensive programs in the country.

Dance education develops grace, poise, posture and carriage. It contributes to personality and character by building a foundation for future interpersonal relationships and social awareness.

Having good manners and being able to properly present oneself is no longer a luxury, but a necessity in today’s increasingly competitive society. It enables individuals to feel comfortable with themselves, with others, to communicate better, and to set a leadership example in school, in business or in any social situation. Understanding proper etiquette and deportment is becoming a mandatory social reality that promotes personal growth, confidence and self-esteem.

In a progressive world where definitions are often lost, words such as courtesy, sensitivity, and respect often overlooked – the Jon D. Williams Cotillions stands as a model in educating the young to enjoy, appreciate and respect their role in society.

The Jon D. Williams Cotillions were established to renew the traditional values of the past and translate them into the social demands of today. An emphasis is placed on creating an educational environment that instructs young people through active participation, role modeling, team play, cooperation, and, most importantly, having fun in the process!

The program is progressive and contemporary. As Jon D. Williams III, President of the organization, states: “The days of the stuffy, cloistered dance classes are over. By educating our students in a party atmosphere, learning becomes a positive, enjoyable experience; an experience that our students can put to practical use the next time they are introducing themselves, or the next time an adult stops by the family table in a restaurant. And of course, they will also be dance stars at the next family wedding. These are practical skills that our students will use their entire lives; skills that will make them feel comfortable anywhere, from a school social to the White House.”

Annually updated, the curriculum is designed to reflect each student’s individual needs. For new students, more attention is offered in teaching the basics in order to develop a strong foundation. For students who have participated in the past, a more intricate and advanced course is taught with an emphasis on style, form and application.

DANCE EDUCATION

Students in the Cotillion learn a wide-range of traditional and contemporary dances. The program emphasizes that dance is a form of art, humanity, and an inherent part of our culture – it is also a sport that involves athletic ability coordination, timing and teamwork. Students learn how to properly address their partners, positioning, footwork and execution. In the process they learn how to feel comfortable and confident, how to extend an invitation to dance, introduce one another, cut in, serve refreshments, and how to properly seat and be seated with their partners.

The various dances span a diverse range of cultures and generations that can be easily interpreted to almost any dance or music situation. They include: Traditional – Foxtrot, Waltz; Contemporary – Swing Hustle, Electric Slide, Line Dancing; Latin – Cha Cha, Samba, Tango, Rumba; Theme – Jitterbug, Twist, Charleston; Country Western – two/three step, Heel-toe Polka, Cotton-eyed Joe, Line; and Group – Virginia reel, Conga, Bunny Hop and others.

SOCIAL EDUCATION

Today parents, teachers, and business leaders are recognizing the importance of having skills in communication and socialization. The Jon D. Williams Cotillions are dedicated to instructing their students in developing better communication and social etiquette skills. This education is instrumental in preparing students for future social, college, business and career opportunities.

Regardless of social or economic background, developing self-confidence, pride, sensitivity and social responsibility will create a foundation for success. The cotillion program motivates young people to conduct themselves from a point of good will, with an acute sense of self-control and propriety. An emphasis is placed on the humanistic qualities of being considerate to others, courteous, and understanding that having good manners is a form of leadership.

Subject matter that constitutes part of the program includes:

The Purpose of Manners, Common Courtesy and Respect for Others, How To Introduce Yourself, The Art of Conversation, First Impressions, Table Etiquette and Table Manners.

FEATURED FOR EXCELLENCE

The Jon D. Williams Cotillions have been featured by major television news networks and national publications, including ABC World Weekend News, NBC, CBS and BBC Affiliates, The Dallas Morning News, The Denver Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Boston Globe, and The Washington Times. Currently JDWC programs are being conducted for over 8,000 students in 50 cities throughout the United States. Click here to see the news article reprints.

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