Cotillion
FAQ
Q: Are cotillion programs just about dance?
A: Not at Carolina Junior Cotillions. While our ballroom and social dance programs are a fundamental part of what we do, we also place special emphasis on improving social skills and dining skills. Ultimately, our goal is to help all of our students gain an appreciation for the importance of social graces, achieve confidence in their ability to thrive in social situations and learn to optimize their individual potential.
Q: What makes Carolina Junior Cotillions different?
A: We believe we’re different from other cotillion organizations in three important respects: (1) We remain committed to serving a limited number of markets and serving them well; (2) We leverage exclusive, time-tested instruction methods developed by our organization’s founder, Ann B. Cherry; and, perhaps most important, (3) We place a special emphasis on creating a fun, dynamic environment for learning.
Q: What markets does your organization serve?
A: Though our classes are held in Kinston, we serve students in Craven, Duplin, Greene, Lenoir, Pitt, and Wayne counties.
Q: When students successfully complete your programs, what do they learn?
A: Through our seven-part cotillion program, participants learn how to:
- Exhibit respect for themselves and others
- Observe small courtesies
- Make a good first impression
- Behave properly in social settings
- Make others feel at ease
- Feel comfortable in a formal atmosphere
Q: Who can attend Carolina Junior Cotillion programs?
A: Through an extensive network cultivated throughout eastern North Carolina during a three-decade period, we recruit fifth-, sixth-, and seventh- graders of both genders to participate in our program. Each year, we also offer a limited number of scholarships for students who are financially disadvantaged.
Q: Once my child has been invited to participate, how do I complete program registration?
A: You’ll be provided with registration information and procedures in your invitation. We highly recommend that you send in your registration early, since class sizes are limited and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q: How much do Carolina Junior Cotillion programs cost?
A: Our program fees for the 2019-20 season are $225 if paid in FULL on or before August 31 or $250 if paid on or after September 1 (that is, any full or balance due payments received after August 31 incur a $25 late fee). Online payments are no longer accepted for our Kinston Location. You may submit a $75 deposit in advance, with the remainder ($150) due by August 31 (please be sure to include your child’s name and grade on the bottom of your check). We also offer a $50 discount for two or more students enrolling from the same family.
Q: What’s your refund policy?
A: Sorry, but in fairness to students who are placed on the wait list, we can not issue refunds after August 31 unless: (1) you are assigned to the wait list because of a gender imbalance; or (2) you have extraordinary circumstances arise in your family (as would be the case if your family were to move, be transferred, or if a family member had a serious illness).
Q: When will I get final details on this year’s schedule?
A: All final registration information will be mailed in August. If you paid in full, you’ll just receive a postcard reminder with our schedule. If you have a remaining balance, you’ll receive a balance due statement. (Please be sure to return the card and your final payment by August 31. Full or balance due payments received on or after September 1 will incur a $25 late fee.)
Q: What’s your cotillion wait-list policy?
A: We only add students to a wait list when absolutely necessary to achieve the right gender balance (we strive to have exactly the same numbers of ladies and gentleman participate, so that everyone will have a dance partner). You can read more about our wait-list policies here.
Q: Do your programs have a dress code?
A: Yes, but it varies by type of event (dining skills or casual, nice casual or semi-formal dances). See additional information on our dress code here.
Q: Can I attend my child’s programs or bring guests?
A: Parents may observe from designated areas, but we can not accommodate student guests.
Q: Can I take pictures during a program?
A: We retain a professional photographer twice during each program year to capture high-quality images of the students participating in our programs. Out of respect for our instructors and students, no videography is permitted during a Carolina Junior Cotillions. (Mobile phone use is also prohibited during events.)
Q: What happens in case of inclement weather?
A: Should hazardous conditions require the cancellation of class, parents will be notified via email by 2:00 p.m. Announcements will also be posted on our website’s ‘Inclement Weather‘ tab as well as our Facebook and Instagram page.
Q: Can I join a carpool with other parents?
A: Sure, just please be sure to arrive 10 minutes before your session to allow students adequate time to prepare for the program.
Q: How can I stay current with what’s happening at Carolina Junior Cotillions?
A: Please keep an eye on our website and like us on Facebook and Instagram!