Lantana Jr. Cotillion

Lantana Junior Cotillion

by Brooke Ezzo

Established in 1989, the National League of Junior Cotillions (NLJC) is an organization that believes in intentionally teaching children in our community confidence, courtesy, and the social skills necessary for success.

From humble beginnings in North Carolina, founder Anne Colvin Winters took her passion for community involvement and education and created a program where children were not only learning social dances but were being taught foundational life skills.

Today, the National League of Junior Cotillions consists of a team of over 100 directors nationwide, operating 300 cotillion chapters in over 30 states. Two of those dedicated directors operate the Lantana chapter.

Jayne Smith is a licensed director for the National League of Corporate Cotillions,

NLJC in 1997, since moving to Texas in 2008 she has started the Flower Mound and Southlake Chapters. In 2016 she started the Lantana chapter.

Lisa Leymeister became a licensed director for the National League of Junior Cotillions Northwest Chapters in 2012 and joined Jayne in the Lantana Chapter.

“I am so proud to be a part of the NLJC family,” Jayne said. “Working with the middle school students is such a pleasure. We are giving them skills that will serve them a lifetime.”

Junior Cotillion is for students in grades 6-8. Students are provided a safe place to learn without any peer pressure, since everyone is learning at the same time in the same way.

The 6th grade program targets the correct interaction between ladies and gentlemen, how to treat one another, and what to expect from each other in a social situation. The curriculum includes: confidence building, first impressions, strong handshakes, body language, manners in the home, setting a table, Thank You notes, cell phone etiquette, basic ballroom dances, and much more.

“We are giving the students skills to give themselves confidence by knowing the proper thing to do in social situations,” Jayne said.

The 7th and 8th grade program covers the same basics as the 6th graders but moves on to topics they will need in high school and beyond. This includes scholarship and job interviews, tipping, travel and theatre etiquette, tying a tie, social media safety, and more advanced dance instruction.

The Cotillion year concludes with a formal ball held at Texas Motor Speedway where students show off the skills they learned during the year. It is a formal event with ladies in white and black dresses and gloves, and gentlemen in Tuxedos.

“I believe strongly in the principles that we teach: honor, dignity, and respect for others,” Jayne said. “Those traits will serve you well your entire life.”

The Lantana Chapter is holding a parent reception on Tuesday, March 24th at 7:00pm at the Lantana Golf Club. 800 Golf Club Dr. Parents who are interested in Jr. Cotillion are encouraged to come and hear an overview of the program, ask questions, and have the opportunity to register for the next Cotillion year.