Town And Country Cotillion

Town & Country Cotillion teaches ballroom dancing and social etiquette to middle school students in grades 6, 7 and 8. The program has been a Richmond tradition for over 60 years, founded in 1961 by four partners including Nancy Butcher Leake. It takes place at The Tuckahoe Woman's Club in the near West End off Cary Street Road in Windsor Farms, a very safe neighbourhood with plenty of parking.

Each grade level participates in seven instructional dances held approximately once or twice a month on weekend late afternoons and evenings during the school year. Dances vary between formal events (where boys wear coat and tie and girls wear white gloves with their dresses), semi-formal dances, and theme informal evenings such as Halloween and western nights. Students are taught dance steps by professional instructors and given opportunities to practice with many different partners. As the year progresses, children grow more confident with their dancing ability and more comfortable with each other.

The program emphasizes the values of kindness, courtesy, mutual respect and common courtesy. Students learn the importance of social etiquette while developing a feeling of rhythm and enjoyment of dancing. The program stays current and relevant in its dance and music choices so students can relate to and use what they have learned. Students come from both private and public schools throughout Richmond and surrounding areas, organised by school groups to maintain an even ratio of boys and girls.

The Holly Ball is the most festive Cotillion event, where parents are invited to observe from the balcony. Towards the end of the session there is a parent/child dance, followed by light refreshments in the side parlor. Students and parents are encouraged to bring monetary donations in support of the area Christmas Mother Funds, which Town and Country Cotillion has supported for over 50 years.

The program is currently owned by Laura Leake Brown and Suzanne Hoffman, both children of former owners. Laura became a partner in 2001 and has been connected to cotillion her entire life—her mother was one of the original founders, she attended as a student, worked as a helper in high school, and all three of her children participated in the program. Suzanne attended Town & Country from 6th to 8th grade and later worked there as a Dance Assistant and Dance Leader before becoming an owner in 2006 when her mother retired.

You'll attend one of seven instructional dances held once or twice monthly on weekend afternoons or evenings during the school year. You'll be taught ballroom dance steps by a professional instructor, practice with different partners throughout the night, and dress according to the event type—formal dances require dress shirts, ties and dress shoes for boys and dresses or dressy skirts with white gloves for girls. Parents can observe from the balcony and are asked to keep phones off and remain quiet during instruction.

Sandy Yeon is the professional ballroom dance instructor and has been with the cotillion for the past 15 years. She has over 35 years of teaching experience, is a Virginia State Theatrical Champion, a US Pro Am Ballroom and Latin Champion, and has won numerous teaching awards throughout the country. Her experience with children, relaxed and knowledgeable teaching style, and humour make students feel comfortable while learning.

The program is designed specifically for middle school students new to ballroom dancing, with professional instruction that emphasises making students feel successful while learning basic steps and rhythm.