Event Information

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Apply for the 2025 M-NCPPC Teen Cotillion


Age: All

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Be Part of a Timeless Tradition – Apply for the Teen Cotillion!

Are you ready to step into the spotlight and experience a night of elegance, refinement, and celebration? We are now accepting applications for this year’s Teen Cotillion!

The Cotillion is a cherished event that honors young individuals as they develop lifelong skills in etiquette, leadership, and social grace. Selected participants will undergo a unique journey lasting twelve weeks starting February 6th, 2025, including workshops, rehearsals, group trips and finally culminating in a grand evening of formal presentation and celebration.

Why Apply?

  • Build Confidence and Leadership Skills
  • Learn Formal Etiquette and Social Protocols
  • Experience a Glamorous, Unforgettable Evening
  • Create Lifelong Friendships and Memories

We welcome applications from teens who are eager to embrace tradition, represent their community with pride, and shine on this special night.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Ages 15 – 18

Application Deadline: January 16th, 2025

Want to learn more about sponsoring a debutante or a beau? Click Here!

Note: Application cannot be saved once started, we recommend setting aside 30 minutes of your time to complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the workshop?

  • The Teen Cotillion workshop is set to last a total of 12 weeks starting February 6th, 2025 until May 1st, 2025 with the final dance and ceremony occurring the following Sunday on May 4th at 1pm.

When and where will the workshop take place?

  • The workshops will take place every Thursday starting February 6th, 2025 at The Kentland Community Center from 6:00pm to 9:30pm

Is attendance mandatory for every workshop?

  • Attendance every Thursday night is critical! New dances may be taught each night along with important workshops. Dance partners and/ or dance lineups are often coordinated based on height. If one person is missing, it could throw off the entire lineup, which delays advancing the dance routine and instruction. For example, if a dancing Mom/Guardian or Dad/Guardian is absent, the teen participant will not have the opportunity to perfect the routine. While we understand emergencies arise, we strongly encourage you and your Deb/Beau to attend every practice.

Will there be food provided?

  • YES! Dinner will be provided for dance participants every Thursday night. Dinner will be served from 6:30-7:00 pm, so please be on time. If you or your Deb/Beau have any dietary restrictions, please let a staff person know as soon as possible.

What is the dress code for the workshops?

  • The dress code unless stated otherwise by the committee will be casual

What do I need to know about the dancing?

  • Dancing is an integral part of the Teen Cotillion experience. Please be patient with yourself while learning the dance routines and expect changes. Dances can frequently change because of creativity or technical difficulty. This is another reason why dancing parent/guardian should be at practice each week. By the day of the Teen Cotillion, you will have learned the dance routine, and everyone will look beautiful on the dance floor. Another important tip is to practice at home during the week. There is a lot to learn in a limited amount of time during the 12 weeks. So, practicing at home can really pay off.

Is there a fee for being a part of the Teen Cotillion?

  • Yes, there is a $100 fee for participation in the program.

How much money is my Deb/Beau expected to raise and how can they raise it?

  • The goal is for each Deb/Beau to raise $1,800 throughout their Teen Cotillion experience. Fundraising can be attained through selling ads for the souvenir book, taking donations, and selling tickets to the final event. If you start the process early, it can easily be achieved.

What are the general responsibilities for a dancing Mom or Dad?

  • One of the most important responsibilities is to commit to attend every Thursday night dance practice starting February 6th 2025. Your dance nights and times will be on the program calendar. We ask that you help your Deb/Beau with their fundraising efforts, support them, and encourage participation in ALL activities. For the final event of the Teen Cotillion, you will need to purchase/rent a black tuxedo or formal gown

What if a Mom or Dad is not available to dance in the Teen Cotillion?

  • We ask that you try to find a permanent replacement if a parent/guardian is not able to make the commitment (i.e. an aunt, uncle, family friend, etc.). It means so much more to the Deb/Beau to be dancing with someone special in their life. If you cannot find someone to fill the position, do not worry! We have volunteer dancers available to assist.

What are the general responsibilities for a non-dancing Mom or Dad?

  • We ask the non-dancing moms & dads to support their Debs/Beaus fundraising efforts as well as encouraging their participation in trips and Thursday night workshops. You are welcome to stop by to see the progress they are making. For the final event, most non-dancing parents wear formal/semi-formal attire.

How does my Deb/Beau get to practice on Thursday nights?

  • We provide transportation from various M-NCPPC community centers throughout the county each Thursday night. The transportation coordinators have selected pick-up and drop-off locations that may be convenient for you. Unless otherwise communicated, Debs/Beaus will be picked-up and dropped-off at the same sites,. In addition, you can transport them or they can transport themselves.

Trips/Event Transportation

  • We will provide transportation to most events/trips. For our out-of-town trips, a charter bus will be utilized. For in-town trips, M-NCPPC vehicles and drivers will be used. If it is required for you to transport your Deb/Beau to an event or pick-u location(s), you will be notified in advance

Teen Cotillion Application

Name(Required)
Address(Required)
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Please enter a number from 9 to 12.
Do you have a Rec Card?(Required)

Parent/Guardian Information

Name(Required)
Address(Required)
Does your parent have an M-NCPPC Rectrac/Parks Direct account?(Required)

Interest Questions

Will you need assistance finding a dance partner for the parent/guardian dance routine?(Required)
Could your involvement in these activities hinder your participation in the Cotillion?