Welcome to Boise Cotillion!

Newsletter for the Inaugural Ball 2017

Welcome to Boise Cotillion 2017-2018. We have a great season ahead, celebrating the 20th year of Boise Cotillion. I hope you are as excited as I am for Cotillion to begin. Each month a newsletter will be posted on the website, as well as emailed approximately one week prior to the upcoming dance. It is important to read the newsletters as they always have some pertinent information. Please always check the website prior to each dance to look for any special instructions, such as cancellation due to weather etc.

Our first dance is the Inaugural Ball, on Thursday, November 9th. Here are some things to remember for this and other upcoming dances. As you arrive for Cotillion, there will be chaperones outside to greet the Cotillion members as you drive up 8th street. Most members feel comfortable being dropped off and directed curbside by chaperones to go upstairs to the ballroom. Ifyou would feel more comfortable to walk your child upstairsthat would be fine, howeverit is suggested that at this first dance, you do not stay. The reason for this is that there are lots of distractions the first night, as well as many instructions that are given. It is much easier, if your child is not concerned where you are or what you are thinking. Of course, if your child is uncomfortable or for any other reason you may stay.At any other dance you are welcome to come and observe, take photos and enjoy watching your child, or help as a chaperone.If you want to come back early to escort your child to the car, please feel free to do so.Please be aware that the next class begins shortly after the first. Please keep the check in area clear as the next class is arriving. It can get congested on the stairs and upstairs with both groups and parents in the small space. So please head downstairs as soon as you greet you child. Thank you for your cooperation.

Here are some tips regarding appropriate Cotillion attire. The shoes need to be comfortable dress type shoes which will work for dancing. Heavy lug soles, or too high of heel make it difficult to dance on the carpeted floor. Athletic shoes are not appropriate. The white gloves are required and are a nice tradition, as well as helpful with the hand holding and sweaty palms. Ladies are to use good judgment in the choice of a dress, no midriffs, backless, strapless, too short or too revealing. Gentlemen are fine in blazer, khaki, shirt and tie or a suit. This is the opportunity to learn appropriate dress. Boise Cotillion dress can be both fashion conscious, yet on the conservative traditional side.

We do recognize that you may not be able to attend every dance, due to conflict with another event or illness. We do request that you email () if you will be absent, so we can attempt to balance boys and girls.

The following is a very basic schedule for the first night and most of the parties:

Please read through this with your child.

Chaperones will greet attendee’s curbside. Cotillion members will enter the Hoff Building and be directed to the stairs on the left.

Once upstairs, Cotillion members will pick up their name tag. Nametags are worn on the right lapel for boys and the right shoulder for girls. Girls will remove coats before putting on the nametag ( coat racks available there)

Everyone will then line up outside the Crystal Ballroom. Girlsline up on along the railing to the left. Boys line up on the right side.

Instruction for our introductions will be given by the Director prior to entering the ballroom.

We will enter the Ballroom through a short receiving line. Members will shake hands and introduce themselves as instructed.

Girls will enter on the left and proceed to the left inside the ballroom. Boys will enter on the right side and proceed to the right around to the far side of the ballroom.

Introductions and general information will be given by Cotillion Director

The Grand March will begin. This progressive dance is fun and ends with everyone ready with a dance partner.

Dance instruction begins. Partners change frequently, as members move forward to greet a new partner.

Prior to refreshments we have a dance contest or game. Prizes are won by many.

Before the contest begins instruction is given regarding the expectations for picking up their refreshments. Boys will be serving their partner, and escort them to the place where they will sit for refreshments. Casual conversation starters are part of the instruction.

During refreshments, additional social etiquette is taught. At our first party, members will learn what is expected as they leave Cotillion. We will discuss the next upcoming dance, and appropriate attire.

*Last dance, this is a fun dance, sometimes without partners (Macarena, Chicken Dance, etc.) *time permitting

Party ends, receiving party favor as members leave. Cotillion members will thank the instructors and will be escorted by chaperones downstairs, and out the exit in the rear of the building. Cotillion members will wait outside for parent pick up, chaperones will supervise. Never leave the group until your ride is visible.

Boise Cotillion Etiquette

  1. Always listen when instruction is given. Talking should be done only with current dance partner and during refreshments with those sitting near you. Refreshment time is a great opportunity for practicing introductions.
  2. Walk in the Ballroom.
  3. Sit only when instructed to do so. Ladies knees together and cross legs only at ankles. Gentleman sits with feet on the floor.
  4. Trade partners when requested to do so. Treat your new partner with respect, never make negative comments about who you will be dancing with, and remember we change partners frequently. You will have a chance to dance with everyone sometime this season.
  5. Always be polite to chaperones, guests, dance teacher, Cotillion director and all the Cotillion members!

I am looking forward to meeting all of you! Wehave a fantastic dance instructor, great music, prizes, and decorations.

Remember the most important part is to have fun!

Best Regards,

Mrs. Denise Hodges

Cotillion Times

You should be upstairs, have on your nametag and be lined up and ready for instruction by starting time.

4th-5th grades: 5:45-7:00(arrival 5:35-5:40)*

6th-9th grades: 7:15-8:30(arrival 7:05-7:10)*

*please no earlier for arrivals, as they will not be supervised

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR DROP OFF AND PICK UP

Chaperones will be standing to escort and supervise the Cotillion Members for both drop off and pick up.

Carpools are a great idea! The kids love this too, as they can share everything about the evening’s fun!

*Drop Off:The Hoff Building 802 Bannockis on the North West Corner of 8th and Bannock Crystal Ballroom 2nd floor

Cotillion Entrance is on the 8thSt. side at the front of the building. Members will be directed inside and upstairs to the 2nd fl.Be aware that 8th street is one way(going north) in front of the Hoff Building (on the other side of Bannock, 8th is one way going south) From Myrtle or Front, it is best to come up Capital, and turn left on Bannock, then get over and turn right on 8thOR if coming from the West, come down Bannock and turn left onto 8th.

Pick Up:

Members will exit out the North (back) side of the building into the alley behind the Hoff Building. Chaperones will wait there with them. Best bet is to goNorth on Capital, turn left on Bannock, get in right hand lane, do not turn on 8th, go past the Hoff Building and turn right into a small parking drive through that is just past the Hoff Building. It is just past the RED AWNING, before 10 Barrell. . Here you will go through the parking to the alley and turn right. Cotillion members are there, so DRIVE SLOWLY. Pick them up, and turn left on 8th. (be aware of cars leaving the front of Hoff building dropping off for another class).

Street parking is limited. There is a Pay parking lot behind the Hoff Building available after 5:30.

Many parents park there, as it is easy then to see your child exit out of the building, or to come up to walk them to the car.