cotillion

The word cotillion was first used in 18th-century France and England to describe a group dance, considered a forebearer of the square dance (à la the dancing in Pride and Prejudice). This specific dance was considered a good finale for any ball, which seems to translate well to its use today.

: an elaborate dance with frequent changing of partners carried out under the leadership of one couple at formal balls.

cotillion, original name cotillon, late 18th-century and 19th-century French court dance, popular also in England. A precursor of the quadrille, the cotillion was danced by four couples standing in a square set. The first and third, then the second and fourth, couples executed various series of geometric figures.

A “Cotillion”, also known as a “Debut”, is a traditional Filipino celebration of a young woman's 18th birthday. The debutante typically has a court that dances the waltz during the reception.

This is also a time for parents to set an example and exhibit their own good manners to their children: Dress appropriately; arrive on time; don't chew gum; skip photos with flash; and for the love of all that's holy, please don't text and foxtrot. Nobody's that good at multitasking.

While cotillions are more focused on teaching young people how to be respectful members of society, debutante balls mark the official joining of society once those children age into young adults. Depending on the town, debutante balls feature the “debut” of young ladies from age 16 to 21 as official members of society.

Whereas a “cotillion” is for both boys and girls around the middle school age.

THE WALTZ COTILLON. THE WALTZ COTILLON. INTRODUCTION. 8 bars. Dancers stand in square set formation and on the last 4 bars all bow first to their corners then to their partners.

While both the cotillion and the debutante ball are important southern American traditions and have a lot in common, there are a few key differences. Cotillions are more focussed on teaching young people how to be respectful members of society.

The word debutante is derived from the French word debut, meaning “a first performance or showing.” The original French word debutante referred to a new actress making her first appearance on the stage. So, think of a debutante as a young woman making her debut in society.

The French word originally meant "petticoat (underskirt)" and is derived from Old French cote ('cotte') and the diminutive suffix -illon. There are two etymological theories as to how "underskirt" became a dance's name: The dance "revealed the underskirt".

The Beautillion is the male version of a Cotillion/Debutante Ball. It provides male high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational, social and cultural experiences.