cotillon

So the main purpose of a cotillion is to teach respectful manners to young people so they can go out into society and thrive. Debutante balls are different in that they celebrate the actual joining to society for young people.

1. : a ballroom dance for couples that resembles the quadrille. 2. : an elaborate dance with frequent changing of partners carried out under the leadership of one couple at formal balls.

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.

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".

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

The celebration of a Cotillion is a highly Catholic tradition. It is assumed that it was the Spanish conquerors who brought the tradition to Mexico. Actually, the celebration as it is now is an adaptation to Christian Ceremony of the Aztec Woman. Even before the conquest.

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.

Event guests. Formal attire is expected for all male and female guests. Ladies are to be in formal dresses or gowns in color other than white or ivory. Gentleman are to be in formal tuxedos or suits.

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.

Cotillion teaches students how to introduce themselves appropriately, the importance of dress and appearance, as well as the basics in table manners and etiquette.

History: In the United States, a cotillion or debutante ball in is a formal presentation of young ladies, debutantes, to “polite society,” typically hosted by a charity or society.