ABOUT CAPITOL COTILLION
Why We Began
Give a child a real goal, and watch that child build real confidence along the way to achieving it. A second grader learns to offer his hand and mean it. A sixth grader learns to hold an unscripted, meaningful conversation with a teacher, coach, or mentor. That's the proof cotillion students get that they can handle situations that used to intimidate them - and that confidence stays with them.
Capitol Cotillion was built by people who understand that formation from more than one angle because teaching children to carry themselves well isn't one skill. Our lessons are informed by our collective classroom instinct, working understanding of civic and public settings, technical skill, and practiced hospitality. That range matters.
It is our mission to give every student a running head start to being comfortable and fluent in the dynamic of any room – any interaction.
Lucrecia Nold giving a Junior Cotillion lesson
Our Board Members
Valerie Thornburg
Founder and Etiquette Instructor
Math and Science Teacher
Chesterton Academy
Victoria Bonney
Board Member and Dance Instructor
Pharmacist
Colmery-O'Neil Veterans' Administration Medical Center
Lucrecia Nold
Board Member and Etiquette Instructor
Public Policy Specialist
Kansas Catholic Conference
Myron Johnson
Board Member and Community Liason
Network Specialist
State of Kansas
Katherine Gatschet
Board Member and Secretary
State Judging Director
National Association of Women's Gymnastics Judges
Sarah Ahlstedt
Board Member and Interactive
Administrative Supervisor
Stormont Vail Healthcare Inc
Nathaniel Boggs
Board Member and Etiquette Instructor
Logic and Rhetoric School Principal
Cair Paravel Latin School
I have spent the majority of my adult life teaching young people about things that are true, good, or beautiful. What Capitol Cotillion is bringing to the kids in these programs is right in that line, and it is a noble and worthy thing.
Nathaniel Boggs
Logic and Rhetoric School Principal
Cair Paravel Latin School
FAQs
My child is in a lot of other activities. Why should we add Cotillion?
A spot at Cotillion is an invitation to be seen – in all the best ways. It is guided practice, helpful feedback, a fun environment, and a class full of kids in the same boat. The goal of Cotillion is to learn skills, grow in graciousness, celebrate mastery, and enjoy it all at the same time! It is unlike school, practice, or rehearsal in the focus on input and output in those settings. It is unlike anything else, really. Each moment at Cotillion is focused on discernment of heart posture and on interacting with intentionality. As such, Cotillion enhances your child's impact in all other activities for a lifetime. The depth of character developed through Cotillion takes your child from being a participant in those activities to being one whose presence elevates the group dynamic.
What if our busy schedule creates overlap with some events?
Being good company isn't automatic, it's practiced. Training at Capitol Cotillion provides the consistent reps and helpful feedback needed to make your family's values second nature to your child. The fullness of our calendar allows them to act on those values with ease wherever, whenever. For that reason, we encourage families to prioritize attendance. Our students and families tend to dislike missing Cotillion events after experiencing the joy and progress each session brings. Sometimes late arrivals or early exits are part of managing a sports or orchestra season or a theatre show run. We are happy to share our students with those worthy causes - with encouragement. Our venues have space to change into and out of Cotillion attire!
What is PAIR FAMILY tuition?
Tuition is discounted 30% for Junior Cotillion and Cotillion Season families when they pair up. Our lessons thrive on having even numbers of young ladies and young gentlemen in attendance - we dance, promenade, and do proper seating. For this reason, we are pleased to encourage our families to discuss their plans to attend Cotillion with their friends with the goal of helping us achieve those even numbers. PAIR FAMILIES find each other before registering. One family with a young lady and one with a young gentlemen enter each other's last names in a simple blank on their registration forms and - boom - 30% off for each family! Look for designated PAIR FAMILY spots in your registration link.
How do I get enrollment information? We send out our enrollment material via email: including event dates, attire guidelines, and links to register online.
Registration information is also available through video call visit. We'd love to meet you, walk you through what a season is like, and answer all your questions!