Putting Your Best Foot Forward
story by Ashley Elvington
If you’re looking for a place that offers children the opportunity to learn basic dance steps, practice proper etiquette, and socialize with peers in a structured environment, look no further than Carolina Cotillion. This establishment has been teaching children the art of manners, etiquette, and ballroom dancing for over 25 years throughout the Carolinas. Specialized for children grades 5th-8th, Cotillion classes are held in four to five-week sessions in the springtime. When it comes to creating memorable experiences, Carolina Cotillion scores a perfect 10!
Owner and instructor Niki Sansbury shares, “We believe in the importance of each child and seek to promote positive feelings towards one another. Children are most at ease when they know what is expected of them and when they are familiar with the proper way to act in various social situations. The mastering of some basic ballroom and shag dance steps can pave the way for future socialization and acceptance, as well as prove to be great fun!” Niki has been teaching the Florence Junior Cotillion for over 10 years, and her love for the program grows with each passing year. “It’s an exciting new beginning every spring with children who are eager, attentive, and ready to put their best foot forward. I absolutely love working with so many children in our community, but it wasn’t until I became a mother that I realized the true importance of instilling kindness in the hearts of young people. It’s imperative to their success that they learn proper and polite behaviors from a young age and continue practicing these behaviors, although it’s never too late to begin!”
When it comes to proper etiquette, many assume Cotillion solely involves knowing which piece of silverware to use. It’s so much more than that, however, as the main subjects taught are kindness, how to properly treat one another, listening when being spoken to, being aware of surroundings, showing respect, and exhibiting an attitude of gratitude. “It’s most rewarding when a child comes in and they are a bit nervous or apprehensive about what is expected of them…then within a few short weeks, their self-confidence has increased by leaps and bounds. There have been times when students come to me after class and tell me how much they love learning manners, etiquette, and ballroom dancing…they never want Cotillion to end! I enjoy helping my students feel comfortable in their own skin and being the best version of themselves that they can be.”
This year’s classes will be held at the Florence Country Club on Tuesday evenings beginning on February 19th and will conclude on March 19th. If your child is interested in joining Cotillion, please send your name, your child’s full name, their age and grade, your address and phone number, and the name of your child’s school to danceflorence@gmail.com with the subject Florence Junior Cotillion. The cost of classes is $125 and can be made payable to Carolina Cotillion, Inc., P.O. Box 3616, Florence, South Carolina, 29502. To learn more, please call (843) 665-0606.
Class schedule: 5th grade – 5:15PM| 6th grade – 6:30PM | 7th-8th grade – 7:45PM