Oct 26

Oct 26 Mind Your Social Graces

Recruitment Begins for the 21st Annual Teen Cotillion

Even in the wild world of cyber bullying, name calling, raucous politics and sexual misconduct, social grace and traditional cultural values still count.

Parents and youth ages 15-18 are invited to participate in the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation’s 2019 Teen Cotillion. The recruitment process is underway for high school students in Prince George’s County to participate as Debutants and Beaus.

The Teen Cotillion is a 16-week co-ed comprehensive program. From December 2018 through May 2019, teen participants attend a series of workshops, special events and service learning projects focused on leadership and growth. Career development, etiquette, social skills and team building activities are all part of the program.

The program, designed to promote positive leadership skills and inspire youth to take the steps needed to attain their dreams, ends with a spring cotillion ceremony at Martin's Crosswinds. This formal, coming-out gala is where these young adults make their debuts before families and friends.

The program has traditional cultural origins. The uniquely southern cotillion was historically meant to formally introduce affluent young women to polite, high-end society. The program was designed to teach dance and social graces to the women for preparation to attend a formal ball where they would meet potential mates who were also from wealthy families.

Today’s cotillion program teaches these values and traditional dances to young women and men for the ballroom event.

The application requires participants to write a biographic profile. The profile includes questions about the teen’s interests, in and outside of school, positive influences, and inspiring quotes. M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation is now accepting applications for participation in the 2019 Teen Cotillion until Monday, December 3. For additional details and to apply, click here or call 301-446-3400; TTY 301-699-2544.