Cotillion

As a Mother I felt it was my duty to sign Henry up for cotillion.  I value manners and good ettiqute, even if I and we as a society forget them every now and then.

The first session Henry was like a dead man walking.  "I look stupid!" "This is dumb" but in the end he enjoyed it, sort of.  

The first thing they have the kids do is go thru a receiving line.  Boys are taught a proper hand shake.  Not to hard, no limp fish, good eye contact, slight bow, and a clear enunciation of their first and last name.  Then they are paired up with the first little girl of the evening.  Then they learn some dances, foxtrot, hustle, polka.  They change partners a lot, always practicing a proper greeting.  They are instructed how to sit properly, and serve their partner a glass of punch. Boys are shown how to help a lady on, and off with her coat.  How the lady is always on the right (position of respect), and how to escort a lady off the dance floor.  I am sure there will be much more in the 5 weeks that are left.

Tom and I had to chaperon on the 2nd week.  It was a moment of sheer pride to see Henry acting the gentleman and knowing what to do.  Afterwards just the 3 of us went out to dinner.  So many people commented on how handsome Henry looked and inquired why he was dressed up.  When they found out almost all were unanimous that they wish they had the cotillion experience when they were children.  Tom and I couldn't agree more.  

But if you ask Henry what was the best part of cotillion he would say, "the punch."