While the overarching principle of Cotillion is teaching students skills on how to be respectful, polite members of their communities, our curriculum has been modernized for a new generation.  Our new interactive curriculum teaches children the etiquette, manners, and social skills they need to know, without all of the “old-fashioned" stuff that’s outdated in today’s digital world. 

A dress code ensures that everyone in the class is at the same comfort level.

Ladies are required to wear dresses, dress skirts, or dress pants and flats or low heels (no sandals, high heels, or mules). It is strongly recommended that ladies do not wear strapless dresses. White gloves are optional.

Requiring girls to wear gloves in Cotillion is not based on any kind of social requirement, propriety, or fashion statement. Rather the purpose is to make our students feel more comfortable holding hands and dancing with one another.

Gentlemen* are required to wear dress pants, a collared dress shirt, and black or brown dress shoes (no tennis shoes). We do ask that gentlemen wear a tie for the final party.

*suit coats are optional for the final party

The Club Cotillion program is designed for students grades 4th and 5th. The course addresses the basics of social skills learning: What goes into a great first impression? How to build friendships and what makes a good team player? The answer to these questions and more are found in this short 5-week program. Students will explore dealing with difficult situations, and how to make good choices. The social dance component breaks down inhibitions between genders and fosters a safe and fun way to make new friends and have fun! The Club Program also provides the students with an introduction to table manners. Ladies and gentlemen learn that how they act is not only a demonstration of their education but also a reflection of their character.

The advanced social skills course takes 6th-8th grade students to a new level of interpersonal relationship building and is updated year to year. Here, with no mobile devices to hide behind, students explore face to face communication, how to engage and build new relationships, and how to champion their values. This course delves into the more progressive aspects of dining etiquette protocol, arming students for future special events and even job interviews. Students learn the importance of respecting themselves and others, the significance of teamwork and leadership and an understanding of citizenship and community service. Social dance provides and fun and engaging purpose for the student to practice goal setting, engage in friendly competition and self-reflect on their place in society. The curriculum finishes with a memorable evening with a sit-down dinner at the Highlands Ranch Mansion.

Annabel D. Kyler has been the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) Cotillion instructor since the program’s inception.

A graduate of Pepperdine University, Annabel subsequently worked as the Executive Vice President of JDW Social Education Programs for 10 years and traveled extensively to instruct students nationwide.

Today, with the support of JDW training and certification,  Annabel continues to bring her skills to HRCA through her own company, Platinum Protocol. Annabel has been teaching social education for over 17 years and has taught at all ages levels from elementary to executive. Annabel is certified in nationally recognized programs, Situational Leadership II (a Ken Blanchard Platform) as well as DISC (an Institute Success Behavioral Assessment & Training Module.)  

Annabel's background in education, leadership, and behavioral studies has allowed her the ability to elevate and enhance the Cotillion program to be highly relevant and modern.  She is committed to the highest standard of social skills training with a modern focus on the challenges our students face in the digital era. Cotillion parents can expect a highly comprehensive social skills program that will effectively help prepare their students to be successful in high school, college, and beyond.

Contact Jamie Bouchard by email or at 303-471-8880.