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Program
Little Rock Junior Cotillion Curriculum
A Four-Year Progression in Etiquette, Confidence & Social Skills
At Little Rock Junior Cotillion, our core objective is to cultivate confidence and social competence in young individuals through comprehensive instruction in social etiquette, ballroom dancing, and leadership development.
Our mission is to empower youth by fostering a strong sense of self-assurance and community engagement. We firmly believe that proficiency in social skills and deportment provides the necessary foundation for navigating diverse environments with poise and confidence, which naturally reflects in an individual's overall demeanor and interaction.
Note: Little Rock Junior Cotillion is a preparatory program focused on social and leadership skills, and is not affiliated with or designed as a "debutante" program.
Location
The New Student Orientation, Informational Parent Meeting, and the first five dances of the Fall Season for the Little Rock Junior Cotillion are held in McAuley Center at Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The Holly Ball, our Season Finale , location for 2026 is the Statehouse Convention Center.
Selection
Because our goal is to ensure every child has a partner in Little Rock Junior Cotillion, there is sometimes a waiting list for applicants. Acceptance is on a first-applied, first-accepted basis after Legacy students have been placed. Legacy students are those whose parent or older sibling completed four years of Little Rock Junior Cotillion, or who have an older sibling currently enrolled in the program.
If a child is placed on the waiting list, families will be notified if a spot becomes available. If no notification is received by the first dance in September, the application will automatically roll over to the following year—no reapplication is necessary. Invitation and waitlist notifications for Little Rock Junior Cotillion are emailed in June.
What Students Will Learn
Each year, students return to the program to strengthen the social skills, confidence, and character that will serve them for years to come. These signature skills are introduced in age-appropriate ways and reinforced annually with increasing maturity and polish.
Students will continue to grow in
- A confident handshake
- Meaningful eye contact
- Polite introductions
- Saying “No, thank you” with respect
- Thoughtful conversation skills
- Gratitude and appreciation
- Confidence on the dance floor
- Respect for others
- Self-respect
Students of all ages retain much of what they learn in our program. As with any life skill, reinforcement outside of LRJC events is both helpful and encouraged. Because every child is unique and absorbs concepts at different ages, our program is built on a four-year curriculum that provides valuable reinforcement and a deeper understanding each year.
Leadership Development
LRJC provides a structured, supportive setting where students learn to introduce themselves confidently, understand the importance of practicing social skills and etiquette. By mastering these skills, children gain the confidence and grace they need to navigate social situations successfully.
Social Etiquette
Students who participate in the LRJC program develop confidence, poise, and strong interpersonal skills that support both emotional and social growth. Through age-appropriate instruction and guided peer interaction, students learn respect, consideration, and self-awareness in a positive, structured environment. Because LRJC is built on a four-year curriculum, students are able to revisit and strengthen these skills over time, allowing them to mature socially at their own pace while building habits that support healthy relationships and lasting self-confidence.
Dress Code
Girls Dress Code
Semi-Formal Attire (Grades 5–8):
- Dresses: Tea-length, modest, age-appropriate straps. Shrugs with armholes may be worn over any dress.
- Gloves: White gloves are required.
- Shoes:
- 5th grade: flats with a back or strap
- 6th–8th grade: flats or low wedges with a back or strap (open toes acceptable)
- Heels are not allowed on the floor at Mount St. Mary.
- Not Allowed: mules, boots or booties, thong sandals, leggings, dark hosiery, fingerless gloves, shawls without armholes, purses or bags (except for insulin/medications).
- Hosiery: Optional; if worn, must be skin-colored.
Holly Ball Formal
- 5th grade may wear a shorter formal dress. It can be difficult to find floor-length dresses that young.
- Floor-length dresses; strapless is acceptable for 7th and 8th grades.
- White gloves appropriate to sleeve length.
- Shoes: same as semi-formal (high heels not recommended).
- Accessories: Girls carry a floral nosegay like a bride or debutante, made at home or purchased from a florist or grocery store. Corsages and wrist corsages are not permitted.
Boys Dress Code
Semi-Formal Attire (Grades 5–8):
- Suit with light shirt and tie/bow tie, or jacket with dress slacks, light shirt, and tie/bow tie.
- Shoes: polished finish (tie-up or loafers).
- Not Allowed: dirty bucks, topsiders, or tennis shoes.
Holly Ball Formal:
- Dark suit, holiday themed suit, or tuxedo permitted.
- Dark suit can be worn to all dances to save money.
- Option to rent a tuxedo for the Holly Ball.
- Boutonniere required (homemade or florist).
Expectations and Conduct
Students are expected to conduct themselves with courtesy, respect, and good manners at all times. This includes arriving promptly, dressing appropriately, following instruction, and showing kindness and consideration to others. Our cotillion seeks to maintain a gracious and orderly environment where young ladies and gentlemen may grow in character, confidence, and social poise.
Carpool Instructions
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, students attending Little Rock Junior Cotillion should arrive 10–15 minutes before their dance begins. We encourage parents to help coordinate carpools and support positive behavior before and after the event. Please plan to pick up your carpool promptly at the end of the dance so everyone can enjoy a safe and fun experience.
Traffic Logistics
Pick Up
Drop-Off
Walk-Up Carpool Option
Carpools are highly recommended for Little Rock Junior Cotillion, though not required. In fact, the carpool experience is half the fun! Many students go out for dinner or dessert before or after their dance, and arriving with friends helps students feel more confident during this socially exciting age.
LRJC does not assign carpools, but after registration ends (no earlier than August 1), we will provide lists based on school groups to help families connect. You are not limited to school-based carpools—many students carpool with neighbors or friends from the community.
Upcoming Events & Experiences
Stay connected with our latest cotillion events, classes, and special programs designed to build confidence, etiquette, and leadership skills.
Linked Calendar
4 events found.
Events
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Dining Tutorial – 31 May 2026
Dizzy's Gypsy Bistro 200 River Market Ave #150, Little Rock, AR, United StatesStudents will learn:
Proper place settings
Table manners & dining etiquette
Communication skills
Small talk basics
And more!
Dress Code: Business casualClass Times: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Date: 31 May 2026
New this year!
We will be offered as a Family Dining Experience. Several adults asked for a refresher—because manners take practice, and it’s powerful for children to see that learning never stops!
Get Tickets $174.60 -
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LRJC Tuition Due
Pay Tuition Here
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LRJC Partial Refund Deadline
Refund Policy $100 of tuition payment will be refunded if LRJC is notified, in writing, on or before 1 July. After this time, we will be finalizing our classes, training staff…
Dining Tutorials
LRJC Dining Tutorials
Students will learn:
- Proper place settings
- Table manners & dining etiquette
- Communication skills
- Small talk basics
- And more!
Dress Code: Business casual
Class Times: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Date: 31 May 2026
New this year!
We will be offered as a Family Dining Experience. Several adults asked for a refresher—because manners take practice, and it’s powerful for children to see that learning never stops!
Education Freedom Accounts—Approved Vendor
The Arkansas Department of Education provided this explanation for the approval:
A junior cotillion program, such as the Little Rock junior cotillion, meets the EFA program’s definition of an extracurricular activity because it provides a structured, supervised environment outside the academic curriculum that focuses on personal, social, and civic development. These junior cotillion programs are led by qualified instructors and follow a regular schedule with defined expectations for student participation.
The primary purpose of junior cotillion programs is to promote character development, discipline, leadership, teamwork, and social responsibility through etiquette training, dance instruction, and civic awareness activities. Students are active participants in the learning process, engaging directly in practice, instruction, and application of skills, rather than serving as spectators. Because junior cotillion emphasizes personal growth, social responsibility, and leadership skills in a structured and supervised setting, it aligns with the program’s standards for extracurricular activities and is considered an eligible expense under the EFA program.
If you would like a receipt to submit for reimbursement, please let us know!