A Curriculum for Every Stage

Four programs, one tradition.

The NLJC® Loudoun County Chapter provides a continuous, graceful progression from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Each program builds thoughtfully upon the previous one, equipping students with essential social skills, character, and leadership qualities that last a lifetime.

Kindergarten – Grade 4

Pre-Cotillion®

The Pre-Cotillion® setting encourages children to be comfortable together, to make new friends, and to enjoy themselves. Through role-playing, hands-on experience, and storytelling in a peer group, young ladies and gentlemen leave the program with the beginnings of confidence and poise that come from knowing the appropriate behavior in a number of age-appropriate experiences. The Loudoun County Chapter's Pre-Cotillion® season also includes an instructional dinner and beginning dance instruction.

✦Instruction led by a trained NLJC® director in a welcoming peer-group setting
✦Interactive lessons through role-playing, hands-on practice, and storytelling
✦Greeting, shaking hands, introductions, and paying and receiving compliments
✦Basic and more advanced table manners, plus basic line dance
✦Includes an instructional dinner and beginning dance instruction

II.

Grades 5 – 8

Junior Cotillion®

Junior Cotillion® is a three-year curriculum designed to give young people instruction and practice in the courtesies that make life more pleasant for them and those around them; to give them thorough training in standard ballroom dance; and to provide opportunities to practice and enjoy these skills at memorable parties, balls, dinners, and events — complete with decorations, refreshments, favors, and prizes. In the Loudoun County Chapter, Junior Cotillion® is offered in three progressive courses: Junior Cotillion® Year I, Junior Cotillion® Year II, and Junior Cotillion® Premiere.

✦Year I — foundations of social etiquette, respectful interaction, and ballroom dance; concludes with a formal dance with dessert, including the special tradition of the parent-child dance
✦Year II — receiving lines, formal courtesies, advanced table manners, and continued ballroom refinement; concludes with the Grand Spring Ball, including the special tradition of the parent-child dance
✦Premiere — an advanced experience for students ready for higher expectations and leadership; includes an instructional luncheon at a restaurant, a cultural event (play, concert, or museum), and concludes with a formal instructional dinner and ball
✦Styles of dining including American, Asian, and Continental

III.

Grades 9 – 12

High School Program®

The High School Program® is a licensed program of NLJC® designed specifically for high school students. New etiquette and character development topics pertinent to the high school years — such as dating courtesies, interviewing for scholarships and jobs, positive self-esteem, and handling peer pressure — are presented and discussed at each event. The program bridges the gap between education and the real world in a meaningful way, with continued emphasis on character, accountability, and leadership. Includes ballroom dance instruction.

✦Business luncheon with guest speakers
✦Cultural event — a play, concert, or museum
✦Formal dinner with dance
✦Interview courtesies, dating courtesies, and real-world readiness

IV.

Grades 11 – 12

Debutante Presentation Society

Our culminating program. This multi-session series focuses on personal presentation, civic engagement, and formal protocol, culminating in a memorable presentation evening for families and invited guests. The program includes ballroom and choreographed dance training, as well as a special opportunity for fathers to present their Debutante, deliver a formal toast, and share a choreographed dance with her. The NLJC® Loudoun County Chapter places special emphasis on the important role of the marshals—the young gentlemen escorting the Debutantes—and actively encourages young men to participate in this elegant tradition.

✦Personal presentation and deportment
✦Civic engagement and community service
✦Formal protocol of receiving lines and presentations
✦The Debutante Presentation Ball

Ready to begin?

Programs are offered across our distinguished Loudoun County venues.