The Cotillion Initiative
Screens over people
Digital noise has replaced face-to-face connection. Teens lack practice in introductions, conversation, and simply reading a room.
Designed for Homeschool Families
Raise Ladies & Gentlemen
in Your Community
Etiquette, social dance & character formation for ages 10-18
The Cotillion Initiative equips passionate parents to bring dance, etiquette, and confidence to their homeschool community with everything needed to launch, teach, and thrive.
Homeschool co-op friendlyAges 10-18Flexible schedulingNo teaching experience needed2-year curriculum included
Why it matters
Today's teens are missing something
Identity & confidence gaps
Without positive social structure, many young people, even those in strong homeschool families, struggle with shyness and social uncertainty.
No wholesome gathering place
Homeschool communities thrive on shared activities. Cotillion becomes the event families look forward to all year, off-screen and in community.
What we've seen
The outcomes speak
for themselves
Over 7 years and 1,500+ students in Somerset West, South Africa, these aren't theories.
- ✦Socially shy children blossomed into confident, outgoing young people
- ✦Difficult teens became kinder and developed genuine manners
- ✦Families found a screen-free pastime they could share, dancing together
- ✦High school students chose wholesome cotillion parties over alternatives
- ✦Parents reported stronger relationships with their teenagers
- ✦Students carried etiquette and poise into job interviews and adult life
"The simple formula of Cotillion, dance and etiquette done in a fun, engaging, relevant, relationship-focused way, enables connection, life skills, joy, and confidence that the modern child and family are missing. We call it the Magic of Cotillion."
- Ms. Sarah Hedenskog, FounderOur method
The Cotillion
formula
01
Age-old tradition, relevant today
We use the proven Cotillion framework, etiquette and social dance instruction in becoming a lady or gentleman, that has shaped young people for generations.
02
Personal & contagiously fun
Ms. Sarah's authentic teaching style is relatable and genuinely fun. Students look forward to every class and parents see the change immediately.
03
Junior & Senior tracks
Separate programs for grades 5-7 and grades 8-12 with uniquely tailored, varied curriculums spanning two full school years.
04
Any community, any location
Our model can be applied by any qualified individual in any location: schools, homeschool co-ops, community centers, or church halls.
Our founder
From Denver mom
to cotillion pioneer
I'm Sarah Hedenskog, mother of 7, native of Denver, Colorado, and a former cotillion student myself. In 2019, I started South Africa's very first cotillion class in Somerset West because I knew what it had done for me as a child.
What began as one six-week class of 35 students has grown into a year-long program that has shaped over 1,500 young ladies and gentlemen. I've watched shy children blossom, difficult teens soften, and families fall in love with dancing together.
Now I want to help parents like you bring this magic to your own community, especially homeschool families who already understand that character isn't formed by accident.
Built by a homeschool-minded family, for yours
Families say
What parents are
telling us
★★★★★
"I wanted to raise a well-rounded child, and my son was heavily involved in sport. He was initially reluctant to join Cotillion, but agreed to attend when his friends joined. After the first lesson, he was hooked and begged to continue term after term. Now he and I dance in our kitchen at least once a week - it has become our special bonding time. I am a passionate Cotillion supporter as a result."
Jacqueline — Cotillion Parent
★★★★★
"From his first Cotillion lesson, my son absolutely loved it. He has attended every term for over three years, each time learning new dances and etiquette. It has brought so much joy out in my quiet son, and his social confidence has grown immeasurably. I think it is the best thing we could have done for him."
Ruth — Cotillion Parent
★★★★★
"Cotillion has changed me and helped me become more confident in myself. I was very shy and socially awkward, but I've noticed I am now much more confident in who I am. I especially love all the different dances we learn."
James — Cotillion Student
Start your own
Cotillion
Passionate about young people? The Cotillion Initiative gives you everything you need to launch in your own community.
See If You QualifyEnroll your
child today
Based near Somerset West? Join South Africa's original, and only, Cotillion program.
View the ScheduleCommon questions
Frequently asked
Is Cotillion only for homeschool families?
Not at all, any family can enroll their child in an existing class. However, the program fits homeschool co-op life particularly well, and our Cotillion Initiative model can be tailored for homeschool community leaders, private school communities, or public school parents who are passionate about strengthening family values, character, and courtesy in their communities.
What ages does Cotillion serve?
Junior Cotillion serves ages 10–13 (Grades 5–7) and Senior Cotillion serves ages 14–18 (Grades 8–12). Adult Cotillion is also available for parents and couples who would like to brush up on their dancing skills while enjoying a taste of Cotillion.
Is the curriculum faith-based?
The curriculum is values-based, rooted in character, courtesy, and respect, but not tied to any specific faith tradition. It aligns naturally with traditional and faith-oriented families and can be presented in any community context, including Christian co-ops.
Where can I find a Cotillion class near me?
Currently, the only existing program is in Somerset West, South Africa. Whether you are elsewhere in South Africa, in the US, or abroad, the Cotillion Initiative can help you start a program in your community, with full curriculum, marketing resources, training, and ongoing support from our founder, Ms. Sarah.