The Cotillion Initiative
Screens over people
Digital noise has replaced face-to-face connection. Teens lack practice reading rooms, making introductions, and holding a real conversation.
Designed for Homeschool Families
Raise Ladies & Gentlemen
in Your Community
Start your own Cotillion - no classroom required
The Cotillion Initiative equips passionate parents and co-op leaders to bring dance, etiquette, and character formation to their homeschool community - with everything you need to launch, teach, and thrive.
Flexible schedulingHomeschool co-op friendlyAges 10-18No prior teaching experience2-year curriculum included
2026-2027 placements
Only 15 spots remain
We limit new launches each year to ensure every Initiator receives
personal support from Ms. Sarah. Applications close when filled.
Why it matters
Today's teens are missing something
Identity & confidence gaps
Without positive social structure, many young people, even 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, together, off-screen, and in community.
What we've seen
The outcomes speak
for themselves
Over 7 years and 1,500+ students in South Africa, these aren't theories. They're what actually happened.
- ✦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 interviews and adult life
"I often describe Cotillion as a beautiful painting; the painting inside is the dance and the focus of what most people look at. Etiquette, then, is the frame that provides the structure and safe boundaries that hold, protect, and make the painting even more valuable."
- Ms. Sarah Hedenskog, Founder
Our founder
Denver girl,
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 now shaped over 1,500 young ladies and gentlemen. Now I want to help parents like you bring this 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"This fits perfectly into our Montessori Curriculum, promoting grace and courtesy in real and social setting. It has become the highlight in our weekly shedule. I wish everyone could have the oppotunity to experience Cotillion!"
- Ruth, Cotillion ParentIs this for you?
You might be the
perfect fit
The Cotillion Initiative isn't for everyone, and that's intentional. Here's who this works for:
- ✦You're a parent or homeschool co-op leader with a heart for young people
- ✦You love the old-fashioned principles of becoming a lady and a gentleman
- ✦You enjoy dancing, even if you're no Fred Astaire
- ✦You're comfortable speaking in front of a group
- ✦You have access to 500+ children ages 10-18 within 30 minutes
- ✦You want meaningful side income that fits your homeschool lifestyle
"My husband and I taught Senior Cotillion for several years with Sarah. We've always loved dancing and having the opportunity to impact young people's lives this way was such a blessing. We feel incredibly honoured!"
Pieter and Leané, Former Cotillion Instructors
"Our family's Christian homeschool curriculum dovetails perfectly with the cotillion classes. My own children have attended her classes, as have so many in our co-op. It's been a real blessing for our area."
Jennifer, Homeschool Co-op Leader
What you receive
Everything you need to
launch with confidence
Your Cotillion Initiative package is a complete business-in-a-box, built by someone who has done it successfully for 7 years.
- 1Proven launch strategyA step-by-step business framework to fill your first class, set your pricing, and generate profit from day one.
- 22-year video curriculumComplete dance and etiquette instruction, Junior and Senior tracks, delivered via easy-to-follow videos with supporting PDFs for you and any co-instructors.
- 3Marketing toolkitReady-made PDF flyers, visual content, a promotional calendar, and messaging tailored for homeschool communities.
- 4Launch preparation guideClear checklists and setup requirements for the months leading up to your first class, no guesswork.
- 5Personal Q&A with Ms. SarahA 1-hour Zoom session during your setup phase, plus 4 ongoing 20-minute check-ins throughout your program year.
- 6Practical hosting tipsHow to create a joyful, memorable experience that keeps families re-enrolling year after year.
Families say
What parents are
telling us
★★★★★
"Cotillion has taught our sons far more than dance steps and table manners. They've grown in respect and social awareness, becoming gentlemen who can interact with others with ease and consideration."
Marlene
Cotillion Parent
★★★★★
"It was such a fun experience. We learned really cool dance moves and played all kinds of fun group games that taught us etiquette. It feels really cool to know how to courteously conduct yourself in places like a restaurant, at a dance, or at school. And knowing how to dance now is definitely an added bonus!"
Nathan
Cotillion Student
★★★★★
"In today's day and age, I feel society often neglects skills like courtesy and manners. Cotillion offers a safe and welcoming environment for young people to learn these skills. I truly believe every child should experience Sarah's classes."
Debbie
Cotillion Parent
Common questions
Before you apply
Do I need a formal dance background?
No. The video curriculum teaches you the dances step by step. If you can learn, you can teach. Many of our most successful Initiators had no prior dance experience.
How does this fit into a homeschool co-op schedule?
Cotillion works beautifully as a weekly or weekly co-op activity. Classes typically run 90 minutes. You control the day, time, and venue, community halls, church spaces, and recreation centers all work perfectly.
What does it cost families to enroll their children?
You set your own tuition. We provide guidance on pricing for your market, but you keep 100% of what you charge. Our Initiators typically price their programs to generate meaningful part-time income.
Is the curriculum faith-neutral or 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 delivered in any community context.
What if I'm in a rural or smaller community?
We recommend having access to 500+ children ages 10-18 within a 30-minute radius as a general guide. Contact us to discuss your specific area, we've seen successful programs in a range of community sizes.
Only 15 placements for 2026-2027
Ready to bring Cotillion
to your community?
Tell us a bit about yourself and your community. Ms. Sarah personally reviews every application.
