Is There Any Difference Between A Cotillion and a Debutante Ball
When people think of cotillions and Debutante Ball’s at first it would seem like there’s no real difference between the two. Both seem to be formal affairs that feature well-dressed young men and women coming of age. These are considered to be rites of passage events and a lot of preparation goes into them. Both a cotillion and debutante Ball are strongly linked with Southern culture, but they are practiced in various parts of the country. These events are considered to be high society and are put on typically by well off families.
In any case while these two events might seem the same to someone observing them, there are distinct differences. Before we get into it we can take a look at one primary difference. A debutante ball is for young women within a certain age range while a cotillion isn’t necessary limited to a certain age range. For instance, people have cotillions to celebrate spring. Now let’s get more into things.
The Cotillion
First we have to take a close look at where the word cotillion comes from. When you first hear the word it brings up images of some things associated with the military. The word originated in 18th century England as well as France. The word was used while describing a dance performed in a group that is said to be the dance that came before the square dance.
The actual dance came to be thought of as being an appropriate way to end a ball, which seems very fitting for the how it’s used today. Interestingly enough the actual cotillion is the final for all the prep that goes into readying middle school aged young people. The prep before cotillion is called “Cotillion Season”. It consists of various classes where the young people are trained in etiquette.
The actual ball, which consists of a dinner and a dance is where all of this etiquette training comes together and the young people get a chance to demonstrate what they have learned.
In certain parts of the country especially cotillion classes are taken very serious by those deeply rooted in the tradition, such as in Southern states. These classes provide a chance for young people to get educated in all sorts of different manners while doing it with friends they know.
Particular skills taught might include learning how to give a handshake in the right way, learning how to waltz or for a girl learning how to curtsy. The skills learned during this time as though to be extremely valuable as the young people progress through life. Both teachers and parents are present at the cotillion Ball in order to observe how well things have come along. Here they get a chance to watch things such as table manners, dance moves as well as conversational etiquette.
The Debutante Ball
So the main purpose of a cotillion is to teach respectful manners to young people so they can go out into society and thrive. Debutante balls are different in that they celebrate the actual joining to society for young people. These are also focused on females whereas with a cotillion the focus can be on both male and females.
It’s going to depend a lot on where it’s being put on, but one common feature of these is what is called the debuting of young women who range in age from 16 to 21. It marks their official entry into society as respected members.
These balls weren’t always about just this. Debutante Ball’s used to be about a family of high standing making it known that their daughter was of good stock and ready to be married off to a young man from a family of equal social standing. These days although these balls are still very tradition focused tend to focus more on strengthening the sense of community, charitable functions and simply watching the growing of girls into young women.
Young women will have their dads by their sides and will be led by two other young people that they themselves choose. Debutante Ball’s take place all over the U.S and also in different parts of the world.
These two events share one thing in common though it isn’t always the case. They are associated with the upper crust of society in terms of wealth. There’s a lot of networking that takes places at these types of events and a lot of relationships are formed that will prove valuable.
From an image standpoint it’s very important that everything have a strong air of respectability and class to it. Debutante Ball’s for example usually require lots of practice in order to make sure they go off without any problems.
One thing is for sure, both of these events mean a lot to the people that participate in them. It isn’t just looked at as a coming of age thing, but the young people who take part in these represent their families. So there may be a little pressure to make sure that they represent the family well.
And these events aren’t always between very close knit groups or families. These events take place on a competitive level as well. For instance, every 2 years in New York City they have an international Debutante Ball. It features the daughters of some of the most prominent and wealthy families in the world. Competition to get selected to participate in this debutante ball is beyond belief.
Only a handful of young women are selected and it’s really expensive for the families of these young women to attend, but more than worth it for them. Cotillions on the other hand don’t always have to be linked to high society. For instance, the military has a Cotillion as well as other branches of the armed services.
Whether it be a cotillion or a debutante ball, these events are high cherished experiences for the young people participating in them. The venues they take place in are very well prepped in order to make sure that the formal aspect is well presented.
