Cotillion

The Los Angeles (CA) Chapter Links, Incorporated signature project is The Leadership Institute and Cotillion Program.

The Los Angeles Cotillion is now the culminating event of the Leadership Institute and Cotillion Program. The Program serves to mentor approximately 20-24 young women annually and raise funds that provide vital support to local community charities. (hyperlink to Leadership Institute Program info).

The Leadership Institute and Cotillion Program requires 100% participation of the chapter members and draws from each of the Links, Incorporated’s 5 facets, or areas of programming concern:

  • Services to Youth
  • National Trends and Services
  • International Trends and Services
  • The Arts
  • Health and Human Services

The Program commences in early spring of each year with the Los Angeles (CA) Chapter soliciting Profiles (participation interest statements) from young women who are considering participating, and who are entering the 12th grade in the fall of the participation year.

Program activities and curriculum are geared specifically toward college preparation, and the mature high school student.

Successful completion of the Leadership Institute, among other requirements, is prerequisite to participating in the Los Angeles Cotillion formal dinner and dance.

The Los Angeles Cotillion formal dinner and dance are elaborate, requiring a significant level of commitment to planning and rehearsing during the months between August and November.  Cotillionettes are required to learn and perform 3 dances; the first which they perform as a group, the second is a waltz performed with a father figure, and the third a more contemporary/ dance performed by the Cotillionettes with their escorts.

The Cotillion formal dinner and dance celebrate tradition and cultural history of African Americans dating back more than a century. The Los Angeles Cotillion dates back to 1952. (insert link to History) Today, we perform the Cotillion dances to honor and acknowledge each Cotillionette’s accomplishments, growth and limitless potential.