Our story · Established 1974
A Frankfort tradition. A thoughtful way forward.
For middle school students, a place to learn a dance, begin a conversation, and discover the confidence to join in.
Part of the community since 1974
Tradition, with people at its heart.
Frankfort Junior Cotillion has been part of the community since 1974. Today, owner and director Gina Tate carries that tradition forward through ballroom dance, social etiquette, and an emphasis on respect, kindness, and acceptance.
Frankfort Junior Cotillion began in 1974, organized by a group of local women. Its history is woven into the life of Frankfort and Franklin County: young people learning together, families gathering, and former participants returning to share the experience.
The setting may be a dance floor, but the purpose reaches into everyday life. Being considerate, making room for someone new, and approaching an unfamiliar situation with confidence are skills young people can carry with them.
Owner & director
Guided by
Gina Tate.
Gina Tate owns and directs Frankfort Junior Cotillion. Her longstanding leadership keeps the program centered on the way students treat one another.
In FRANK. Magazine’s 2019 feature, Gina described a mission of respect, kindness, and acceptance. She spoke of the confidence that can grow when a hesitant student begins to participate and, in time, helps others feel at ease.
“Now cotillion’s mission is respect, kindness and acceptance.”
Gina Tate · FRANK. Magazine, 2019
Why cotillion matters
Consideration is a skill we can practice.
Courtesy begins with noticing other people. A thoughtful introduction, an attentive conversation, or an encouraging word can help someone feel at ease. Cotillion gives young people a place to practice that consideration together.
For students in 6th–8th grade, new social situations can bring a mixture of curiosity and nerves. Cotillion offers shared activities that give conversation and connection somewhere to begin.
Our traditions belong to a living community. A 2019 account describes past participants returning as high school ambassadors and parents sharing the program with their own children. That spirit of taking part and giving back is part of the story we value.
Explore the program
From the archive: Read McKenna Horsley’s 2019 FRANK. Magazine feature. It offers a look at the program’s history; current dates, tuition, and location are provided on this website.
For your family’s next chapter
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