Cotillion, << koh TIHL yuhn, >> is one of a family of ballroom dances for four couples in a square formation. These dances were popular from the late 1600’s through the 1800’s. About 1827, a new style of cotillion became popular as the final event of a ball. The couples sat around the edge of the room while a “gentleman leader” set up gamelike situations called figures. Figures included exchanging party favors or forfeiting places, as in musical chairs. There was always an element of surprise. A formal ball, especially at which debutantes are presented, is often called a cotillion.
