Cotillion History
The history of the Cotillion dates back to the pre-Industrial Revolution era in England when the kings and queens would invite families to “present” their daughters to the Court. This custom allowed the rural society to come together in London during the hunt season and the families to become acquainted with one another through various social events.
The season started with a presentation to the Court, known as the Court of St. James. The daughters would bow to the Queen and the bow became known as the “St. James bow.” All young ladies wore white, allowing them to be instantly recognized. Because each royal court had its own symphony, the girls would dance with their fathers to the Royal Symphony at the invitation of the court. Each girl carried red roses, a favorite of English aristocracy.
This tradition was brought to the United States in 1748 when Philadelphia decided to hold the first “Assembly.” From Philadelphia, the tradition spread to Boston, New York, Atlanta and Chicago. After World War II, debutante balls, cotillions and junior assemblies spread to cities throughout the country. They enjoyed rapid expansion during the Eisenhower years, which is when Tucson held its first cotillion.
Tucson’s first Cotillion was held in 1958 at the Santa Rita Hotel but within two years, it had to be moved to the Pioneer Hotel due to its enormous success. The cotillion committee presented 15 girls that first year, at the cost of $150 each. Times have changed! Now, just as in the 1950s, all the money raised is donated to the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. In the 1970s, the location of the Cotillion moved again to another downtown hotel, and eventually to the Westin La Paloma, where it is held today.