cotillion

• Nom désignant un bal officiel où l'on présente de jeunes femmes à la société, ou une danse vive originaire de France au XVIIIe siècle.

A noun referring to a formal ball where young women are introduced to society, or a lively dance that originated in 18th-century France.

1. Formal social ballC1formalamerican

   A formal ball or dance where young people, especially young women, are introduced to society.

   Bal de débutantes

   • The debutante attended her first cotillion at the grand hotel.
   • Cotillions are often held to mark a young woman's entry into society.
   • The annual cotillion was a highlight of the social season.

   Synonymesballdanceformal

2. Historical danceC2formal

   A lively, intricate dance for couples, popular in 18th-century France and later in other countries.

   Cotillon (danse historique)

   • The dancers performed a cotillion at the historical reenactment.
   • The cotillion involves complex steps and frequent partner changes.
   • Music for the cotillion was often composed by famous court musicians.