Quality ~ Legacy
(909) 880-8654
The History and Legacy of the Gollatz Cotillion
Beginning in 1932
The Gollatz Cotillion and the legacy of instructing children in social
and behavioral skills has been a family tradition for over 90 years.
The third and fourth generation of instructors and owners
Mrs. Darcee Sue Gollatz-Klapp and & Mr. Wilbur P. Klapp III and their daughter Mrs. Emmalou Klapp - Roque
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Mr. and Mrs. Klapp are parents of seven children and are aware of the "needs" of social programs for young people
that offer a safe, fun and non-judgmental environment. The Gollatz Cotillion hosts numerous locations in Southern California and each location is personally instructed by Mr. and Mrs. Klapp always with highest quality and professionalism.
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History of the Gollatz Cotillion from 1932 to the Present Day
Update: We are proud to announce
2022 the Gollatz Cotillion will celebrate 90 years!!
The origination of the Gollatz Cotillion began with Miss Virginia Gollatz in 1932 with her first class hosted at the Huntington Sheraton Hotel in Pasadena. The popularity of Miss Gollatz and her style of instruction quickly spread and soon many new communities were added to her schedule. Thousands of adults today recall her grace and talent as Miss Gollatz commanded her Cotillion classes.
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Robert Gollatz her brother, first was an assistant to Miss Virginia Gollatz and then became her dance partner in 1940. Traveling the world together Miss Gollatz and brother, Robert returned to the Cotillion with different styles and dances from far-away places.
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The Second Generation of Legacy Instructors Began Teaching in 1949. In 1949 Robert's wife, Dorys Gollatz, joined the Gollatz team and became his new legacy dance partner as Miss Virginia Gollatz retired. The Gollatz Cotillion began to flourish with new ideas of instruction. During the new Gollatz reign, the Disco and Hustle were popularized and taught. In the 1960's era the Gollatz Cotillion changed with the times and modernized their style.
The Second Generation of Legacy Instructors
Began Teaching in 1949
In 1949 Robert's wife, Dorys Gollatz, joined the Gollatz team and became his new legacy dance partner as Miss Virginia Gollatz retired. The Gollatz Cotillion began to flourish with new ideas of instruction. During the new Gollatz reign, the Disco and Hustle were popularized and taught. In the 1960's era the Gollatz Cotillion changed with the times and modernized their style.
The Third Generation and Current Gollatz Family Legacy Instructors Since 1970
Darcee Sue Gollatz-Klapp, the third generation to continue the Gollatz family legacy began in 1970 as an assistant and then continued as Dorys and Robert Gollatz retired in 1983. In 1986 her husband, Wilbur P. Klapp III joined the Gollatz team of instructors. Mr. and Mrs. Klapp now host more than 17 Cotillions throughout Southern California. The legacy continues and so does the modernization of their instruction which includes dining skills at each event and in many communities dinners are served.
Pictured left: Darcee Gollatz-Klapp & Wilbur P. Klapp III.
Our grown children and our entire family of nine shown here.
The Fourth Generation and Current Legacy Instructor
We are delighted to announce the fourth generation of the Gollatz-Klapp family has joined the team Mrs. Emma Klapp- Roque. The Gollatz Cotillion is proud of our legacy and to announce that we are the ONLY Cotillion to continue the family tradition and legacy for four generations.
The Gollatz Cotillion Offers Special Events
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The Gollatz Cotillion
3rd through 8th grade.
See Calendar for locations, schedules, dates and details of the Cotillion location near you.
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Young and Polite
Dining Class
Five years old through 2nd grade
A fun night devoted to basic dining instruction and table manners.
A complete dinner is served.
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Which Fork First?
Dining Class
3rd through 8th grade
Instruction of table manners, etiquette and social skills in a fun style setting.
The format includes a complete five course dinner service, prizes and the famous "Let's Set the Table" game.
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Senior Club with Life Skills for Success
6th - through 10th grade
A new forum, freshly written for the more mature student to learn and practice life skills that are so needed in today's world.
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