Quality ~ Legacy
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The History and Legacy of the Gollatz Cotillion
That Began in 1932
The Gollatz Cotillion and the legacy of instructing children in social
and behavioral skills has been a family tradition for over 94 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
Mr. and Mrs. Klapp are parents of seven children and nine grand children. They are aware of the "need" 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.
NEW: Manners in Minutes - Social instruction without the formality of Cotillion dancing.
The History of the Gollatz Cotillion from 1932 to the Present Day
Celebrating 94 years in 2026!!
The origination of the Gollatz Cotillion began with Miss Virginia Gollatz in 1932 hosting her first class at the Huntington Sheraton Hotel in Pasadena. The popularity of Miss Gollatz and her style of instruction quickly circulated and soon new communities were added to the Cotillion schedule. Thousands of adults today recall her grace and talent as Miss Gollatz commanded and instructed her Cotillion classes.
Pictured Left: Mrs. Virginia Gollatz
Robert Gollatz Miss Virginia Gollatz's brother, first was an assistant to Miss Gollatz and then became her dance partner in 1940. They traveled the world together and returned with different styles and dances from far-away places to be instructed at the Cotillions.
In 1949 the second generation of "Legacy Instructors" began when Robert's wife, Dorys Gollatz, joined the Gollatz team and became the new dance partner as Miss Virginia Gollatz retired this same year. As a husband and wife team, the Gollatz Cotillion began to flourish with new ideas of instruction. During the new Gollatz reign, the Disco and Hustle were popularized and taught. They changed with the times and modernized their style.
Pictured Left: Mrs. Dorys Gollatz and Mr. Robert Gollatz
The Second Generation of Legacy Instructors
Began in 1949
The Third Generation and Current Gollatz Family Legacy Instructors Since 1970
In 1970 Mrs. Darcee Sue Gollatz-Klapp, became the third generation continuing the Gollatz family legacy. Beginning as an assistant for many years she then continued to become the Owner and Director of Gollatz Cotillion (now the legacy family business). Both Mr. & Mrs. Gollatz retired in1983 and the new generation of instructors began.
In 1986 her husband, Mr. Wilbur P. Klapp III joined the Gollatz family team of Instructors. Mr. and Mrs. Klapp now host many Cotillions throughout Southern California. The legacy continues and so does the modernization of their instruction which includes dining and social skills taught at each Cotillion location. New: Manners in Minutes - instruction only without the formality of dancing in fun way to learn social skills.
Pictured left: Mrs. Darcee Gollatz-Klapp & Mr. Wilbur P. Klapp III.
The Fourth Generation and Legacy Instructor
In 2013 Mrs. Emma Klapp - Roque became the fourth generation of the Gollatz-Klapp family to join the Team of instructor's. As a mother of three young children, Mrs. Roque brings firsthand experience in guiding children's growth, encouraging positive behavior, and teaching the social skills and good manners that help a child interact confidently and respectfully with others.
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.