Jon D. Williams Cotillions EST 1949
Jon D. Williams Cotillions was founded in 1949 by Jon and Vivian Williams and has been teaching social skills and dance education for over 60 years.
History of Jon and Vivian Williams
A native of Greenwich, Connecticut, Vivian learned ballroom dancing & etiquette at the Miss Blasé Cotillion at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. She later debuted at the Hotel Pierre and attended the Arthur Murray dance school in Manhattan.
In 1932, Jon Williams II began his training with Arthur Murray. His first dancing partner was Jimmy Stewart’s wife, Gloria. He was informed that she was too tall for him, and Arthur Murray advised the young man to begin working with a young blonde debutante named Vivian. Thus began the brilliant career of Jon and Vivian Williams as the number one instructional team for Arthur Murray, performing in the best hotels from New York to California. Soon the perfect dance partners became partners in life and were married.
After World War II, Jon was contacted by Fred Astaire and offered the position of setting up the first Fred Astaire Studios across the country. Jon jumped at the opportunity. During this period Astaire was also looking for dance partners to develop new routines. Astaire asked Vivian to audition and her first appearance at the Park Avenue studio was vintage 1940’s Hollywood. The two were an instant fit. Astaire and Vivian created several new dance steps, including the “Swing Trot,” which was taught all over the country.
The Birth of Jon D. Williams Cotillions
In 1949, now having a family and ready to settle down, the Williams decided to leave Fred Astaire and establish their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Soon there after, they organized and directed the first Jon D. Williams Cotillion at the world famous resort – The Broadmoor Hotel.
Jon D. Williams III and Cotillion in the 21st Century
In 1975, Jon D. Williams III joined the family business, which at the time consisted of 6 cotillion programs. Over the last 30 years, Jon III has developed the company into a multi-faceted, national business with an emphasis on social skills education. Jon III brought cotillion programs to 50 cities across the country now operating as far west as Carmel, California and as far east as Boston. Since the company’s inception, JDWC has taught over 250,000 people in social skills and dance education with around 11,000 students taught annually.
Jon D. Williams Cotillions has six professional full time instructors, including Jon D. Williams III.
Today JDW Social Education Programs TM has four divisions:
Jon D. Williams Cotillions TM – for children
Survival Etiquette Essentials TM – for teenagers
Executive Social Presentation® – for college students and business professionals
National Center for Social Education TM – for certification and licensing
Charity Work
Jon D. Williams Cotillions gives over $80,000 in scholarships and complementary memberships every year. Each of the six full time instructors donates their time by conducting programs for at risk children and related charities.
