For over thirty years, Mr. and Mrs. Bent have inspired gentility and guided thousands of southern California children and youth to achieve their full potential through the development of manners and social graces.

    Raised internationally, Mr. Bent first met his future partner, a dancer, teacher and choreographer from her childhood in northern California, when both were members of the world-renowned Brigham Young University Ballroom Dance Company. After touring and competing around the world—winning U.S. and British National Formation Championships, and experiencing how dance and good manners unite people around the world—they came to Los Angeles to pursue careers in musical theater and graphic design. Through Mrs. Bent’s own Cotillion teacher they were introduced to Commander and Mrs. Unander, long-time southland Cotillion directors, and immediately began teaching under their direction. Not long thereafter, upon the Unander’s retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Bent assumed leadership of Cotillion and are delighted to have been able to continue the storied tradition ever since. They are the parents of four daughters and one son, all, naturally, graduates of Cotillion.