Charm School
"Good manners will open doors that best education cannot."
-Justice Clarence Thomas
The School
Shall We Dance's school of etiquette consists of six consecutive Saturday sessions in which Your child will be introduced to social graces and manners and the basics of social dance. Each session consists of two parts: etiquette and social dance. As each week builds upon the last, the class will culminate in a graduation dinner and dance for students and parents. Class size is strictly limited.
The Syllabus
I. Introductions
1. Introduction to Etiquette
2. Introduction to Social Dance
II. Social Graces
1. "Magic" Words & Gender Roles
2. Swing
III. Public Speaking
1. The Aristotelian "Triptych"
2. Fox Trot
IV. The Art of the Table
1. Table Settings & Manners
2. Tango
V. Dress Rehearsal
1. Ties & Makeup
2. Ballroom Etiquette
VI. Graduation Party
1. Dinner Party with Parents
2. Dance
1. Introduction to Etiquette
2. Introduction to Social Dance
II. Social Graces
1. "Magic" Words & Gender Roles
2. Swing
III. Public Speaking
1. The Aristotelian "Triptych"
2. Fox Trot
IV. The Art of the Table
1. Table Settings & Manners
2. Tango
V. Dress Rehearsal
1. Ties & Makeup
2. Ballroom Etiquette
VI. Graduation Party
1. Dinner Party with Parents
2. Dance
The Staff
Mrs. Amanda Barber
As a former executive and lobbyist for the coal industry, Mrs. Barber has wined and dined with sitting Senators, Governors, and Congressmen and is excited not only about sharing her real world experiences, but also with revealing various faux pas and passing on lessons she wishes she would have learned ahead of time!
Mr. Matt Barber
First introduced to the world of etiquette as part of the royal court of Carnival Memphis, Mr. Barber would later go on to professionally escort ballroom students all over the world as an instructor with Fred Astaire Dance Studios and Arthur Murray International. In addition to writing the best-selling book on ballroom etiquette Beginning Ballroom, Mr. Barber also served as the aboyeur of a four-star, four-diamond restaurant that famously taught children the finer points of dining etiquette.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the attire for class?
Young ladies may wear a dress suitable for church or a blouse and skirt.
Young gentlemen may wear a collared shirt and tie with slacks or khakis.
Appropriate dress shoes only; absolutely no flip flops.
Young gentlemen may wear a collared shirt and tie with slacks or khakis.
Appropriate dress shoes only; absolutely no flip flops.
May parents sit in the ballroom and watch?
We all know children act differently when their parents are around, and this is a program all about shaping their behavior for the better even in Your absence. Therefore, we highly discourage parents from observing the class as it tends to interfere with the desired outcome. So whether You'd like to think of it as the Copenhagen Interpretation, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, or Schroedinger's Cat: the very act of observation changes that which is being observed. So, if You need to drop off Your child and run to Walmart, we understand...
Why is there a strict limit to the number of children in class?
The final class is a situation in which we put everything we've learned to the test! We attempt to rent out a fancy place in town and the student's tuition not only covers the cost of their graduation meal, but it also covers both parents' dinners as well. Therefore, twenty-five kids quickly becomes 75 people at the final practice party... Thus, class size is strictly limited.
How often will You be offering the etiquette class?
The class will be offered to the public twice a year: once when school starts, and once closer to prom. That said, the class may be made available other times throughout the year for private groups: church youth programs, high school clubs, scouts, etc.
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