In a country where “Jersey Shore” is a hit TV series and
political discussion consists mostly of candidates shouting
at each other, courtesy, etiquette and good manners seem to
be endangered virtues. “Please” and “thank you” are words
disappearing from ordinary conversation.
The social graces also are endangered. If you look at
children eating at a fast-food restaurant you may see the
occasional use of the sleeve on the mouth. It may be too late
to get many adults to be polite, but Linton Hall School in
Bristow is trying to mold boys and girls into good-mannered
young men and women.
This year, the school began offering a 10-week pre-cotillion
class for students.
The word “cotillion” derives from a dance that originated in
France in the 18th century.
In the United States, a cotillion historically was a formal
ball where debutantes were introduced to society. Now, a
cotillion is a series of classes that teach students some
dancing, but stresses manners and social etiquette.
Pre-cotillion classes are for students in third through fifth
grades. Classes meet once a week for an hour after school and
are taught by Kimberly Entrican, founder of the Piedmont
Etiquette School.
Entrican, a graduate of the Etiquette and Leadership
Institute in Watkinsville, Ga., said the idea for the class
came from a parent who wanted her child to learn manners. The
mother went to Principal Elizabeth A. Poole who called
Entrican. The three met, and cotillion at Linton Hall School
began. The first class started in January with 27
students.
Entrican said the young students were a little apprehensive
when they heard that dance was a part of cotillion, but she
allayed their fears saying that in pre-cotillion dance is not
stressed.
Classes use some role-playing exercises along with workbooks
to help students practice new-found skills. Students are
tested before each class.
The pre-cotillion class stresses social education. Students
learn about self-esteem and confidence building, table
manners, telephone etiquette, meetings and introductions, and
the etiquette of public places.
“We’re teaching the beginnings of the social graces,” said
Entrican.
She said the class is about respect, both for yourself and
others.
A recent class focused on napkin etiquette and introductions.
There are only three instances when your napkin can be tucked
into your collar below your chin: eating lobster, flying in
an airplane and being under 4 years old. Use a napkin on your
mouth after taking a bite and before taking a sip of
water.
When introducing someone there are certain protocols that
should be observed. The senior or new person is introduced
first and always follows, “I would like to introduce to you –
not ‘you to.'” Entrican gave the children a simple way to
remember that – “Happy birthday to you.”
Entrican and Poole plan to have cotillion classes for older
students in grades six through eight. The classes will cover
social and dance education, tipping, extending and receiving
invitations, writing thank-you notes, the do’s and don’ts of
dining, and the duties of host/hostess and guests.
Fifth-grader Ian Winch had the noblest of reasons to attend
Entrican’s class.
“My parents wanted me to do it,” he said.
But, he added, he learned important information like the fold
of a napkin on your lap should point at your belly.
Fourth-grader Cordelia McMahon also said her parents were the
impetus to attend.
“I realized I needed it too,” she admitted. “It’s fun.”
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