Experts say that soft skills, such as communication, empathy, leadership, teamwork and emotional intelligence are among some of the most important tools for success. In fact, some go so far to say that they’re more important than hard or technical skills, which can be learned at any time. So how can you ensure your kids are set up for a lifetime of success? More than keeping elbows off the table or not interrupting, etiquette classes and cotillions in the Dallas-Fort Worth area teach kiddos how to behave in social and professional situations and make good first impressions.
Even well-behaved little ones can benefit from etiquette classes. Beyond distinguishing a salad fork from a shrimp fork, kids will learn how to address conflict with composure, express opinions with confidence, write thank-you notes with care, build the foundations of leadership skills and, most importantly, treat others and themselves with respect. (And, yes, even how to take dignified selfies.)
Mrs. McVeigh’s Manners
Founded by Elise McVeigh, etiquette instructor, Mrs. McVeigh’s Manners teaches the rules of “Meeting, Eating and Greeting” in in-person group classes, private lessons and camps for kids ages 3–11, as well as individual etiquette videos and downloadable resources. Classes and seminars are also offered for teens, adults and professionals with more than 60 topics to choose from. In addition, Mrs. McVeigh’s Manners is planning to launch an online subscription service soon. Register online for the workshops or private lessons, or make a group reservation for 12 or more students. McVeigh also writes a monthly advice column for us here at DFWChild. Check out some of her real-world advice for parents including how to battle terrible table manners.
Cost: Private classes start at $200 per hour; group classes start at $105
When: See website for upcoming classes or email to create a class
Where: Dallas, Park Cities, Frisco and virtual
Contact: mrsmcveigh.com; 214/212-2033; mrsmveighclasses@gmail.com
Arabesque Studio of the Dance
Register your child for the Charm, Etiquette, & Modeling Course, taught by Angela Ingels, who holds numerous local and state pageant titles. Girls ages 6–17 practice entering a room, walking with purpose, making proper introductions, communication skills including social media, personal care and dining etiquette. At the end, students showcase the skills they’ve mastered as they walk the runway in their favorite outfits. The course runs for four weeks, with 1.5-hour classes each week.
Cost: Contact the studio for more information
When: Course is offered when there’s enough interest; contact the studio for more information.
Where: 7989 Beltline Road, Suite 176, Dallas
Contact: arabesquedance.com; 972/233-2532
Miss Persis Studio
Since 1954, Miss Persis Studio has offered a seasonal cotillion program for Arlington sixth-graders during the school year. During six Saturday lessons, students learn basic ballroom dancing, social etiquette and manners. The program culminates with a Spring Fling event for students to put their new skills into action. Though enrollment is not exclusive to certain schools, the studio does organize the program into four sections based on feeder school neighborhoods.
Cost: $200 per person; prices may change for the 2024 school year
When: September through April
Where: 222 W. Main St., Arlington
Contact: misspersisstudio.com; 817/261-7921; info@misspersisstudio.com
The Southern Academy of Etiquette
Avery Johnson, owner and director of the Southern Academy of Etiquette who is trained and dual certified at the American School of Protocol, offers a variety of programs for children ages 6–18. Poised and Polished covers proper introductions, handshakes, posture, walking, conversations skills, and more. Building on that, The Social Club President also teaches kids networking, leadership skills and how to plan a wardrobe. And for those who want to take their skills to the next level, The High-End Socialite covers everything mentioned, as well as dining etiquette and public speaking.
Cost: $222–$1,300
When: Visit the website to register
Where: 2911 Turtle Creek Blvd., Suite 300, Dallas or at your location
Contact: southernacademyofetiquette.com; 214/347-9803; avery@southernacademyofetiquette.com
Jon D. Williams Cotillions
With cotillions across the country, JDW Cotillions has a few outposts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for third through eighth graders. The program offers four five-week courses: Cotillion, Club Cotillion, Social Skills Essentials. Little ones in Cotillion will learn basic skills, including introductions, courtesy, listening and conversation, making good choices and table manners.
Club Cotillion instructs students how social skills impact all relationships and are the foundation of leadership while developing self-confidence and respect, teamwork and leadership and dining etiquette skills. Meanwhile, Social Skills Essentials covers building relationships, technology etiquette, appearance and dress and codes of conduct. All groups learn age-appropriate dance moves, including foxtrot, waltz, bachata, line dances and more. Register online.
Cost: $260–$395
When: The cotillion seasons are held annually; check website for updates
Where: Chapters across Dallas-Fort Worth
Contact: cotillion.com/jdw; 303/789-1447
Dallas School of Etiquette
Lisa Burdette, founder of Dallas School of Etiquette, is a certified American School of Protocol Etiquette Consultant who also completed training at the British School of Protocol. She offers private lessons for children ages 3 and older, teens and adults, including family sessions (up to 4 people) in your home, which include table manners and conversation skills, and private school interview etiquette. All lessons focus on gratitude while teaching situational awareness (does someone need a napkin or opening the door for someone).
Burdette believes “character is what you do when no one is looking,” which is why she also offers Cultivating Character, which teaches kids how to start with a good impression, the importance of expressing gratitude, good sportsmanship and doing the right thing. She also offers consultations, works with nonprofits and scout groups and hosts afternoon tea parties, which are great for kids’ birthdays.
Cost: $150–$250; $50 to travel if it’s more than 25 miles
When: Call to book a private class or for more information
Where: Dallas-Fort Worth area
Contact: etiquettedallas.com; 945/261-9972 or 404/574-0455; lisa@etiquettedallas.com
National League of Junior Cotillions
Established In 1989, the National League of Junior Cotillions is a national organization that trains and licenses directors to establish local NLJC® programs, with active chapters in the DFW area. Rising-first through rising-fifth graders can sign up for Pre-Cotillion, where they’ll receive training in basic table manners, an introduction to etiquette and line dance. In Junior Cotillion, sixth through eighth graders receive training in social etiquette, character education, modern manners, basic ballroom dance, dining instructions, interviewing skills and more.
Highlights of the Junior Cotillion season include etiquette classes, an instructional dinner, Grand Spring Ball, and cultural outings. Teens enrolled in High School Cotillion receive instruction in interviewing skills, resume writing, and preparing for college and the adult world. The Allen, Fairview, Lucas, McKinney and Prosper chapters offer Pre-Cotillion and Junior Cotillion Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3 Premiere, as well as High School Cotillion. Meanwhile, the Frisco and Plano chapters offer Junior Cotillion.
Cost: $225–$550
When: Class times vary by chapter; online registration for the 2024–2025 season begins Jan. 3 for the Allen, Fairview, Lucas, McKinney and Prosper chapters and March 1 for Frisco and Plano chapters.
Where: Allen, Fairview, Lucas, McKinney, Prosper, Plano and Frisco
Contact: Allen, Fairview, Lucas, McKinney and Prosper chapters: nljc.com; 972/668-4570; laura.walsh@nljc.com.
Plano and Frisco chapters: nljcfriscoplano.com; 469/633-9698; shannon.babovec@nljc.com
Lone Star School of Etiquette
Melinda Cochrum, founder and president of Lone Star School of Etiquette, is a double-certified consultant in both children’s and corporate etiquette from the American School of Protocol. Lone Star School of Etiquette offers programs for children, teens and adults. Youth Life Skills for first through fifth grades focuses on teaching kiddos social and dining etiquette, including table manners, conversation skills, writing thank-you notes and showing appreciation.
Modern Teen Culture is offered for sixth through 12th grades. Sixth through eighth graders focus on five-course meal instruction in both American and Continental styles of dining, while ninth through 12th grades also learn job and college interviews, dating etiquette, proper introductions and the importance of first impressions.
Cost: $295–$395; prices vary for private lessons
When: Offers fall and spring sessions, as well as summer camps
Where: Prosper and will travel throughout Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex
Contact: lonestarsoe.com; 832/443-4014; lonestarschoolofetiquette@gmail.com
Texas Etiquette Academy & Finishing School
Texas Etiquette Academy & Finishing School offers quarterly classes, as well as private lessons with director Misty Harris for personalized etiquette skill training, from fine dining to personal polish. Summer camps, which are held in June and July, teach confidence-boosting life skills for children and young ladies.
Want an extra-special treat? Host a tea party at your venue of choice, which includes a tea and dining etiquette lesson, plus a special gift for attendees. Texas Etiquette also offers programs for adults, including polishing dining skills for special events or business meals, business etiquette and socializing and conversation skills.
Cost: Children’s dining classes start at $90; private lessons range from $125–$2,500
When: Year-round; email for a schedule of classes or private lesson inquiries
Where: Fort Worth
Contact: ingoodcompanyetiquette.com; 817/476-0138; texasetiquette@gmail.com
Top image courtesy of Elise McVeigh of Mrs. McVeigh’s Manners
