​​Class 1 Questions: 

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• What Is The Purpose Of A Cotillion?

• What Are Social Skills & Why Are They So Important?

• What Are Manners?

• What Is Etiquette?

 

What Is The Real Reason For Learning Proper Manners & Etiquette?

 

• Learning proper manners and etiquette is never for the purpose of showing others that we are better than they are. The main reason we learn manners & etiquette is to show others that we have respect for them.

• It is also to show others that we respect ourselves. Remember, YOU teach people how to treat YOU by the way YOU treat YOURSELF.

 

Why Are Introductions So Important?

 

• People usually remember how they met you. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

• People will start to form an opinion of you in the first 7 seconds they meet you.

 

How To Properly Introduce Yourself:

 

• When introducing yourself remember the word SPECIAL.

  • “S” stands for STAND, SMILE, SHAKE HANDS. (Or alternatives to the hand shake)

    • Extend your RIGHT hand & shake from your elbow, NOT your shoulder​

    • Your thumb should be straight up

    • Web space should touch / Not too soft / Not too hard / Just firm

    • Shake until both individuals have stated their name

    • Not all cultures shake hands / Research before traveling

    • If you decline a handshake, do it respectively

    • If you have "sweaty hands" wipe your hands on a handkerchief prior to shaking

  • “P” stands for POSTURE. (Stand up straight)

  • “E” stands for EYE CONTACT. (3-4 seconds at a time)

  • “C” stands for CALM & COOL. (Be Calm & Cool)

  • “I” stands for INTRODUCE. (Always say your full name)

  • “A” stands for ASK QUESTIONS. (Ask a question like, “How Are You Today?)

  • “L” stands for LISTEN. (Be a good listener)

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What Is The Difference Between A STOP Introduction & A GO Introduction? 

 

• A STOP introduction is when you introduce two people buy only give their names.

• A GO introduction is when you introduce two people and say a little something about each of them.​​

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How To Keep A Conversation Going? (Remember The FORD Technique)

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• Using the F.O.R.D. technique you will always have something to talk about.

  • Family & Friends​

  • Occupation (Remember Your Occupation Is A Student)

  • Recreation (Hobbies / Interests) 

  • Dreams (What Are Your Life Goals?)

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10 Tips For Being A People Magnet

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1. Remember most people are interested in themselves so try to talk more about them than yourself. 

2. Make the person you are talking with feel important.

3. People like people who agree with them. This does not mean going against your own beliefs, it means you should always try to find what you have in common as opposed to focusing on your differences. 

4. When in conversation, remember to SMILE.

5. Try not to be an 11th finger (Try to avoid "one-upping" up the other person) 

6. Show a real interest in the person you are talking to.

7. Try to find something you can Accept, Approve, or Appreciate about other people. 

8. Be an active listener.

9. Ask questions based on your conversation. It shows you are interested and were listening.

10. Above all...Be KIND.

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Why Is Learning DANCE An Important Social Skill?

 

• Dance is “hands on training” for several important skills that you will need in your adult life. These skills include:  

  • RESPECT - Positivity towards others

  • COOPERATION - Willingness to work with others

  • TEAMWORK – Working with someone towards a common goal

 

General Rules For Partner Dancing

 

• Follows (typically females) always start with their right foot and leads (typically males) always start with their left foot.

• The lead always sets the pace of the dance.  Even if the lead is not on the correct beat or doing the correct step, follows should not back lead.

• Avoid looking down at your feet while dancing.  This comes across as being unsure of yourself and it’s easy to run into another couple.

• Avoid holding your partner with a tight grip or being forceful during turns and other moves.  This can be very uncomfortable for your partner.

• During our classes we kindly request that our students rotate frequently so they have a chance to dance with different partners. This also ensures that no student is left out of a dance. 

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