Manners in Motion® ~ a new spin on Cotillion

Social Skills for Students - On and Off the Dance Floor!

Wouldn’t it be great if your child could learn the basics of social dancing -- along with essential etiquette skills -- and have fun doing it? Enter Manners in Motion® -- a unique program conceived and directed by Cynthia Glinka.  It's the only program where kids get to learn partner dancing as well as social skills and even get to dance to a live band! It's a whole new spin on Cotillion. Manners in Motion® is a truly fun way for young people to learn the basics of social dancing along with essential etiquette skills.

For the past twelve years, dance coach and choreographer, Cynthia Glinka has inspired thousands of Middle Schoolers in the Bay Area. Cynthia and her partner A.C. Griffing were the instructors at Belvedere Tiburon's Cotillion program for 10 years.  Now, with Manners in Motion®, they bring a whole new level of fun, glamour and excitement to classic Cotillion instruction.

The 8-week program takes an entertaining and inspiring approach to teaching partner social dancing, with an emphasis on appropriate boundaries of touch and mutual respect. Students learn how to ask for and accept a dance, escort a partner to and from the dance floor and how to identify different musical tempos.

Youngsters also learn social graces off the dance floor including dining etiquette, how to behave in formal settings and how to engage in social conversation. Sessions are taught in a supportive, non-competitive environment that integrates social group awareness with a sense of style and grace.

These lessons can be applied to everyday life ...  from learning to keep one’s elbows off the table to writing a thoughtful thank-you note. 

Above all, young adults learn that good manners never go out of style!

The Manners in Motion® series features an innovative and highly motivating teaching technique, inspired by Cynthia Glinka's real life experiences.

During one of her recent sessions, Cynthia noticed that some of the dancers weren’t responding. They slumped, yawned and were easily distracted. The students’ body language and bored expressions made it clear that dressing up and going to a gym to learn dancing wasn’t exactly their idea of a good time.

That’s when Cynthia had an idea. She told the kids, “Pretend we’re in a MOVIE … you’re an actor or actress … you just came from the Wardrobe Department,  quiet on the set … places … rolling …ACTION!”

Immediately, the kids’ attitudes and demeanor shifted. They danced with a spring in their step . . . their posture improved . . . and they smiled “for the camera.”  According to Cynthia, “the transformation was dramatic – it was just amazing!”

For 8 fun-filled weeks, students learn dancing and etiquette while acting their “roles” as movie performers! They learn to behave “on the set”, get coached on proper “wardrobe” and practice being poised in front of the camera.

An award-winning film team is available to capture our “cast” in action and document the students’ progress on their way to the glamorous, Red Carpet Gala. For an additional fee, filming can be arranged and includes a DVD for each participating student.

Customized Programs and Parties!

Manners in Motion® programs can be tailored to the needs of your community. Workshops, parties and custom programs are available.

Program Highlights

On the Dance Floor Our cast is coached and rehearsed in popular dances such as the Fox Trot, Swing, Waltz, Tango, Rumba and more with continuous partner rotation.	Looking the Part Students are required to dress appropriately throughout the entire Manners in Motion® series. "Actors" will be asked to wear a blazer or sport coat and will learn to tie a necktie. "Actresses" are encouraged to wear a skirt or dress and will be coached on perfect posture.
Perfect Posture Tips on posture and proper seating	Dining Do's and Don'ts             A.C. Griffing directs and offers guidance at the dining table
Knot Too Tricky	Etiquette Evening The cast display their manners (no elbows on the table, please), as they rehearse and explore the art of dining etiquette and socializing in a formal setting.     Students learn the art of how to tie a neck tie.
Families Dancing Together Adult family members are invited to join our students to learn tips and tricks of social partner dancing, so you can enjoy dancing with your "star" at the Red Carpet Gala.	Red Carpet Gala Ladies and gentlemen demonstrate their newly acquired dance and social skills to the sounds of live music, plus enjoy a buffet dinner.
Manners in the Mail Even in the age of email, thank you notes still matter. Young people learn the importance of sending thoughtful, handwritten notes.	Imagine the excitement as youngsters unplug their I-Pods and dance to a live band! It will be an “Opening Night” to remember!

Manners in Motion® is a federally registered trademark
The material featured is subject to copyright protection (2007)