Charm/Finishing School

[Pua'i Mana'o]

Do these even exist in Hawai'i? Yes, the ideal situation is to have parents model good manners and teach their children the finer points of this&that but let's face it; many people don't possess these skills in the first place. Anyone know about these or have use them?

[WindwardOahuRN]

Re: Charm/Finishing School

Do these even exist in Hawai'i? Yes, the ideal situation is to have parents model good manners and teach their children the finer points of this&that but let's face it; many people don't possess these skills in the first place. Anyone know about these or have use them?

I haven't heard of any but I imagine there could be a market for such a business here, especially with some moneyed groups.

http://www.etiquette-school.com/youth.php

One of the things they cover is "handshaking for all ages." Wonder if that includes the shaka?

"When to start eating." LOL

[Miulang]

Re: Charm/Finishing School

Do these even exist in Hawai'i? Yes, the ideal situation is to have parents model good manners and teach their children the finer points of this&that but let's face it; many people don't possess these skills in the first place. Anyone know about these or have use them?

Small kid time, my parents sent me to a "charm school" on Maui. I distinctly remember having to wear a dress and patent leather shoes once a week to "Aunty Bea's" which was a weekly program for young boys and girls (I think I was about 11 at the time) and the girls learned to cross their legs at the ankles, the boys learned to open doors for the wahines and we learned about what all that silverware that was in a formal table setting was used for. We also learned other social skills, like dancing (waltz, cha cha, foxtrot), etc. Our "graduation" was a 10-day escorted tour of California sans the parents. I got to meet Tony Dow (of "Leave it to Beaver" fame) in Hollywood, went to San Francisco and took a train down to Disneyland. That one experience made me decide I had to leave Hawai'i as soon as I could because I thought then that being on CONUS was a whole lot better than what I had experienced up to that point.

Miulang

P.S. Yes, I also learned how to pull off a proper handshake and how to applaud correctly.

[1stwahine]

Re: Charm/Finishing School

I went to Sears Charm School many many many years AGO. I learned. I've used it many, many, many times in my life....and still do.

There is a difference in being a Woman who has finesse and one who has not.

Auntie Lynn

[scrivener]

Re: Charm/Finishing School

When I was in high school, there used to be a charm school in the Sears at Ala Moana and Pearlridge. Several of my classmates spent their summers doing that. Many others took summer modeling classes, not because they wanted to become models, but because they wanted to learn how to make themselves up, to dress themselves well, and to carry themselves with poise. I know many of my students do this over summers, too, and it seems to make a positive difference.

[glossyp]

Re: Charm/Finishing School

I think there is much benefit in learning the things taught in charm/finishing school and/or modeling school. A lot of it has to do with boosting your confidence in social situations. The topic brings back some great memories of when I actually taught classes on Western table manners and general etiquette for Korean diplomats and legislators who were travelling (many for the first time) overseas to Europe or the U.S. Some very funny experiences.

[lavagal]

Re: Charm/Finishing School

Aren't there a few of these modeling/etiquette schools conducted by former models and Miss Somebodys all over the place? And then there's that Lisa Marie Tea Party place downtown somewhere?

[WindwardOahuRN]

Re: Charm/Finishing School

Aren't there a few of these modeling/etiquette schools conducted by former models and Miss Somebodys all over the place? And then there's that Lisa Marie Tea Party place downtown somewhere?

Lavagal. Get a grip. Elvis' daughter never had a Tea Room on Oahu.

It's the "Lisa Rose Doll House and Tea Room."

EEEEEEK! ACCCCKKKKKK! Blecccchy-pooo-pooo!

I have two daughters and six granddaughters.

I would much rather grab the boogie boards, sand chairs, sunblock and snackies and head for the beach!!

http://www.lisarosehawaii.com/

[lavagal]

Re: Charm/Finishing School

I wasn't recommended it and by misnaming it, I was mocking it. I wouldn't put my girls through that stuff either.

Edit: Don't want to come off whiny here! EeeeK! Hmmm. Wine. Now there's an idea!

[jdub]

Re: Charm/Finishing School

I never went to charm school, but Ma made damn sure I knew how to behave like a gentleman at a very early age. Table manners, conversational etiquette, holding doors for the ladies, even how to order wine. Even though I grew up on a ranch shoveling horsesh*t, I was a perfect little gentleman. It helped me get gigs on Magnum PI and a host of local print, radio and TV ads. Thanks, Ma!

I was unaware that there was a charm school in Hawai'i.

[lavagal]

Re: Charm/Finishing School

jdub:
Charming Gentleman.

Ooops. wrong, smokin' thread!

[pzarquon]

Re: Charm/Finishing School

The whole "corporate honi" thing came up before. Feel free to continue the battle there.

As for charm school... I had no idea. Sears? Fascinating.

[Pua'i Mana'o]

Re: Charm/Finishing School

mahalo for the invite to come see uh, the lighter side of Sears?

Would you give a beloved niece or nephew a gift like this? There is a special kid in my life who has mentioned feeling like a doofus is staring back from the mirror. Not that I know how intensive or how expensive a course is, but the thought of what potential good it can do is crossing my mind.

[glossyp]

Re: Charm/Finishing School

Oddly enough, there was a segment on the CBS evening news last night about using charm/finishing school to help reduce recidivism in female juvenile delinquents. I did not know that the rate of violent crimes committed by teenage girls is growing at four times the rate of boys. Anyway, while the girls are incarcerated they learn table manners, salsa dancing, basic cooking skills and grooming. The goal is to increase self-esteem and hopefully prevent them from becoming career criminals.

[Miulang]

Re: Charm/Finishing School

I don't think it hurts to learn proper etiquette, whether you get it in a charm school or at home. This is especially true if the kid in question has any aspirations of competing against others and being successful in the working world.

To be well mannered and genteel as opposed to rough around the edges is nothing to be ashamed of in a society where common courtesies are often overlooked. And then there's the "artichoke" factor: More than one career has been stymied at a business lunch when a person doesn't know how to eat an artichoke . In the business world, knowing how to react to others in that setting is very important.

Miulang