Etiquette, Chicago Style

Steampunk Chicago lives by the motto “Be refined.” Like sugar, one must go through a process of refinement. Unlike sugar, people do not require phosphoric acid and calcium hydroxide to attain the goal. We require an acquisition of skill, grace and a working knowledge of customs and mores.

Where can this be learned? Etiquette class. Where to go? An internet search reveals several local schools.

The Etiquette School of Chicago offers classes for adults, teens, children, business and prom. The school views manners as “life skills” and help develop “practical instruction in the art of dining and social skills.” One need only submit contact information. I couldn’t seem to find the pricing. If it doen’t sink to something as common as a price list, you know it’s classy.

Etiquette Chicago provides lessons for Manners for Girls, Boys and Teens in addition to Corporate Seminars. Their Manners Incorporated “offers training to individuals who desire to be the crème de la crème of the manners industry.” Manners never go out of style. Perhaps that is why upcoming classes are not listed and the past classes list ends in 2016.

Etiquette Femme has a name that may belie its calling. Classes are available for everyone, from Tiny Tots (4-8) to Charm School (for girls 12-17) to the Gentlemen’s Guide. Individual pricing for teens and adults is $75; pricing for mother/daughter or father/son pairs is $125. Sessions are held at the EtiquetteLoft at 2100 S. Marshall Blvd #4, in Chicago.

Further Internet searching tends to pull up corporate seminars and charm/modeling schools.

As much as we may learn in a class, we should keep in mind the attitude of Emily Post: “Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use.” Or perhaps Mantan Moreland who was famously sampled by the Beastie Boys saying, “If this is gonna be that kind of a party, I’m gonna stick my d*ck in the mashed potatoes!”