Professional Courtesy Archives - Page 7 of 10

Ballet Class Etiquette, Part I

October 27, 2014 by procourtesy

Open-Ballet-Class
Ballet Class Etiquette, Part I
Thank you to my guest blogger, Lucia Rogers, Business Project Manager at Fort Wayne Radiology. Lucia attended a recent seminar that I hosted and during our lunch I learned that Lucia has had a long interest and participation in ballet.In fact she teaches ballet. So, I was delighted when she accepted my invitation to write a post on Ballet Class etiquette and the etiquette of attending a performance.

Enjoy!

Taking an Open Ballet Class…by Guest Blogger, Lucia Rogers

We should consider everyday lost on which we have not danced at least once. – Friedrich Nietzsche

You know, everybody really dances whether they realize it or not….From reaching down to tie your shoes, to rising up to the tips of their toes for the top shelf, to waking up in the morning and stretching as we are getting in or out of bed. We all do it and dancers just take all of these everyday movements and refine them.

Ballet is an art that requires strength, grace, discipline and so much more. Dancers are athletes and there is an attention to detail and quality of movement that made me fall in love at first sight! Children and adults of all ages enjoy taking classes to help with coordination, strength, flexibility or just because they love to move.

From the beginning of man, movement and dance has been a form of expression. It was the 1600s in the Royal Courts where ballet was conceived and where the roots of this rich culture and traditions originated. As dancers, of course your facility and technique is your means to the end but there are two other big pieces in what makes a dancer; their artistry and etiquette. You can be the most brilliant dancer in the world but if you lack the qualities of discipline, etiquette and grace in your manners, it can prevent you from reaching your possible potential. Although the expectations are different depending on the setting, location, level and more… I thought I would touch on some basic tips for those interested in participating in an open ballet class. When I teach my little ballerinas I stress the importance of manners and behavior in the classroom just as much as I do the technique and artistry. For example, my dancers are encouraged to use “yes ma’am/sir” and “no ma’am/sir” when addressing adults.

Dress the part: You have to look the part to be the part, right!? Well, no tutus and tiaras yet. Although we all may not be nor want to be professional dancers; dancers usually have some sort of dress code. The dress code can differ depending on the style of dance and whether it is an academy class, company class or open class. However, the basics are still there. A leotard and tights are always a good base in an open ballet class, with your hair up and out-of-the-way (Classic ballet bun, very stylish these days) and pink ballet shoes. Less is more, so tighter fitting clothes is preferred to better see the lines you create with your body as well as taking off any extra jewelry or accessories that might distract or get in the way. Some that take an open class may also wear skirts or tighter fitting athletic wear as well. Don’t worry, no tutus or leotards for the guys- basic shirt and active pants/shorts (or men’s tights) with white or black ballet shoes are usually acceptable for an open ballet class. We will save the beautifully adorned costumes for your stage debut.

Timing: Life is all about timing and ballet class is the same. It is always nice to arrive early to stretch, find a barre spot or do whatever you need to do before class. A ballet class is set up in a specific way to warm up the entire body and prevent injury, so you don’t want to miss out on any of these combinations. Timing is also important when it comes to asking questions. Questions are encouraged and the best time to do this is before the combination to help clarify so you execute the combinations to the best of your ability.

Within the Studio: Our everyday manners are always important when it comes to the studio. The things we learn as children are of course important: listen, pay attention, be neat and clean, do what is asked, raise your hand with questions, respect others in the studio. When the teacher walks in the room to begin classes/rehearsals dancers often stand and are attentive and ready to begin. This shows the teacher you are focused and ready to do whatever is asked.

Teachers take time to create a lesson plan for their class as it usually has a theme or works toward a goal. Learning these combinations as they are given and doing your best to keep up with the speed and music are important. If you do find that you need to make modifications due to an injury or another reason it is always best to mention this to the teacher before class begins.

One thing to expect while taking class is to receive corrections. Most people think that corrections are a bad thing but really it is the opposite when it comes to ballet. My younger dancers struggle with this a bit at the beginning when they start the ballet curriculum as everything else that they deal with they work to be perfect and without corrections/mistakes. Of course we are always striving for perfection in dance but ultimately there is no such thing as being perfect. So the corrections help us push to our next level and limits. Corrections are a wonderful thing, don’t get discouraged by them, embrace them!

Another piece to remember is that there is seniority in the studio when it comes to dancers, often times less in an open class, but it is important to be respectful of those dancers who are more advanced or are regulars in the class. Some dancers/teachers are big on this and others are not (every dancer is different). Generally these dancers go toward the front when standing in center or going across the floor. Of course there are always exceptions, as some prefer to be in other spots in the room. In the same respect though, it is also important for a more experienced or regular dancer to be respectful and a good role model for others that are less experienced. In an open class this isn’t so much a concern but this is often something to be aware of in a company level or open advanced classes.

Reverence is when the dancers bow or curtsey for the teacher (and accompanist) at the end of a ballet class. This is a sign of respect for the work done within the studio and teaches the dancers to learn how to accept applause on the stage. Dancers then clap and form a single file line to thank both the teacher and the accompanist for the class.

Dance is so rich in tradition and the do’s and don’ts change depending on the setting, level and class. I could write on for pages about specifics depending on different situations, but I will save that for another time! Hopefully this helps you a bit more if you are ever interested in taking an open ballet class. The most important thing though is to let go and enjoy the movement and expression. Dancing really is like nothing else and what a great way to express and focus on your overall wellness. You are never too old to start something new, and who knows, you might just fall in love with it as I did at 3 years old!

Selfie Etiquette

August 5, 2014 by procourtesy

Selfie Etiquette
Selfies have come a long way since the one of Thelma and Louise from the movie by the same name. And as in everything else that comes into our lives, taking selfies requires some etiquette guidelines. It also requires a sense of what is in good taste and bad taste. Now, I know taste can be subjective, but there are some things that just seem wrong when it comes to taking selfies.
Here is my list of situations that I consider to be in bad taste when and where “selfies” are taken:
Don’t take photos at funerals or other religious ceremonies. Pulling out your cell phone at a funeral or in the middle of any other solemn service is disrespectful.
Don’t take a selfie at a wedding ceremony. It isn’t your story to tell.
Don’t take photos in areas that are considered hallowed ground. For instance, cemeteries or other places that are preserved to remember people who have died or suffered a tragic situation.
Don’t take pictures of yourself or others in the hospital. It can just be too much information. If you wouldn’t discuss your recent ailments in a networking situation don’t take a picture of yourself and then share it on social media.
Don’t take pictures that capitalize on other people’s tragedies. For instance, at accident scenes or of people who are in compromised situations.
Don’t take selfies of yourself in intimate situations. Those things can come back to haunt you and become a real liability.
Don’t take photos of yourself driving. Not only is it dangerous, it is just plain stupid.
Don’t over do the selfie on social media. After awhile, it can look a little narcissistic.
So, if you wouldn’t want your mother or boss to see it, don’t post it. And even better, don’t even take the picture.
If others are in a picture get their permission before taking the photo and posting it.iv>

The Perfect Introduction

July 15, 2014 by procourtesy

The Perfect Introduction
Are you one of those people who gets nervous when having to make introductions? Do you get sweaty palms worrying that you’ll forget someone’s name? Well, don’t be too hard on yourself, many people have anxiety about making “proper” introductions. But here are some simple formulas for introductions that can ease your anxiety

Introducing yourself is how you make yourself known to others. The best way to introduce yourself is to say, “Hello, I’m____________.” Be sure and give your first and last name. You want people to remember you.

In response to an introduction, saying “hi” or “hello” is not enough. Repeat the person’s name along with saying, “hello.”

Here are some more tips that can help you get comfortable with introductions:

It is your responsibility to introduce yourself at any function, if no one introduces you.
It is okay to say, “please help me with your name” if you have forgotten someone’s name. Don’t say “you don’t remember me do you.”
Don’t give yourself an honorific when introducing yourself to others such as Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.
In formal introductions the most important person’s name is said first regardless of gender. For instance,“Mr. Greater Authority, I would like to introduce “to you” Ms. Lesser Authority.
If you say “you to” you have reversed the order. Keep in mind that “U2” is an Irish rock band and it is incorrect.
“May I present to you” is used in very formal situations.
Less formal situations, “Ms. Smith I’d like to introduce Mr. Jones.
Do balance Introductions. If one person is introduced with an honorific, the other person should be, too.
Don’t tack on the term “my friend” to one of the names when introducing two people. It implies that the other person is not your friend.

If you are responsible for making introductions, do your homework and practice ahead of time, especially if it is a big event with distinguished guests.

Administrative Assistant’s Day

April 21, 2014 by procourtesy

Showing Appreciation Everyday

In the U.S. this is the time we celebrate Administrative Assistant’s Day and week. Traditionally, a time for the boss to recognize their assistants for all of their hard work throughout the year. Many bosses will offer flowers, gift cards, and even a lunch out of the office. However you do it, let these hard-working people, who often have your back, know that you appreciate them.

Administrative Assistants are often the first impression for you as the boss, or for your entire organization…a very important job. So, don’t just remember them this week, let them know throughout the year how much you appreciate them.

I am always sad when I hear front line people say that they don’t think their bosses even know their name. A sad commentary, I think, in any arena.

Some ways to honor them are:

Send flowers, always a thoughtful gift and they brighten up the usual office atmosphere.
Provide gift cards for food, coffee, gas or a myriad of other things. The cards can be used or saved for something special.
Take them out to lunch. When the boss takes the time to go with their assistants for a meal out of the office, it says they are worthy of your company and your assistants will feel special.
Carry-in food if it is difficult to break away from your work situation in the middle of the day.
Send them for training out of the office. Getting away for some special, out of the ordinary, training can do a lot to boost the morale of your team members.
Most importantly, say, “thank you.” Something many people don’t hear very often during their work day.

Physicians Need Good Table Manners

April 14, 2014 by procourtesy

Physicians Need Good Table Manners
A few years ago I was engaged by the director of a medical residency program in my community to teach the program residents table manners. Now, you may wonder why medical residents need to know how to navigate a dining table gracefully. But good table manners are a must for professionals in any arena.

The director of the program stated that she felt some of the residents were lacking in good table manners and that this could be a huge turn off for potential candidates considering the program. The senior residents did a lot of interviewing and answering questions of the medical students considering this program, over a meal. If a certain level of sophistication wasn’t displayed she was concerned that the program would lose people to more metropolitan areas that were perceived to be more sophisticated and have more to offer.

I couldn’t agree more with her line of thinking, but not only interviewing potential people for a residency program…consider the residents who are being interviewed for jobs in medical groups after they finish their training. Many of those interviews are conducted over a meal. Poor social skills may be a liability, in spite of technical skills.

Also, physicians participate in lots of board and committee meetings that involve meals. Being the guy who is splayed all over the table acting like it is his last meal is a real turn off.

So, along with knowing how to handle a scalpel, knowing how to manage a knife and fork gracefully, will be to any physician’s advantage.

Here are some of my top dining tips:

Assess the table and pause before picking up any silver. Wait for your host or hostess or senior person at the table to start the meal.

Open your hands, palms up. Place the knife and fork on the open hands. Let half of the handle rest on the palm of each hand; turn the implements over and leverage the knife and fork with your index fingers.

Eating in the American or Continental fashion is acceptable in America today.

Don’t gesture with your knife and fork.

Cut one bite at a time.

Put napkin on lap to unfold. When leaving the table temporarily, place the napkin on the chair. At the end of the meal, place napkin to the left of plate.

The soup spoon is held like a pencil.

Soup is spooned away from you toward the center of the soup plate. Sip off the side of the spoon.
The soup plate may be tipped away from you in order to fill the spoon with the last sips of soup.

Do not blow on soup or stir it if it is too hot. Skim off the top or wait until soup cools.

Refrain from putting crackers in your soup when out or at a formal meal.

The soup spoon may rest in the soup plate when finished or in between bites. The spoon rests on the saucer when it comes in a cup.

When encountering a multi-course meal with multiple pieces of flat ware and you are questioning what fork to use first, start from the outside and work in toward the plate.

Solids are on the left of your dinner plate, such as, bread and butter plate and liquids are on the right.

Break bread in bite size pieces and butter one bite at a time over the bread and butter plate.

Pass food to the right. If you start the food, take your portion when it comes back around to you.

Taste your food before seasoning it.

When someone asks for the salt, pass both the salt and pepper in anticipation of their need. Set it on the table in front of them and let them pick it up.

Keep personal items such as; purses, glasses, cell telephones, etc. off the table. Purses should stay on your lap or under the chair.

Refrain from putting on make-up, combing hair, picking teeth, blowing nose vigorously at the table. “If you do it the bathroom, don’t do it at the table.”

If someone offers a toast to you do not drink to yourself.

When offering a toast, remember to be appropriate for the audience and be brief. It’s a toast not a roast.

If in doubt about what to do, watch someone at the table who knows. It can prevent an embarrassing situation.

When leaving the table temporarily do not announce where you are going; just say, “Excuse me.”

Chew with your mouth closed. Take small bites to avoid talking with food in your mouth.

Try a little of everything presented unless you are allergic to a certain food.

Don’t talk about food likes and dislikes at the table.

Maintain good posture at the table. Keep arms and elbows off the table.

Don’t push your plate away from you when finished eating and wait for everyone to finish before plates are cleared.

Reproduction of this material without prior authorization from Professional Courtesy, LLC is strictly prohibited.1/20/2014

Ballet Class Etiquette, Part I

The Perfect Introduction

Administrative Assistant’s Day

Physicians Need Good Table Manners

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