Friday, January 9, 2009

Charm School is NOW in Session...

Greetings social elite and Happy New Year!
By Jolene Savage
Often times I am confronted with the question, "what exactly is a Finishing School anyways?" So I thought this would be a great way to enlighten those that inquire. Hope you enjoy...
A Finishing School or Charm School is defined as "a private school for men or women that emphasizes training in cultural, philanthropic, social activities, and the social graces." The name reflects that it follows an ordinary school and is intended to complete the educational experience. It may consist of an intensive course, or a one-year program. Refresher courses are a must!

Switzerland is known for its private finishing schools, such as Institut Villa Pierrefeu or Institut Alpin Videmanette (now closed), where Diana, Princess of Wales studied, and Mon Fertile, where Camilla Parker Bowles was partly educated. Other notible schools included The Institut Villa Mont Choisi founded in the 1870s which closed in 1995/6, and Institut Chateau Beau-Cedre which closed in 2002.
As the Western civilization evolved so did interest in such Institutions as Social Graces School of Etiquette founded in 2004 by Ms. Jolene Savage. While the term "Etiquette School" is often misleading as elitist or only for girly-girls, etiquette is for everyone! Etiquette is simply another word for respect for self and others. It is learning how to feel comfortable in any situation. It's the ability to make others feel comfortable and at ease in your presence. It is a feeling of confidence. So you see, social graces is not merely for the well bred and well to do. Social Graces is for everyone! Perhaps it is time for you and your loved ones to brush up on your Social Graces!
Social Graces a Lost Art...or...The Gift of a Lifetime!
Classes forming now...

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Hi, I attended Chateau Mont-Choisi in Lausanne between 1972-1975. I now live in Washington, DC. Funny, I never realized what a serious education I received there until I googled it and saw the number of highly accomplished people who are former graduates. I visited the school last year and experienced bitter sweet memories. All the buildings have been transformed into apartments.