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Welcome
to Manners and Moves

Manners and Moves (formerly known as Cotillion) is a modern and fun etiquette and social confidence program designed for children ages 8–11. This four-session experience blends classic manners with practical social skills, table etiquette, confidence-building activities, and beginner ballroom and line dancing.

​Upcoming Events

  • Manners and Moves Winter 2026 Program
    Manners and Moves Winter 2026 Program
    Multiple Dates
    Manners and Moves Winter 2026 Program
    Tue, Feb 03
    Neptunian Woman's Club Manhattan Beach
    February 3rd, 2026 6:00PM-7:00 PM February 5th, 2026 6:00PM-7:00 PM February 17th, 2026 6:00PM-7:00 PM February 19th, 2026 6:00PM-7:30 PM (Parents attend the last 30 minutes)

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All Sessions will be held at the
Neptunian Woman's Club in Manhattan Beach

Inaugural Program

We’re excited to announce the inaugural Manners and Moves 4-session program, now available at a special introductory price of $225!

 

This discounted rate is our way of celebrating the launch of this program.

Payment can be made conveniently by check or via Venmo @Mary-Orenic.

 

Thank you for joining us on this journey!

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4-Session Program Details

Students Collaborating
Elegant preadolescent boy in a white shirt and black tie against a gray backdrop.jpg

Session 1

February 3rd, 2026

6:00-7:00 PM​

First Impressions & Introductions

Theme: Making a Great First Impression

 

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  • Objectives:

  • Learn how to greet others politely and confidently.

  • Practice posture, eye contact, handshakes, and introductions.

 

      Attire: General Attire

  • Nice, neat clothing appropriate for a special event

  • Collared shirts, blouses, sweaters, skirts, dresses, khakis, or dress pants

  • Comfortable shoes suitable for dancing (no sneakers)

  • No jeans

  • No sweats or athletic wear

  • No T-shirts, tank tops, or graphic tops

Session 2

February 5th, 2026

6:00-7:00 PM

Conversations Skills & Western Line Dance

Theme: The Art of Conversation and Group Fun

 

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  • ​Objectives:

  • Practice starting and maintaining friendly conversations.

  • Learn the Electric Slide or Boot Scootin’ Boogie.

  • Build confidence and teamwork.

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      Attire: Western Wear- Night

  • Participants may wear Western-themed outfits:

  • Boots optional

  • Western shirts, dresses, or skirts welcome

  • Jeans allowed, still no sweats, or T-shirts

Session 3

February 17th, 2026

6:00-7:00 PM

Dining Etiquette, Polite Conversation & Ballroom Dance 

Theme: Dining with Grace & Ballroom Dance

 

  • Objectives:

  • Learn correct table settings and polite dining behavior.

  • Practice conversation while dining.

  •  Learn the Walz/Ballroom dance.​

​​

       Attire: General Attire

  • Nice, neat clothing appropriate for a special event

  • Collared shirts, blouses, sweaters, skirts, dresses, khakis, or dress pants

  • Comfortable shoes suitable for dancing (no sneakers)

  • No jeans

  • No sweats or athletic wear

  • No T-shirts, tank tops, or graphic tops

Session 4

February 19th, 2026

6:00-7:30 PM

Celebration & Confidence Showcase

*Dress-Up Night (Parents attend the last 30 minutes)

Theme: Confidence, Courtesy & Celebration

  • Objectives:

  • Demonstrate social and dance skills.

  •  Learn gratitude and hosting etiquette.

  • Celebrate accomplishments.

  • Dance and photos with Parents​.​​

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      Attire: Dress-Up Night!!

      This is our special final                    celebration and dance.

      Please dress in your best: 

  • Dresses, dress shirts with ties (suits are optional), slacks, skirts, button-downs

  • Dress shoes encouraged

  • No jeans, sweats, athletic wear, or T-shirts

  • Parents are welcome to dress nicely as well for photos and the parent-child dance.

Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Mary Claire Orenic and Peg Van Bree are sisters who grew up in Wisconsin, where Midwestern values like kindness, cooperation, and knowing when to say “please” and “thank you” were practiced every day. As two of five daughters born within seven lively years, they quickly mastered the art of sharing, teamwork, and polite social interactions—skills reinforced by manners classes taught by their mom (yes, Mom meant business!).

 

Bringing those roots and values to the Manhattan Beach community, Mary Claire and Peg are the co-founders of Manners and Moves, a one-of-a-kind four-week program for children ages 8 to 11 that cleverly combines social etiquette with dance. The result? A fun, high-energy experience that helps kids build confidence, poise, and meaningful connections—without ever feeling like a lecture.

 

Mary Claire is a longtime Manhattan Beach resident, business owner, and health care consultant, and the proud mom of an adult son. Peg is a seasoned health care executive and former professor of health care management at several top academic institutions, with a son who recently graduated from college. Together, these sisters share a passion for helping children develop essential social skills in ways that are engaging, joyful, and—most importantly—empowering.

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