The Belle of the Ball

It’s More Than Just a Social “Coming of Age Affair”, It’s All About Social Intelligence and Etiquette when Becoming Belle of the Ball

Teardrop tiered chandeliers, majestic-like ballrooms, tailored tuxedos and extravagant gowns have become synonymous with cotillions and debutante balls. And let’s not forget about the carefully orchestrated waltz dance, receiving line and year long preparation parents, students and sponsors commit and invest to ensure their introduction to society is presented with class and perfection.

For the Zeta D.O.V.E. Foundation, Inc., it’s more than just a social coming of age affair or cultural event.  Now in it’s 58th year of preparing and educating Broward County’s future leaders, the Zeta D.O.V.E. Foundation, Inc. plans to extend it’s commitment by placing emphasis on the importance of social decorum, intelligence and etiquette with participating debutantes and their escorts.

This year, the organization has enlisted the services of Certified Business Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant, Tatia Adams Fox, President and Founder of the New School of Etiquette (NSOE) to host seminars in European and Continental Style-Dining and Proper Greetings and Introductions. The NSOE offers the only nine course etiquette and social intelligence curriculum in the country. The school has partnered with Fresh Air Fund’s ABC Program, Mariah Carey Career Camp, Dress for Success, York Street Project, Boys and Girls Club of America, Jack and Jill, Inc., New York Women’s Foundation, YMCA and Girls, Inc. to name a few. Private schools have also incorporated the etiquette and social intelligence program with their academic and after-school curriculum.

Fox says, “It’s important for students to know that social and etiquette skills help build successful professional and personal relationships.” She says, “Knowing social faux pas before committing the act in a job interview or any social setting where first impressions are made and hard to undo will prove to be invaluable skills needed to succeed.”

In addition to the one-day NSOE seminar, the D.O.V.E. Foundation, Inc. (Developing Outreach, Volunteerism, and Education) provides seminars and workshops for high school students that focuses on self-development topics such as, peer pressure, conflict resolution, test taking skills, planning for college, and health/welfare issues that impact the community. At the end of each year, the Foundation sponsors a cotillion and masters’ ball for graduating seniors to spotlight their accomplishments and to award academic scholarships. The event has an attendance  of 400-500 guests annually. 

To learn more about the New School of Etiquette, visit: www.newschoolofetiquette.com