Etiquette

Domestic Etiquette & Manners — The Academy of Ballet and Etiquette
Domestic Etiquette & Manners

Achieve confidence
and ease

Gain real confidence and reduce social anxiety with etiquette training. Courses cover conversation, dining, correspondence and the quiet art of being at ease in any room.

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Sara Vizcarrondo
Your Instructor
Sara Vizcarrondo
Certified Etiquette Teacher

Certified by the American School of Protocol — one of the most respected programs in modern social education. Sara teaches etiquette as a living practice, not a set of rigid rules.

Imagine a full social life with fewer complications…

Available
Courses

Each course is tailored to meet you where you are — whether you’re new to etiquette or looking to refine what you know.

01
$250 per person
Etiquette Primer at Sip Tea Room, San Francisco
2 Hours · Groups of 4 – 20

A brisk, elegant survey of social conventions — from introductions and body language to a full six-course meal. Each course at the table teaches a distinct skill. Allergies accommodated with advance notice. Price includes all food and beverage.
Note: This is the only package that covers dining etiquette.

Appetizers Salad & Bread Soup Main Course Dessert Thank You Notes
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02
$500 ($200 online)
Etiquette Chat at Your Location or Online
1 Hour · In Person or Via Zoom

Most people have heard the word “etiquette” but aren’t sure what it means. This condensed course — offered as a lecture or group conversation — demystifies the system of behaviors that shapes all social interaction. Ideal for corporate team-building, service clubs, social organizations and school staff.
Note: This package does not cover food or dining etiquette.

Body Language Social Cues Introductions Guest/Host Roles Correspondence Public Safety
Schedule For Your Group
Imagine having powerful leadership skills that aren’t toxic…

Frequently
Asked Questions

Click To Expand
What is etiquette?
Etiquette is a French word meaning “label.” It’s often used as a synonym for manners — and that’s accurate — but I think of it differently: if you can name and understand our most common social behaviors, you can decode your experiences and make them more accessible, clearer, and more enjoyable. Etiquette is a pathway to comfort with others, confidence in yourself and leadership skills.
Why does dining etiquette still matter?
Knowing basic dining skills limits the pressure of first dates, job interviews and formal occasions so you can focus on what matters: bonding with a potential mate, enjoying the elegant meal, acing the interview.
What do you actually learn in class?
Class length determines the range of topics, which include the fundamentals of conversation, dining skills and correspondence. Conversation includes greetings, public safety, introductions, and body language — because we say a lot with our bodies, even when we say nothing at all with words.
Why is public safety part of etiquette?
Consider: you arrive at a party, don’t know anyone, and pause in the doorway scanning the room — while a logjam of guests forms behind you. Is this bad etiquette or poor public safety? It doesn’t matter what you call it. The cure is the same: if you know what to do, even generally, you won’t freeze up or second-guess.
What’s a condolence card?
Traditionally given when someone loses a loved one — but I teach it more broadly. Think of everything that breaks our hearts: lost pets, lost jobs, lost stuffed animals. Modern life moves quickly, and we see a lot of loss. If we knew what to say, we’d be more willing to meet the hard moments and keep our relationships intact.
Will you address specific questions that aren’t part of class?
Of course! I cover etiquette around phone use in public, airplanes, elevators, restrooms, office holiday parties and anything else modern life throws at you.
Standard place setting diagram
On the Standard Place Setting This is the classic table setting. California dining culture values non-conformity, so you may rarely encounter it in restaurants — which is exactly why etiquette instruction matters. Knowing the standard is what lets you navigate any variation gracefully.
What People Say
“

Working with Sara was such a beautiful reminder of how powerful intentional gathering can be. Sara has a way of making people feel both at ease and inspired, and I walked away feeling more confident, present, and thoughtful in how I host and connect with others.

— Kendra Thompson, Influencer
“

Sara provides a valuable skill set with practical tools for everyday life – helping young adults understand both the spoken and unspoken parts of communication. The lessons on body language and social awareness – where to look, how to stand, what one’s body language reveals and how others perceive us – have continued to shape how they show respect and interact with others. .

— Kerstin Gomm,
Young Men’s Service League
“

Sara’s etiquette course was not only fun and engaging, but also casual and educational. I learned so much about hosting, being a guest and dinner etiquette. The best part was the great conversations it brought around the table with my friends .

— Melissa Goldberg,
Lexington Hills Estate & Winery
Name
Desired Event
* For an etiquette lesson as an individual, I will notify you when my quarterly promotional events are scheduled. (It's a perfect intro to etiquette as all participants are strangers to each other!)
In-person events require at least 4 participants
e.g., corporate, birthday, religious organization, or social occasion
Timeline
Applies to Primer Package only ("N/A" if none)
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