Starting next week, the Mehlville School District will offer a cotillion program on manners and dance lessons for pupils in seventh and eighth grade.

The five-week program at Oakville Senior High School begins Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Classes will run from 7 to 8:45 p.m. The cotillion program is offered through the district’s Community Education office and includes a $55 fee.

“This is a well-rounded program which incorporates guidelines in manners, etiquette and instruction in social dance, which should be looked at as necessary life skills. Students will learn all types of social dance,” a district release stated.

Lessons will include fast partner dance, current ballroom couples dance, new country-western line dances and traditional slow and swing dances.

Current pop music is selected for the choreographed lessons.

A dress code will be “strictly enforced.” Boys must wear dress slacks, a dress shirt tucked in with a belt, a tie and dress shoes. Girls must wear a skirt or a dress with sleeves, pantyhose or tights and dress shoes. No flip flops are allowed.

For more information about the cotillion program, call (314) 467-5255.