A cotillion program for seventh- and eighth-grade boys and girls will be offered next week by the Mehlville School District Community Education Office.

The six-week program will be offered from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Tuesdays at Bernard Middle School, 1054 Forder Road, beginning Feb. 6.

The program incorporates guidelines in manners and etiquette.

In addition, pupils will learn all types of social dance, including fast-partner dance, current ballroom couples dance, country-western line dances, traditional slow dances and swing dances. Choreographed dance lessons will feature current pop music.

Pupils participating in the cotillion program also will enjoy mini-lectures on the meaning of and the need for good manners, the proper way to handle introductions, the art of making “small talk,” friendships, table manners, and phone, movie-theater and concert etiquette, according to a district news release. The instructor will be assisted by well-trained high school students who have graduated from the cotillion program.

Cotillion program participants will be required to adhere to a dress code. Boys must wear dress slacks, dress shirts tucked in with a belt, a tie and dress shoes. Girls must wear a skirt and top or dress with sleeves, pantyhose or tights and dress shoes.

The cost is $55. A minimum of 50 pupils with a close 50-50 girl-boy ratio is needed to ensure the cotillion program is offered.

All children are welcome to attend Mehlville Community Education classes regardless of where they attend school. For more information, call (314) 467-5255.