Elegance Academy — poise and quiet confidence Irina Khai — founder of Elegance Academy

Elegance Academy

Etiquette & Good Manners for Modern Life — Manhasset, Long Island

Confidence • Grace • Practical Elegance

To make good manners feel natural rather than learned.
Small classes, real tables, and plenty of practice.

November Workshops

The Art of Fine Dining NOV15 The Art of Fine Dining 5:30 PM · Da Mikelle Palace Reserve your seat → Parent-Child Etiquette Workshop NOV29 Parent-Child Etiquette Workshop 5:30–7:00 PM · Private studio Reserve your seat →

Choose a Workshop for You

For Families For Ladies Restaurant Staff Training Private Classes

What Families Are Saying

Irina is truly exceptional. My husband, our four children, and I had the pleasure of taking her etiquette class, and it exceeded every expectation. My children not only learned proper etiquette, but also gained confidence, poise, and an understanding of how to carry themselves with kindness and intention. Irina doesn't just instruct etiquette — she lives it.
— Tami AbramovGoogle review · ★★★★★
I had such a wonderful experience with Irina. Her warmth, professionalism, and attention to every detail created such a beautiful and memorable afternoon for me, my friends, and my daughter Michelle. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for an exceptional experience filled with elegance, kindness, and genuine hospitality.
— Zarina YusupovaGoogle review · ★★★★★
I gained so much clarity from the 5 Roles of a Woman etiquette and relationship workshop. Irina's approach beautifully blended self-awareness, elegance, and practical insight.
— Khae KhaeGoogle review · ★★★★★
Clear, practical, and fun — my child started using the new table manners the same evening. The workshop was engaging for both of us, and I appreciated learning simple reinforcement techniques I could use at home.
— StellaFresh Meadows · parent-child workshop
Professional, warm, and inspiring. We left the couples workshop feeling more confident about dining in formal settings and more connected as a couple. The evening felt like a wonderful date night with valuable learning.
— MonicaQueens · couples workshop
Finally, etiquette that feels modern and natural. Irina has a gift for making traditional manners feel relevant and accessible. Our whole family has embraced these new habits with enthusiasm.
— LanaLong Island
Attending etiquette class with my husband and 3 boys, ages 19, 17 and 12 was one of the most impactful experiences we've shared together as a family. It was not only learning the proper use of utensils — Irina demonstrated that it boosted their confidence in all situations.
— Gina Gabrielfamily dining workshop
We had the most wonderful experience at Irina's etiquette class. Such a special evening spent together as a family, learning the beautiful art of dining etiquette. Irina guided us with so much grace and knowledge, making every detail feel meaningful and easy to understand.
— LanaShear Bliss Salon
Irina Khai
Irina Khai · Etiquette & Elegance Teacher
Meet Your Teacher

Irina Khai

Irina teaches etiquette the way it actually gets used — at the table, in a restaurant, in the middle of a real conversation. Her students range from seven-year-olds learning to hold a fork to couples preparing for a business dinner, and her classes are kept deliberately small so no one gets lost in the room.

A graduate of the Austrian Higher School of Etiquette, she is also the author of Tales of Kindness and Good Manners, a children's book about kindness and respect.

Her belief is simple: true elegance isn't about knowing more rules than anyone else. It's about making the people around you feel comfortable.
As seen on CEO Times As seen on Women’s Insider
Complimentary 15-Minute Call

Book a Complimentary Consultation

Not sure which program suits you or your family? Book a complimentary 15-minute call and I will help you find the one that fits.

Choose Date and Time

From the Library of Elegance Academy

Tales of Kindness and Good Manners — book cover

Tales of Kindness and Good Manners

A beautifully written collection of stories designed to help children discover the value of kindness, respect, gratitude, and good manners in a warm and engaging way.

Through charming characters and meaningful life lessons, this book introduces etiquette not as rigid rules, but as a joyful way of treating ourselves and others with care and consideration.

Perfect for parents, grandparents, teachers, and families who value kindness and character development. A thoughtful gift and a timeless addition to every child's library.

Four stories inside: The Magic of a Thankful Heart, The Magic of Clean Hands, The Raccoon Who Learned to Share, The Power of Hello
Four stories inside · ages 4–7 · with bonus coloring pages
Order the Book
★★★★★ 5.0 on Amazon · 22 ratings, every one of them five stars
★★★★★
Beautifully written and thoughtfully paced — a wonderful addition to any child's bookshelf.
Monica Abayev
★★★★★
He listened attentively to all four stories in one sitting.
Joe Dahlkemper
★★★★★
We read it to our grandchild and he absolutely loved it.
Rachel
★★★★★
Positive lessons that feel natural rather than preachy.
Daveb989
★★★★★
As a mother of three, I wish I had found this book years ago.
Raisa C.
★★★★★
It kept my child's attention the whole time.
Rebecca Khaimova
★★★★★
Beautifully written, with the most beautiful illustrations.
Susan
★★★★★
Such a sweet and meaningful book for children.
victoria
★★★★★
Exactly the wisdom worth passing on.
Anastasia
★★★★★
You can tell the love from the author.
Dan

Read all reviews on Amazon →

Why Etiquette Matters

Why Etiquette Matters in Modern Life

Most people think etiquette is a set of rules waiting to catch them out. I think it's the opposite — it's what lets you stop worrying about yourself and start paying attention to everyone else.

So I teach it as practice, not theory. Students sit at a real table and use it: passing, serving, ordering, holding a conversation with someone they've just met. Very little is memorized. Almost everything is done.

A graduate of the Austrian Higher School of Etiquette, I teach children, teens, adults and couples in Manhasset, Long Island — in restaurants, in my studio, and on Zoom.

Our Mission
Irina Khai teaching two students at a fully set table
About Elegance Academy

My Mission

To make good manners feel natural rather than learned — so that being at ease puts everyone around you at ease too.

Small classes, real tables, and plenty of practice. Children, teens, adults and couples are all welcome.

Join the Etiquette Circle
Why Choose Elegance Academy
Why families choose me

Why Choose Elegance Academy

Four things that do not change, whichever workshop you pick.

Small by Design

Ten to fourteen seats, never more. Everyone gets real attention — whether they are seven or forty-seven.

Real Settings, Not Classrooms

You learn at a properly set table — in restaurants, at The Baccarat Hotel, in my private studio. Never from a slideshow.

Every Stage of Life

Children, teens, adults and couples. A seven-year-old learning to hold a fork and a couple preparing for a business dinner both belong here.

In Person or on Zoom

Join me at the table on Long Island, or from anywhere in the world. Recordings available for selected sessions.

Private Classes
A private etiquette lesson at a family table
Not on the calendar?

Private & Bespoke Workshops

Some things are better taught at your own table. I come to your home — or a venue of your choice — for one family, a birthday, a circle of friends, or a team, and we build the evening around what you actually want your guests to walk away with.

  • In your home, or a venue of your choice. Long Island, Manhattan, a restaurant or a club — wherever you gather.
  • One family or a group of twelve. Children, teens, adults — or all three at one table.
  • Your date, your topics. Fine dining, a first job interview, a bat mitzvah, a business dinner.
Request a Private Workshop

Tell me what the occasion is — I’ll come back with a plan and a price, no obligation.

For Restaurants — From Good to Unforgettable™
Irina Khaimova training the front-of-house team at London Lennie’s
Hospitality training for restaurants

From Good to Unforgettable™

Your guests notice everything — and most of it, they’ll never tell you. They just quietly decide whether to come back. I visit your restaurant as an ordinary guest, then train your team on everything I felt from the first hello to the last goodbye.

  • On their feet, not in a lecture. Real glassware, your menus, three live practice stations. No test, and nobody is put on the spot.
  • The moments guests remember. The first sixty seconds and the last ten, describing dishes, wine service, and reading a table without interrupting it.
  • Something to keep. A printed card of nine principles for every server, and written service standards for management.
Book a Consultation

Tell me about your restaurant and your team — I’ll come back with a plan and a price.

Velvet Presence — Music by Irina Khai
Velvet Presence Records — Irina Khai
Music by Irina Khai

Velvet Presence Records

Feel-good music, inspired by real moments in life. Some people capture a moment with a photograph, some with a video. I capture mine in a song.

A Song Made Just for You

Our team can create a song for your special occasion: an anniversary, a birthday, a wedding, or simply a gift from the heart.

$250