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.

October Workshops

The Art of Fine Dining OCT11 The Art of Fine Dining 5:30 PM · Da Mikelle Palace Reserve your seat → English Tea Ceremony at The Baccarat Hotel OCT18 English Tea Ceremony at The Baccarat Hotel 3:30 PM · Grand Salon Reserve your seat → Parent-Child Etiquette Workshop OCT25 Parent-Child Etiquette Workshop 5:30–7:00 PM · Private studio Reserve your seat →

Choose a Workshop for You

For Families 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.
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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.

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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 →