Q: How Do You Turn Little Girls And Boys Into Ladies And Gentlemen? (Video)

Elementary school students at the Island Avenue School After School Program were treated to ballroom dancing in recent weeks, courtesy of Eileen and Gunnar Johnson of the Gunnar Johnson Select School of Dance in Madison.

Eileen and Gunnar not only introduced the children to dancing but, even more important, to the idea of approaching someone to ask them to dance, to receiving that approach, and escorting your partner off the dance floor. Upon successful completion of the program, all of the children, addressed throughout as ladies and gentlemen, received a handshake and a bright yellow certificate of completion, each one decorated with a scratch and sniff sticker.

After that, it was time for snacks and free play, but some of the little ladies and gentlemen continued to practice their dance steps and many of them kept their certificates close by so they could show their parents as soon as they walked in the door.

Diane Birdsall, the site supervisor for the Island Avenue After School Program, said the goal was to introduce the children to dance. But she said the lessons in etiquette they received were just as important. The Madison Beach & Recreation Program, which runs the town's After School Program, has more surprises in store for these kids. Next up? Martial arts.