As founder and president of the Etiquette School of Ohio, Hyde guides her clients through the proper way to feel comfortable in situations which in turn make those around them also feel comfortable.
“Proper etiquette is 24/7; it’s how our actions affect others,” Hyde said. “I help my clients feel comfortable so they can make others feel comfortable.” Hyde’s journey to the world of etiquette has been a circuitous and interesting one.
Trained in tap, ballet and jazz, Hyde has danced professionally, even as a Rockette. She and husband Kevin, both originally from Batavia, N.Y., eventually settled in Dayton. “I was working as a buyer for Elder-Beerman and took a job moonlighting as a ballroom dance instructor.” Eventually she taught dance full time. She taught ballroom dance at the University of Dayton, where she started the swing dance club.
In 1992 Hyde entered and won the Mrs. Ohio USA pageant. “I didn’t have a manager and wore a handmade gown and old leotard.” While prepping for the pageant, Hyde enrolled in some etiquette classes. “I wanted to be sure I was presenting myself the best I could,” Hyde said.
Hyde then took a position with the School of Advertising Design, where she helped graduates connect with businesses for employment. “We had 100 percent placement, and that’s the job in which I learned how to ‘work a room’ and network.” Hyde then graduated from the American School of Protocol in Atlanta and has appeared on Fox, ABC and CBS to share her etiquette tips.
“I design each of my programs to meet the needs of the client,” she said. Hyde’s clients range in age from kindergarten through high school and college and corporate clients. “I teach the children the rules of proper introductions, eye contact, hand washing, use of utensils and good conversation skills.” She also strongly recommends handwritten thank-you notes.
Hyde finds her classes give her clients more confidence. In addition to etiquette skills, Hyde teaches interview skills for college and employment and coaches young ladies interested in competing in pageants.
She continues to be on the faculty at UD.
Hyde auditioned for the Rockettes in New York City immediately after graduating from college in 1985. She was selected as an alternate but did not have the opportunity to dance in the “Christmas Spectacular” show at Radio City Music Hall. Throughout the audition process and training, she stayed with friends in the NYC area. In 2009, she had the opportunity to dance as a Rockette in the “Christmas Spectacular” show outside of NYC.
“Dancing in over 80 performances from early November to New Year’s Eve was rough on the body, but I was thrilled to suit up in my classic red Santa jacket every performance,” Hyde said. “My favorite number was the Raggedy Anne tap dance. It was fun being a life-size rag doll. The number gave me a great upper body workout, because we lifted large wooden blocks over our heads to spell ‘Merry Christmas.’ ”
Hyde remembers greeting audience afterward and other dancers moaning about their knees or back pain. “I heard them and thought, ‘I am so thrilled to be standing in this line; I only feel joy,’ ” she said. That joy continues to drive her passion to dance and perform today. It pushed her to join the Kettering Ice Kadettes, an adult synchronized ice skating team. “I quickly learned dance is not easily transferred to ice; however, I still get to perform an occasional kick line.”
Through all Hyde’s experiences she’s learned to never give up on dreams. “Life milestones are not endings but gateways to new beginnings, and never stop striving to be your personal best.”
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