Mary Claire Orenic and Peg Van Bree are sisters who grew up in Wisconsin, where Midwestern values like kindness, cooperation, and knowing when to say “please” and “thank you” were practiced every day. As two of five daughters born within seven lively years, they quickly mastered the art of sharing, teamwork, and polite social interactions—skills reinforced by manners classes taught by their mom (yes, Mom meant business!).

 

Bringing those roots and values to the Manhattan Beach community, Mary Claire and Peg are the co-founders of Manners and Moves, a one-of-a-kind two-session program for children that cleverly combines social etiquette with dance. The result? A fun, high-energy experience that helps kids build confidence, poise, and meaningful connections—without ever feeling like a lecture.

 

Mary Claire is a longtime Manhattan Beach resident, business owner, and health care consultant, and the proud mom of an adult son. Peg is a seasoned health care executive and former professor of health care management at several top academic institutions, with a son who recently graduated from college. Together, these sisters share a passion for helping children develop essential social skills in ways that are engaging, joyful, and—most importantly—empowering.