Disney’s Timeless Classics: Learning Royal Etiquettes with Elegance

Whether it’s a rainy autumn day that screams sofa-blanket-movie time or just your ordinary me-moment: a marathon full of disney movies never harmed a woman. Let’s take your Disney movie marathon to the next level by adding a touch of sophistication and a sprinkle of royal etiquette. I’ve carefully curated a list of royal etiquettes in four Disney classics that will transport you to enchanting worlds, teach you a thing or two about manners, and leave you feeling like the royalty you truly are. 

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 1937

Ah, where better to begin our royal journey than with the classic that started it all? “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” is a legendary masterpiece that captivated our hearts as children and continues to do so today. I recall watching this as a child, utterly captivated by the graceful and kind-hearted Snow White. Yes, the pacing may differ from today’s films, but therein lies its timeless charm. Who can forget twirling around the house, mimicking Snow White’s every move after watching? I love the way you can really swoon away on the aesthetics. Do you dare to tell me you didn’t walk around your house dancing feeling the main character after finishing this movie?

So what does Snow White has to do with castles and royal manners? Snow White embodies grace and compassion which makes her a shining example of grace and goodness. Snow White has this kind way of telling us that true nobility lies not only in titles but also in our actions such as the kindness we extend to others. Remember how princess Diana was loved for her kindness. One particular event that really showcases her kindness, grace and goodness was her visit at a hospital specialized in AIDS/HIV in 1987. She said the following:

‘HIV does not make people dangerous to know. You can shake their hands and give them a hug. Heaven knows they need it. What’s more, you can share their homes, their workplaces, and their playgrounds and toys.’

Princess Diana was kind enough to challenge the stigmas and act with grace and goodness. She hugged the children knowing that her nobility did not lie in her title, but in her actions. This makes me want to live my life with more compassion and kindness. Let’s emulate her compassion by practicing random acts of kindness, creating a magical world not just for ourselves but for all those around us. Pick up a fork a waiter just dropped on the floor. Smile a little more. Say “thank you”  to the people that serve you.

Cinderella, 1950

Second up next is the movie Cinderella. I’ll admit, my childhood self was utterly mesmerized by the magnificent dresses in this film. And isn’t it intriguing how Cinderella appears more beautiful in her simple attire than her stepsisters in their opulent gowns? It’s the magical transformation that stays with us. If hyping someone up was a thing back then, I think all the animals and everyone was hyping for her to glam up. 

The sisters got invited to a ball which basically meant they were off well. However if we look at their behavior; manners and jealousy shines through everything. Not quite elegant. Cinderella teaches us that inner beauty is showcased by maintaining grace. Even in challenging circumstances like not going to a ball you can act with dignity and grace. Don’t skip your responsibilities and behave righteous. 

So what first steps can you make to be a little bit more like Cinderella? The most obvious one is to glam up and give yourself a well deserved make-over to let your inner beauty shine through. Cinderella teaches us that inner beauty radiates through maintaining grace, even in the most challenging circumstances. She reminds us not to shirk responsibilities or seek vengeance. Instead, let’s face adversity with dignity and strive to leave situations better than we found them.

Sleeping Beauty, 1959

The third movie I put on the list is the timeless beauty of “Sleeping Beauty.” This may well be my personal favorite, a movie that filled my childhood with dreamy romance. From the three fairies creating a breathtaking dress to the epic battle with the dragon, every moment is pure magic. I highly recommend the 1959 version for its almost musical-like singing that sweeps you away on a cloud of romance.

To be honest, this movie doesn’t really have a lot of things to learn for us. Most of the story is Aurora sleeping in a bed. Although I would love to stay in bed all day, I do not think that’s an elegant learning that we can pick up from watching this classic. What truly resonates is Aurora’s pure-hearted dance in the forest, appreciating the beauty around her. Let’s learn to be more grateful, inspired by the wondrous world that surrounds us. How about downloading some songs from the film and taking a sunlit autumn stroll in the woods, embracing the magic of life’s simple pleasures?

Take a walk in nature, let your heart dance like no one’s watching, and create your own magical moments in everyday life.

Beauty and the Beast, 1991

The last Disney movie I’m sharing is a ‘recent’ one, compared to the other 3 classics. It’s Beauty and the Beast, just recently also featuring the beautiful Emma Watson. For your marathon I however suggest you watch the original one that comes with memes and thought material as well. As a child, I remember being both enchanted and a tad frightened by the Beast. Why would anyone choose a Beast, I wondered?

There’s actually 2 lessons I think we can take from this movie. Rewatching, I’ve discovered some hidden gems that I’ve never really saw as a child. Remember Gaston? The man that was so handsome looking all the other women in town were in awe off? He literally grabbed Belle’s book and told her that she should stop reading because intelligent women ‘are not right’. Gaston’s behavior and lack of intellect serve as a reminder that not all handsome men possess the depth to match your own. If he cannot keep up and be understanding, he’s just not right for you.

The second lesson we can learn from the movie is the power of love that can transcend external appearances. How often are we going for external appearances? I encourage you to have an unwavering curiosity for people, be independent enough to not get wavered by shiny objects and try to see the beauty within everything. Although the Beast really is notorious, his soul was much more pretty than Gaston’s prejudgements for women. 

In conclusion:

As we immerse ourselves in these Disney’s Timless classics, we find not only enchanting tales but also profound lessons in grace, kindness, dignity, and the enduring power of love. Craving to gain knowledge is not dirty. It gives us independence into a society we also belong to. Romanticizing the little things in life while dancing around can make your daily life a lot more bearable. Acting with dignity and grace not only looks good, it also shows your manners. It’s the little things in life that do matter. So, which Disney gem will you revisit to glean those elite moves and infuse your life with a touch of royal charm? The choice is yours, and the magic awaits!