Miss Camellia City USA, Erin Edmiston was crowned Miss Louisiana USA 2012 on October 29Th in Lafayette, Louisiana. Erin represented the Miss Camellia City Pageant which is a prelim to the Miss USA pageant owned by Donald Trump. Page Pennock, Miss Louisiana USA 2011 crowned the new Miss Louisiana. Page is also a former Miss Camellia City winner. It’s Director, Shelly Black says that it is critical to the directors to have the very best coaches, wardrobe consultants and professionals that work in the industry at their disposal. It takes a tremendous amount of effort from the title holder to all that are involved in achieving it’s victory. Thank you to the many folks that were involved in Erin’s win as Miss Louisiana USA. We all look forward to Erin representing Louisiana at the Miss USA Pageant that will be televised from Las Vegas, Nevada in June 2012!
On my last post I told you about Taylor Trextor, a high school student looking for help for her Senior Project. I suggested she enter the Miss Jefferson Parish Beauty Pageant to get first hand experience.
As a contestant she learned about the preperation process as well as the thrill of walking on the stage in front of the viewing audience.
Not only did she walk the runway but she also won the teenage division.
I am really looking forward to reading her report for the Senior Project. Hopefully she will let us post it here and share it with you.
The moral of this story is to not be afraid to asks questions from people who are leaders in their field. I personally help any one I can who is interested in learning and succeeding in the Beauty Pageant Industry.
Don't hesitate to ask me questions about coaching or directing. You can leave comments on any of the posts on this site and on my other site www.directyourpageant.com
I'm asked to mentor and help many people interested in the Beauty Pageant Industry. Recently a high school senior named Taylor Textor asked to help with her high school senior project.
Taylor wanted information on children's pageants. Anybody who has searched the subject of children's pageants on the internet knows that most of what you get are negative blog posts based on what people have seen on reality TV shows. Most of these post are reactions to Glitter Cildren Pageants. I personally don't promote these kinds of pageants instead opting to produce and direct Natural Pageants.
Natural Pageants are a lot cheaper for the parents and don't require fancy gowns, extensive makeup, false teeth, or any of the other enhancements necessary to win a Glitz Pageant.
Taylor was interested in many aspects about the pageant process. I suggested to her to enter the Miss Jefferson Parish contest in the teen division. How better to learn than to actually enter the contest yourself?
She took the challenge and entered the contests to get first hand experience. Check out the video interview for more information.
In my next post Taylor tells us about her Beauy Pageant Contest experience.
If you win a Beauty Pageant Title you will have certain responsibilities that go along with the title. Some Titles and some Pageant Systems do require a contract. For instance winning a State Title you are required to represent your state in the national pageant.
If the Director of the Beauty Pageant is paying your fees for the next pageant then they need insurance that you will follow through to represent the title. In this case expect to sign a contract.
You will probably be required to make a certain amount of appearances during your year long reign as the title holder. You also will promise not to compete in any other Pageant Systems during this time.
Local pageants on the other hand usually don't require you to sign a contract. The Pageant Director however will ask you give a verbal promise to fullfill certains obligations and responsibilities. For instance I usually ask the girls who win the pageants I Direct to make at least 6 appearances during the year. Some of these events I schedule and sometimes a Queen may take the initiative to book the appearance herself.
Making appearances as a Pageant Queen is good for the Pageant and also for the title holder as she promotes her platform or cause. these appearances are an excellent way to work on your communication skills. It is also goog for business networking.
I require my queens not to smoke or drink during these appearances. National Pageant Systems will also make this request. Smoking and drinking are not considered glamorous in this modern age. Glamor is what the world of Beauty pageants is all about.
I also emphasize that girls always be kind, courteous and professional at all times. Remember that you are representing an organization that promotes education and opportunies for women.
See You on the Runway
Shelly
PS If you want to comment on this article/ video or if you want to ask a question about beauty pageant competition then lclick on the link below that say Comment or No Comments.
This is probably on of the most personal questions I get as a Pageant Coach, “What is the right Undergarments or underwear to wear for Beauty Pageants?”
The most important thing to remember is that we don’t want to see a Panty Line! The solution is to buy seamless underwear. It is perfect for competition. It is also great if you need to wear more protection because it is that time of the month.
Wear Panty Hose during Evening Gown Competition. Make sure they are Support Hose and that they match your skin tone. You could lose points by wearing something that is too light or too dark. Also find a sheer toe. You don’t want to show a line by your toes that may distract from your toe nail polish.
When it comes to you bra do not wear a Sports Bra. Even if you have large breast you do not want to flatten yourself. Let the body God gave you be your strength. Be proud of who you are, let it enhance your glamor. Wear a Bra with good support.
Some evening gowns have form Fitting Bras built into the dress. These gowns can be strapless and add more to your glamorous image.
Shop around and look for a Tummy Control Garments. These help with your posture and can be the difference in you winning that crown.
These types of garments are readily available at most department stores.
Well lets talk about makeup for the interview first. It needs to be friendly and approachable makeup, not heavy. I don't recommend false eyelashes because it can come off as too much. Remember you will be up close to the judges during the interview part of competition.
It needs to look professional, natural and inviting.
When it comes to the night time event things change as far as makeup. Ballrooms and other large rooms that Pageants are held in sometimes have lots of lights. You will need to apply more makeup for the competition than you did for interview. You will be farther away from the judges and of course the audience.
Here are some things you should stay away from. Brown Lipstick or real dark lipstick is a no no. When you come out on stage and the light hits you the dark colors make your lips look really really small. This gives you a pouty and unappealing look.
Stay away from shimmery eye shadow on stage. This makes the eye look swollen to the camera as well as the human eyeballs in the audience. This can be very distracting to judges.
This is just a few makeup tips when it comes to Beauty Pageants. Keep coming back to my website for more Pageantry tips.
Please leave a comment by clicking on the comment tab at the bottom of this article. And asks questions as well about any topic pertaining to Pageantry Preparation.
Yours in Pageantry
Shelly
PS I'm getting closer to finishing my new E-Course for training girls entering Beauty Pageants, so look for it soon.
Hi this is Shelly and I'm going through my pageant related email. I get a lot of questions about what to do when entering your first pageant. They come from future pageant contestants and from parents wanting to make their child's Beauty Pageant experience the best it can be.
One question I get a lot is "How do I pick a Platform for my upcoming Pageant?". This particular girl said she was entering a contest in the Miss America Pageant System, which requires a platform.
For those newbies out there a Pageant Platform is a cause or organization a contestant promotes through out her reign as the pageant title holder. Many contestants will champion her choosen Platform for their entire Pageant Career. You become a spokesperson for both the cause and the Pageant Title.
For some contestants their cause is the reason they entered a pageant. They see pageantry as a positive way to help them in supporting the cause or organization they have choosen.
The Miss America System has picked the Children's Miracle Network as their major charity of choice. They encourage contestants to support and raise funds as part of their pageant journey. At the local and preliminary level pageants contestants are encouraged to select their own seperate platform to promote.
Pageant Directors want girls to pick a Platform that is close to their heart. Girls who want to go out in to the community and make a difference. They want girls who take that extra step and make an extra effort to contribute positively to society.
This is a corner stone of the Pageantry Industry and must be a part of any contestants mind set.
Find something that is close to your heart. Look at your personal life for examples of situations you wish to make a difference. Perhaps there is someone in your family that has a disease such as cancer. Because of your association you are learning about the disease and you see the first hand results of its effects on the stricken family member as well as your other releatives.
You should want to make more people aware of the warning signs of this disease and inform them as to how to help the movement to eradicate this disease.
A lot of people choose Breast Cancer Awareness as their Platform. Education for children living in poverty is another worthy platform that Pageant Contestants promote.
Find something that means a lot to you. When you talk to judges about your Platform they will know your sincerity. Pick a Platform that the audience at the contest, and all your future appearances, will feel your emotional involvement and commitment.
You can make a difference in the world by promoting a worthy cause through the visibility of the Pageant Crown and Banner.
Here is another question that I get very often from girls just starting to entertain the idea of entering a pageant: "Hey Shelly I got my eyes set on a pageant in my city but I'm wondering how do I select the Right Wardrobe to look my best?".
I've said this a few times while answering these question from newbie pageant contestants, "Ask the director of the beauty pageant what is the best choice of wardrobe for their pageant?".
Every pageant has a theme, and the theme could determine the style of your wardrobe. For example if the pageants theme was "Cinderella" then you may need to wear a white dress. Also tell the director your age because different age divisions may have different rquirements.
If the pageant is like the Miss Teen or Miss Louisiana USA then you will need an outfit for the opening number. The director or choregrapher will tell you what to wear and any accessories to go with it.
You'll need a swimsuit, an evening gown, and something for the Interview portion of the Judging.
Even while walking around the hotel before the pageant you should look your best. You never know if you may bump into a judge in the hall or in an elevator. You need to make a great and professional impression to all you meet the entire day of the competition.
The Miss America Competition has a Talent event so you would need to have a great outfit to match your talent. Since the scoring for the talent competition is 35% of your total score make sure your costume or outfit is outstanding.
You want it to fit you right, the color must compliment your complexion, and the fit must enhance your body type.
You want your wardrobe to make you look spectacular.
I hope this tip helps you as you explore the glamorous world of pagentry.
A parent with a two year old daughter asked me the following question "What are the requirements to enter my child into a pageant?"
Each director has their own requirements. Usually the child and parent should live with in a 60 mile radius of where the pageant is held. The child that wins will represent the title by making appearances. The director will usually try to schedule appearances in the local area. Directors don't want the parents driving long distances to fullfil the obligation.
Make sure your child is placed in the proper age division. It is not fair for a two year old to compete against an eight year old. Sometimes you may want to bump your child up to a higher age division. For instance your child is two going on three and there are less contestants in the three year old division than the two- see if the director will let you bump your child up to the next division. Especially if she is a larger child.
But what if she is a tiny child? Well it may be better to hold her back or step her down into the lower age group. Discuss this with the director.
Email the director and send them a photo of your child. Let them know you are interested in competing in that pageant. Most directors will contact you right away with the entry forms and theme of the pageant.
The theme of the pageant may determine the wardrobe requirements of the pageant. For instance an Easter theme may ask for very formal dresses with fancy hats.
So you need to have the proper outfit for your child to excell in the pageant.
Hey guys here is another question I get quite frequently from girls and even mothers about the pageant industry.
Question
What are the requirements and duties of a title holder?
Answer
Since every pageant and pageant systems have different rules that is a hard question to answer in a general way. The best way to find out is call the director and ask.
Usually the title holder is required to make appearances to represent the title. Some pageants ask that you fulfill a certain amount of obligations a year. I ask my title holders to make six a year for the pageants I direct.
It is to your own benefit to fit in as many extra appearances on your own that you can fit into your own schedule. These appearances sharpen your pageantry amd presentation skills. Plus you can build a fan base for your pageant career. You will make a lot of contacts that make help your other business endeavors.
You may be asked to make appearances at charity events, social extravaganzas, ride in parades, retirement homes, high school football games, etc.
If the pageant doesn't have in's own non-profit, charity or other worthy cause for you to speak on the use the opportunity to promote Your own special cause. Definetly offer to go to other pageants. Offer to assist the director by doing behind the scenes type jobs. One job that keeps you visible to the audience is as a Specialty Judge. Your job will be to pick up the judges score sheets and bring them to the auditor who tallys the contestants rankings. I ask my title holders to make six a year for the pageants I direct.
If you ride in parades try to find some one who owns a classic convertible automobile. You might have an uncle or cousin with a cool car. Tell him its a great way to meet chicks. Use your psychology and sales skills.
Make this reign the most exciting and satisfying experience possible.
If you want to be a titleholder for a beauty pageant be prepared to take the ride of your life. Your director will expect it of you so tell her in advance that you look forward to representing her pageant. Let the judges know and let the audience know through your words, your attitude and the stunning image you display.
representing Louisiana at the Miss USA Pageant that will be televised from Las Vegas, Nevada in June 2012!
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