Shelly's Pageant Coaching

 

 

One question I recieved recently was from a girl who was concerned about how much it cost after you win a beauty pageant and then move up the competition ladder.

In most systems when you win a title that is a preliminary pageant for a bigger pageant the entry fees are covered. For example the winner of the Miss New Orleans beauty contests qualifies to have her fees paid for the Miss Louisiana. the winner of the Louisiana then gets her entry fee paid for the USA title as the representative of the Miss Louisiana title.

The biggest costs you will incur during your rise to the top is probably in the area of wardrobe. In particular the cost of an excellent evening gown. You really need a top notch dress that perfectly highlights your strong points. I know one girl whose dress costs her several thousand dollars, and she is glad she did after winning the title.

Sometimes winning a pageant entitles the title holder to additional prizes. Occassionally these prizes can include coupons, discounts, or outright price coverage at a dress shop. Check with the director of the pageant you are entering to find out what additional bonus prizes you are entitled to as the winner.

Another expense to consider is travelling. Sometimes airfare comes with your winners prize pak, but not always. Also consider fuel cost if you drive to the event. Even if you do fly you may have car rental expenses.

Most major pageants include many discounts for their contestants. The  that can save you money.director usually negotiates great rates with hotels.

Another expense is for a really good photographer. You may need to update your headshot because you are moving to the next level up and your competition will certainly use all the tools available to them. A fantastic and professionally prepared headshot tells the director and judges that you are a champion.

There will probably other extra expenses that you will incur but these are the larger ones. 

Good luck in your endevors to capture the crown.

See You on the Runway

Shelly

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Some one responded to my Video on Youtube called the Top "Ten Deadliest Mistakes that Pageant Contestants Make".

Here is their comment:

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I started an interview series with Pageant Industry Experts to help bring more good information to You about entering Pageants.

I was waiting to package them all together as a Bonus for my new Pageant Product called Pageant Success Blueprint. But after I did the interview with Penny Pearlman I decided I couldn't wait. I just got to share this with you right away.

Penny Pearlman interviewed lots of Miss America winners for her book Pretty Smart: Lessons From Our Miss Americas.  She told me how she found one common characteristic that every one of these Miss Americas exhibited.

I learned so much from this 35 minute interview that I got real excited.

And I mean Real Excited!

Thats why I'm posting it NOW for You.

Click Here to Listen to Shelly interview Penny Pearlman

 

You can get her book on her site by clicking this link Pretty Smart: Lessons From Our Miss Americas

Penny is a great motivational speaker and coach that can help you in your quest to Win the Crown.

See You on the Runway

Shelly

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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.

 

Yours in Pageantry

 

Shelly

 

 

 

Resources about Pageant Platforms

 

Pageantry Magazine Article about Platform

 

Videos about Pageant Platforms by Erica Saylors

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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.

 

Yours in Pageantry

 

Shelly

 

 

Shellyspageant Express  

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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. 

 

 

Yours in Pageantry 

 

Shelly the Pageant Coach 

 

Miss Jefferson Parish  Miss New Orleans    Direct Your Pageant 

     

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Question: I want to compete in pageants but I don't know which system I should compete with. Which should I choose?

 

Answer: Your choice depends on what your goals are and what you plan to accomplish through Pageantry. Some people use the experience of pageantry to help sharpen their skills for acquiring a job.

 

The interview portion of competition forces you to improve your understanding of the world around you so you can speak intelligently about any subject. Facing unknown judges who will score you based on the way you respond to their questions is very similar to the job application interview process.

 

Some use this experience to expand their communication skills to help land a job in journalism and broadcasting.

 

Others look at pageants as a way to test their physical presentation skills as they launch a modelling career. Walking the runway at a beauty contest is just as stressful as displaying the latest designer clothes at an upscale fashion show.

 

Another motivation for contestants is to recieve scholarship funds to help pay for higher education.

 

Decide what is your prime reason for entering competition. If you are interested in career development then any of the pageant systems will offer you an outlet top improve the necessary skills. But if you are interested in scholorships and raising funds for educational reason then the Miss America System is the approbriate choice for you. The America Pageant system's focus is on improving the lives of women through positive experiences and educational growth.

 

The USA system is more suited to those who want to explore the glamorous side. If you are heading down the modelling and acting path the USA system is a better choice.

 

The Miss Plus System are designed for larger full bodied women and girls who don't fit the typical beauty queen image. This system is designed to give plus size women a chance to experience the same thrill of walking down the runway, competing with their peers, and honing their life skills in the process.

 

There are many new systems popping up around the globe but the two business models they resemble are based on the Miss America and the USA System.

 

Research any pageant you are considering and look to see which one best assist you in reaching your goals.

 

Yours in Pageantry

 

Shelly Pageantry

 

 

Resources

 

Miss America Miss Universe/USA

 

Miss Plus America System wiki: Beauty Contest

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