Miss/Mrs.

Swimsuit
Walking across a stage in a swimsuit in heels is not exactly the easiest thing to do-that's why you have to make it look easy. While judges are looking for overall fitness, poise and grace are of utmost importance. Walk smoothly and carefully, just as you would in evening gown competition, but show a sense of well-being in your face. Your eyes and your smile are very important elements in this competition because they say you have confidence and can face any situation! And, that's what judges want in a title holder. Choose shoes in tan, beige or clear with a heel that will make your legs look longer. When tanning, use caution. Tanning beds can be dangerous, so you may want to opt for a self-tanner to give you that glow you're after. Use common sense when selecting a shade. A redhead with pale skin probably wouldn't look very natural with a dark tan. Right?!

These are only a sampling of questions you might encounter during an interview. Remember to practice in front of family and friends for your special event!! Remember to always smile!!

Children

1. Browse through our Events Page
2. Subscribe to pageant magazines (see our Magazine Page) to find more pageants
3. Check the pageant's age categories and prizes to be awarded
4. Ask questions about type of clothing required and other criteria expected
5. Obtain pageantwear (Dress, Sportswear, etc.) - OR make your own and save $$$
6. See our Resources page for designers and shops
7. Seek guidance from a pageant coach if necessary
8. If competing in talent, chose music wisely and PRACTICE often! Be sure to get a high quality background tape
9. Decide on a budget and make travel plans

The best advice I can give concerning make-up is to have color but to allow your child to look like a child - not a child who looks like an adult. Don't overdo eye shadows and lipstick. Simple lip gloss (or a nice pink color on older girls) a touch of blush and maybe a touch of mascara will do just fine.

Any length of hair is fine. Most contestants wear their hair at shoulder length to a long style. For those with short hair, hair  extensions can be used. A good salon should be able to assist in determining color and length. As long as they are natural looking, a judge will not usually be able to tell the difference. Usually, 'pageant hair' has a poof at the top sort of like a Jackie Kennedy bouffant. Teasing and hair spray can accomplish this. Hair sprays to try are Stiff Stuff or Stiff It and are usually found in most drug stores. You need to first tease the hair, preferably hair that has just been curled to add volume. Then start spraying a little and smoothing out the 'pouf; into the direction you want the hair to go. Continue spraying until you have achieved the desired look. 

Choose a talent that your child feels VERY comfortable doing. If she excels in gymnastics, let her perform a routine at the pageant. If she can't carry a tune, don't let her sing! Make sure you chose a song that is appropriate for your child's age. For example, a 4 year old shouldn't be singing about going out dancing in a bar. I enjoy hearing something that is in a good range for the child's voice and shows off her personality and ability to the fullest extent. Technical difficulty is sometimes used as criteria, but if it is too difficult for your child to perform the song or routine, pick something else. I feel bad for a child who is disappointed in his or her talent because it was too difficult to perform. Time after time, contestants performing a vocal talent, pick songs that they cannot sing comfortably. Either the song is too low, too high, too slow or too fast. Choose your material wisely. While you may love a song and want to share it with others, you may need to ask yourself, "Can I communicate the message of the song with the audience and the judges with ease and confidence?"  "Is it difficult for me to reach certain notes in my song?" "Have I practiced diligently and effectively?" "Did I take time to prepare?" (Not the night before!) A good tape is an important part of your talent presentation.

The Golden Rule: pick a dress that is suitable for your child based on color, fit and overall style. Not all winners have white, expensive, beaded dresses. Ignore rumors that certain designers always produce winners. It is not the dress that determines the winner--it's the child in that dress! Pick a color that compliments your child's skin tone and has a good and comfortable fit so your child will perform at her/his best. Royal and sky blue are nice colors as well as a strong yellow or pink.

Certain pageant systems support Pro-Am style which means full modeling style in the different competitions. These can be Sportswear, Swimwear, Party Wear, Western Wear, etc. However, most systems do not require this of their contestants. Usually, if the child performs turns well and has good stage presence they will receive a good score. Judges are looking for someone who is smooth and natural. I do like a good Pro-Am routine as long as it is done in good taste and well practiced. Make sure your child smiles and shows confidence in the routine.

One lesson I have learned is that there is always going to be someone who doesn't win and sometimes it is you! Keep these things in mind:

1. There is a pageant for everyone
2. Quitters and bad attitudes will never win
3. Everyone has bad days
4. Persistence and dedication make winners
5. Poise and confidence are the key to the crown
6. Practice your smile for the next pageant
7. Don't give up!! I have won a few and lost many, but I have learned from all. Remember, you will always gain insight at each event.