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Welcome to another
edition of “Ask The Diva’s”, the interactive column that
answers your questions. We are YOUR pageant instruction site on the
Internet and we pride ourselves in giving you that winning edge. We
look forward to your questions; all you need to do is send in your
questions and we will answer them right here. Send them to info@pageantdiva.com.
We have also produced a
videotape that answers all the below questions and more, all in one
sitting. The PageantDiva home video series answers the questions all
contestants need answered. Weather you have competed in several pageants
or for those entering for the first time. If you need help in Swimsuit,
Evening Gown, Interviews, Talent or Make-Up the Diva’s will give you
that winning edge. Visit our store at http://store.yahoo.com/missflorida-store/pagdivser.html.
Now let’s get to those questions!
TALENT
A: Kristen; I
spend money like crazy on dance wear and supplies, do you have any
suggestions to save money on dance wear and spend it on other pageant
supplies. – Candace
Q: Here are some
tips that worked for during dance classes. When
you buy new dance things at a store (like leotards, shoes, tights, even
toe pads), save the labels and/or write down the brand name, style number,
size, color, and price you paid for it. Keep all this in a box, envelope,
or notebook so that you can take advantage of great deals in dance supply
catalogs. With all the information you have, you will know if what's
offered in the catalog is exactly what you have at home and will be able
to compare prices to see if it's still a good deal even with shipping and
handling fees. All this info is especially helpful when ordering tights.
SWIMSUIT
Q: I just found
your website and love it! I am entering my very first pageant; I have
waited 35 years to do it! I am a contestant in the Mrs. Division in my
states Mrs. America Pageant. My question is regarding what type of shoe is
appropriate to wear during the swimsuit competition? Also is it
appropriate to wear earrings during swimsuit? – Donna in the Mrs.
Division
A: Thank you for
the compliments Donna. You are going to enjoy your first pageant
experience! We are pulling for you. In regards to the shoe question I
always recommend a taupe shoe with a 3” heel or less. The color will
blend into your leg and give it a lengthened look. Here’s a little
pageant tip that seems to work. If your skin does not match the taupe,
take your foundation and rub into the shoe to match your color shade.
Being that your shoes are made of leather (cow skin) it is receptive to
the coloring.
As for the earrings are
your choice, however do not wear a pair that will distract the eye from
your swimwear. I would suggest something simple and classic like basic
diamond studs. Nothing dangling or large, keep those judges eyes on the
figure you have worked hard to achieve.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Q: In the past
few months I have been considering breast implants to “fill out” my
figure. I am not very sure if I want to go through with the operation
because I feel it is not 100% safe. What are your opinions?
A: Certainly
breast implants are a personal choice. However we have found some figures
that might give you reasons to consider the alternatives like padding and
creative alterations. Some women are very happy with the results but it is
far from 100% perfect.
More than 200,000 women
had breast augmentation last year, up five times the number from 1992. Yet
according to the Food & Drug Administration more than forty (40%)
percent of women with saline implants return to the operating room because
of pain, misshaped breasts or other complications. If the implants are
removed the skin will never be the same. In the case of a rupture the
breast deflates like a popped balloon or flat tire, leaving the woman
asymmetrical. Finally all implants make mammograms more difficult and
sometimes impossible to read.
INTERVIEW
Q: I was
wondering if the contestant can or should take her notebook or notes into
the interview with her? I am participating in my first Miss America
preliminary in two weeks and am unsure as to the interview format. Will I
stand there and wait for their questions or do I go in and introduce
myself with a big smile and begin talking until my time is up? -
Vanessa “Pageant Rookie”.
A: Sorry Vanessa
but the interview segment is not an open book test! But this should not
make you feel ill at ease. Simply ask the pageant director exactly how the
competition will be run and where will the information the judges will be
using to ask their questions. Normally this is from your application or a
biography sheet you have to fill out.
You will find that you
will have to make some introductory remarks and then answer questions in
an interview panel style. With the combination of PageantDiva assistance
and that big smile you will win over the judges in no time. Check out my
column every month for more insight into the interview competition.
EVENING GOWNS
Q: My daughter is
almost 14 years old but could pass for much older. She is very curvy and
is 5’6” tall. She has long dark brown hair, blue eyes and an olive
complexion. What color would you recommend for her formal. Would it be
better to be fitted or full? Hair up or down during competition? Any other
suggestions – Donna “a concerned pageant mother”.
A: I think the
first thing we must state is that at the teen level most pageants are
looking for a teenage look, not an adult look. A simple call to your
pageant director with some advice as to what the pageant is looking for in
it’s winner should clarify your direction.
So my first suggestion
would be for your daughter to wear an age appropriate gown (see this
months column) I would also recommend your daughter wear lighter color
gowns like white, corral, peach, etc. Since you mentioned she looks more
mature try a gown fitted on top and fuller on the bottom. Wearing her hair
down will also give her a youthful, more age appropriate look.
THE DIVA’S ARE HERE FOR YOU!
Send your questions to info@pageantdiva.com
and then check in next month. Yes real questions from real contestants,
what a concept!
For tips on the different formats in the Miss USA
system check out my series of articles at Interviews by Alexandra here at
PageantDiva. Then order my videotape at http://store.yahoo.com/missflorida-store/pagdivser.html
for an at home interview coach right at your fingertips. We cover
preparation, appropriate dress, interview tips and techniques as well as
several sample questions for your own pageant notebook.
________________________________________________________________________________
More questions answered next month at "Ask
The Divas". All you have to do is submit a question (see below) and we will pick
the best and most asked questions and post them here at YOUR pageant site
on the internet.
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