Advice
- Beauty Competition
- Boys
- Casualwear Competition
- Dresses (Different Types Of)
- (Age) Fall Backs
- Flippers
- Glitz Pageants
- Hair Pieces (Wiglets, Falls, Cascades...etc)
- Judging Criteria
- Makeup
- Natural Pageants
- Non-Glitz Pageants
- Optionals
- Photo Toppers
- Pictures (Glitz, Natural, B&W, Composites,
Portfolios)
- Pretty Feet
- Pro-Am
- Sponsors
- Sportswear
- Stage Walk
- Supreme Package
- Supreme Titles
- Swimwear
- Techniques
- Themewear
- Westernwear
Portion of the competition where the contestant wears her dress or gown.
Contestant will walk the stage in the T formation, stopping on each X posing,
smiling, then continuing on to the next X Time limit is usually 1 - 1.5 minutes
on stage. For older contestants eye contact with the judges is important.
Contestants who are not old enough to walk will have a chaperone carry them on
stage. Contestants that are toddlers will usually have a chaperone stage.
Contestants aged 3 and up will usually walk alone but this is also at the
discretion of each pageant (make sure to ask the director if you have any
questions). Judging is typically based on Beauty, Poise, & Overall appeal.
Obviously a younger contestant will not be able to portray Poise so for these
contestants judging will be geared more toward Beauty, Personality and overall
appeal. Is your child having fun? Does he or she appear to be having a
good time? That is what the judges are looking for.
Just about all pageant systems accept boys into the competition. Boys
will obviously be competing only against the boys but are eligible for the
Ultimate prize. Most systems only accept boys up to a certain age,
typically 0-3. The competition may be sparse but American Strawberry
accepts boys of all ages. If a 19 year old male wants to compete for his
chance to win the title of Ultimate Strawberry Supreme and walk away with
$10,000, who are we to stop him? He may be the one who ends up with the
highest score!
Boys will typically wear a nice suit or tuxedo during the beauty competition.
Some even glitz up the suits. During casual wear they would wear a nice
outfit such as a bright sweater vest & khakis. Swimwear could consist of
stylish swim trunks and sunglasses that could be strategically removed, just in
time for the judges to see a charming wink!
This is a side category. Many nationals will have Casualwear as part of
the competition. Casualwear is a fancy or couture "Playwear". They
are usually without the glitz, but typically have a ton of ribbons, bows and
other unique, playful designs. Competition during this category is usually
an up-tempo "modeling" routine. Younger children (babies and young
toddlers) are exempt from the routine, they mostly just have to have fun, smile
and show their personality. Older toddlers (3 and up) should have some
basic moves down, like dancing, waving, shaking their little booties...etc.
Judging is usually based on outfit appeal, color choice, fit of outfit, routine
(or personality) and overall appeal.Here is an example of a stylish
casualwear:
There are several types of dresses that you should know
about.
First there are preliminary style dresses. Very
simple dresses, much like what your child would wear to church or even to a
wedding. Flower girl, Easter dress style. Depending on the system,
some do not allow any glitz (diamonds) on the dresses but of course you should
always ask what is acceptable for the pageant you are competing in. If the
preliminary is for a glitz pageant (for example American Strawberry), we would
accept all types of dresses.
State Competition dresses can be a mix between either a
fancier version of a flower girl dress or a toned down national dress.
With No or Low glitz to Medium glitz. Flashy, but not overly glitzy like a
national dress. Always check with the pageant director to find out what is
and isn't acceptable for their pageant.
National Competition dresses should be full glitz
dresses. For the younger girls, knee length cupcake or southern
style skirts with a glitzy bodice, necklace and hair bow or accessory.
Older competitors should wear floor length gowns adorned with plenty of
diamonds and glitz. Here are a couple examples:
Below are two types of national skirts for the
younger contestant dresses. "Cupcake Style" and "Southern Style".
Both are as equally fabulous. Younger girls more often have the
Cupcake skirts but I have seen many toddlers wearing stunning dresses with
Southern skirts.
The pink and white dress has a Cupcake skirt.
Typically made with 6+ layers of organza or like material. Very full
and fluffy.
The white dress has a Southern style skirt. The
skirt hangs lower but is made with just as many layers of the organza
material.
You should always wear white or off white shoes with white
ruffle socks (for the younger girls) during the beauty competition.
Older contestants should wear floor length gowns with clear
high heel shoes (heels help add height, help contestant walk straight & upright,
and if legs are shown, will help flex the muscles giving them a fit/in shape
look. Dresses for older contestants can vary though. Some systems
prefer the cocktail dress vs. the evening gown. Always a good idea to
check with the director!
The age fall back is an odd thing. You are allowed to
compete in the age division behind what your actual age is.
For example: Little Susie is 3 1/2 years old (nearing 4) but if using the
fall back she will be able to compete in the 25-36 month age group (Any parent
can attest that a 3 1/2 year old is very different mentally & developmentally
than a 2 1/2 year old or even a young 3 year old. So it doesn't make sense as
to why a child of this age would be using the fall back instead of just
competing in the 3 year old division. In systems that have a fall back
option, just about every contestant competes in their younger respective age
division, competing with others their age (yet who are not the age of the
category). Doesn't make much sense to us here at American Strawberry, so
we don't have fall backs like that. Our fall back dates will be determined
by the contestants age 30 days prior to the competition. That way if
you have a birthday on say October 1st
and our pageant is October 30, you can decide to stay in the age category she
was as of September 31 or move into the age division she is as of the
competition date. To us, this makes more sense as the contestants will be
competing in their respective age groups. Not 4 year olds competing
against 3 year olds. However, be aware that many systems have a very
different policy on age Fall Backs and their cut off date can be 6 months to
almost a year prior to the actual pageant (we know, it doesn't make sense!).
The pageant world's version of veneers or false teeth.
They are easily put in and removed and are to be used strictly during the
competition (or for photos). They are not to be used to eat, drink or just
wear around (as it could be a choking hazard!). It helps contestants with
missing, crooked or discolored teeth appear to have a bright smile filled with
beautiful pearly whites. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Flippers
also vary in price but on average the impression kits are between $40-$80 and
the actual flipper is between $150-$250.
Having a flipper can make all the difference though, so if
you are going to take pageantry as a serious hobby, flippers are recommended!
The word "Glitz" used in pageants is meant to describe something as fabulous,
flashy, flamboyant and with diamonds everywhere.
Glitz pageants are where contestants wear outfits adorned with diamonds, gems
and crystals. Skirts are full and colors are bright. Contestants
wear full makeup, false eyelashes (for the older contestants, not the babies),
flippers, hair pieces & extensions. There are typically 2-3+ outfit
changes including but not limited to Beauty, Causalwear, Swimwear, &
Westernwear. Judging is based on an overall package of beauty, poise,
personality & overall appeal. Contestants are also judged on a photogenic
category.
Hair pieces and extensions used by pageant contestants.
Most common are the Falls, Wiglets, Cascades, & Scrunchie styles.
Most of these come in "Mini" versions to fit smaller heads
or for a smaller hair style.
Many pageant contestants use the Real Collection
brand although any and all brands are accepted. If you are going to invest
in hair pieces its always a good idea to stick with human hair. Not only
because it lasts longer and looks more authentic but in case you chose the wrong
color or want to add highlights you can update the color by dying it.
Synthetic hair pieces are fine as well but eventually you will have problems
with hair falling out, the hair matting and tangling easy and the appearance of
synthetic hair (it tends to look shinier and more wig like). Hair pieces can
range anywhere from $15-$200 depending on what you are going for.
Eventually we will be uploading pictures to give you ideas on how to style each
of the hair pieces and what each hair piece can look like when used.
Mostly all you need is curler, aerosol hair spray and a brush!
There are also many excellent hair and makeup vendors out
there that will proudly help your contestant get her look together on Pageant
Day.
Judging is usually based on poise, personality, beauty and
overall appeal. How well the contestant portrays him or herself on stage
is important. Does she appear to be having a good time or does she appear
like she?s being forced into competing? Does she have a genuine smile or
does it appear forced? Do her clothes fit correctly? Do her clothing
colors compliment her complexion/hair? Are her shoes scuffed? Is her
hair over hair sprayed or does it have a natural yet elegant appeal?
When competing during a national there are so many little beauties competing for
those big cash prizes that the judges analyze everything.
The judges should also judge accordingly to the age group.
The young toddler and baby groups will not be judged in the same manner the
older contestants would be. Obviously not many infants or young toddlers
will understand how to smile on cue or will even understand what is going on.
With these contestants judging is based more on beauty, personality, how much
fun they appear to be having and overall appeal. Judging during the
option events and routine events are based on choice of clothing (colors, style,
fit), beauty, overall appeal, routine appeal.
Most judges also understand that some contestants (mostly the infants and young
toddlers) have minds of their own so if your little beauty happens to throw a
tantrum or start crying, a good judge shouldn't count off for this. A good
judge will remember that this contestant is very young and will judge
accordingly...so in other words, with the right system and the right judging
criteria, even if your infant or toddler falls asleep 5 minutes before walking
on stage, a good judge will be able to see through this and see your little diva
for the true beauty she is!
Remember to always check with the pageant in which you are
competing as every system is different and the judging criteria may be
different!
Makeup is definitely suggested during national pageants! How much you
apply is at the discretion of each contestant. Obviously you will not want
to put foundation and heavy makeup on an infant as it can be bad for their skin
and eyes. Maybe just a dash of blush. But as soon as they can walk (or are about
12-14 months), it's a good idea to start applying makeup in a way that flatters
your contestant. Older contestants often wear false eyelashes to help make
their eyes stand out more. Brand names aren't important, you can use
whatever brands you feel comfortable using. Don't feel obligated to buy
expensive name brands, the cost of your makeup won't add or take away points
during competition! During Non-Glitz, Natural or Preliminary pageants
(depending on whether or not the preliminary is for a glitz pageant), it's
usually not recommended to wear makeup. And if you do wear makeup it
should be age appropriate (meaning toddlers and girls under the age of 10
shouldn't be wearing anything other than perhaps a light blush and clear lip
gloss) 11 and up can wear more but should keep it on natural.
Always check with the pageant in which you are competing as
every system is different.
A good way to help a younger child get used to wearing
makeup is to apply it at home on a fairly regular basis. Let her watch you
(assuming her mother is reading this) apply your makeup and give her tools to
apply her own makeup. Don't freak out or get mad when she rubs black or
brown eye shadow all over her cheeks! Boost her confidence by telling her how
pretty she is and how pretty her makeup is. Eventually she will be so used
to putting on makeup that when Pageant Day comes she'll be ready to put on any
and all styles you have prepared for her! Doing this will also give you
plenty of practice and finding the right colors for your little beauty queen!
There are also many excellent pageant makeup vendors out
there that will do your contestants hair and makeup for a nominal fee.
Natural pageants are pretty much the same as Non-Glitz
pageants. No or minimal makeup, no hair pieces, no glitz. Very
simple rules with judging based on natural beauty, natural appeal, and natural
personality (ei most children aren't doing flamboyant routines in their off
time). Judging is based on facial beauty, overall appeal, poise and
personality. If competing in a natural system and you have glitz or do not
appear natural (obvious makeup) points will be deducted.
Some natural or non-glitz pageants allow minimal makeup,
hair pieces that appear natural (meaning not hair strayed, stiff and over the
top looking), and minimal glitz on dresses.
You will need a natural photograph. Do not turn in a glitz photo or one
that is obviously photo shopped or touched up. Minor touchups are okay
(blemishes, red eye removal, stray hairs...) but photo should still appear
natural!
It is advisable to find out what the pageant you are
competing in accepts as all systems are different!
See Natural Pageants
Optional Events are the side events or "Optional"
categories. You do not have to compete in these categories to win,
although entering them will give you an edge over the competition. An
optional category can often replace a lower score if higher. For example:
if your Casualwear score was lower than your optional Westernwear, the
Westernwear would replace the casualwear score thus giving you a better chance
of winning the ultimate prize. Optional Categories can range from
Westernwear, Sportswear, Casualwear, Swimwear, Themewear, and Holiday Wear.
Depending on the system 1 or 2 of these may already be part of the main
competition. There are also photo Optionals. If you get one free
photo with your supreme package, you can enter the additional photo categories
to help bring your score up (or to win fabulous prizes). There can also be
optional Supreme categories to help you win a national supreme title.
Optionals are always advised as they can help with your overall score but it is
up to the discretion of the contestant (or parent entering the contestant).
You will not have points off by not entering any optional categories. They
are given to help you.
A shirt & accessories used strictly to take your pictures in. Can
consist of the shirt, various hair bows, a headband, hat, scarves, earrings,
necklace, bracelet, gloves...anything that might be seen in the photo.
Photo Toppers can range from very extravagant & classy to casual & sporty.
It's a good idea to have a variety of different looks when shooting so having
photo toppers custom made can be a good idea. You can also find some
amazing outfits and accessories at your local department store. Bright
colors that compliment the contestant are a must.
When going to a photo shoot make sure you bring as many items as you can,
even if they don't get used. Your photographer may get an excellent idea
for a shot that you may not have thought of before.
You can also use your dress bodice, swimwear, casualwear, westernwear, theme
wear...etc as a photo topper. There really are no limits.
Pictures can be a pricey thing but in the pageant world are
a must have.
Glitz Photos are photoshopped/retouched pictures of
your contestant. The photos will appear to have the "living doll" look
when finished. Porcelain skin, big bright eyes, luscious eye lashes, full
pouty, glossy lips. Basically the more retouched your contestant looks without
destroying the integrity of the photo (it must look "real" without looking
"real"), the better. Contestant will often be wearing a "Photo Topper"
along with her hair extensions, flippers & jewelry. There are many Glitz
Photographers out there and they all vary in price. A 2-3 look photo shoot
can run upwards of $500 and that is NOT including the retouch fee. These
photographers usually will not allow you to have copies of the negatives either.
When you pay for the shoot, you are paying for just that, not the photos (yes I
know it doesn't make sense). The retouching fees can range from $60-$200+
depending on what you have done to the photo. Definitely an expensive part
of the pageant world but again they are necessary if you want to win. Do
not feel obligated to go to the big name pageant photographers either.
There are plenty of lesser known photographers who can produce an equally
stunning photo at half the cost. But of course do what you are comfortable
with and spend what you are comfortable spending.
There are also techniques you can do at home to get your
own glitz photos. Go to the fabric store, buy about 2 yards of white silk
(or whichever color of your choice) and hang it on the wall for your backdrop
(try to create U shape with the fabric by letting the middle hang down) Do
your contestant's hair and makeup as if they were getting ready to compete in a
full glitz pageant. The more makeup the better as it will help the retoucher
when she's adjusting the photo.
Use a high resolution digital camera with flash for the
best results. Your child should be looking at the camera but if for some
reason you can't get your younger child to look directly at the camera an
experienced Retoucher should be able to fix this.
Natural Photos are just that: Natural. No or
minimal makeup, No hair pieces (unless made to look extremely natural), no
flashy photo toppers. These photos are more along the lines of modeling
headshots or portfolio pictures. Leaning against a wall, frolicking in the
flowers, standing under a tree? A natural photo shoot can range in price.
You don't have to shoot with a "pageant photographer" to accomplish this look
(although the decision is yours, there are plenty of excellent pageant photogs
out there), any experienced photographer will do. If shooting a child, try to
find a photographer that has made a career out of shooting children as he or she
will know how to handle the younger crowd. Prices can range from $50 to
$250+ per hour or shoot. It's a good idea to ask if you will be receiving
a CD with all of the images and if they will be doing any photo touchups (light
adjustments, size adjustments, blemish removal...etc) that way you can decide
which photos you want to use.
B&W/ Black & White photos are some of your favorite
photos in black & white.
Composites are a collection of 5-10 photos of the contestant on one piece of
paper (typically 8x10). These composites are much like the composites in
the modeling world but have more graphics involved and the photos often overlap
& blend into each other. A pageant composite most likely would not fare
well in the real modeling world.
Portfolios are a collection of Glitz, Natural and composites all piled
into one album. Much like that of a modeling portfolio. You should
put the contestants best pictures in the front of the book and then work your
way down. It is advisable (per the modeling world) to have a limit of 2 photos
of the same look in the book. So if you have done an amazing photo shoot
and there are 3 amazing photos that you want to show off, only use the two that
are best. You do not have to use 2, one is fine, but try not to go over 2
photos of the same look (outfit).
Theme Photos some systems out there do theme style
photos. So depending on what the theme is, you'd want to work with that
theme. Or if there is an advertising theme, you'd try to pick a company or
item and "advertise" it through your photo(s). For example, Little Susie
loves Krispy Kreme Donuts, she could go get a slew of KK boxes, a hat and some
donuts, take a picture with all of the items (and the contestant) strategically
placed to have that "Advertisement" look. Not many systems do this, but I
have seen it before. A theme or advertisement photo could easily be turned into
a composite if done right.
It means with one knee slightly bent up, one foot in front of the other
with the front foot's heel close the the back foots toe. A lot of the
younger girls don't pop the knee up and this is okay, many of them will
keep their legs straight, without bending the knee.
"Pretty feet" looks somewhat like the following diagram (in this diagram
the right foot is in front):
Put your right foot in front pointing forward, put
your left toe at the right foot's heel and angle the left heel to the
right (a 90 degree angle). The left toe should be touching the right heel
or within an inch of it.
An added move is to turn while doing this stance.
When turning, keep your feet in place and turn your body to
the right (Don't take your feet off the ground!), your left foot will now be
pointing forward with your right toe touching it's heel. At this point, turn
your head, look over your shoulder and smile at the judges!
This basic footwork also applies in adult pageants, bikini
pageants and runway modeling (they just don't call it "pretty feet")!
Not sure why it has this name but it means a flashy, flamboyant routine
usually during Sportswear or Westernwear (but can be during any optional style
events). Pro-Am is more flashy and choreographed than a routine during
Casualwear or Swimwear (which tends to appear more like relaxed, fun dancing).
Pro-Am can best be described by comparing it to a routine of Britney Spears,
Backstreet Boys, Justin Timberlake (crisp, pop like moves). However, for
some reason pageant contestants throw in a bunch of odd, over ambitious facial
expressions, jackets & skirt tricks.
Some pageants have Pro-Am but just as many do not. Make sure you check
with the pageant you are competing in, as you may have entered a Pro-Am
competition and might not have even realized it!
How to obtain Sponsors
Sportswear is not what you think! It is NOT a cheerleaders
outfit, jersey, golf/tennis outfit! It's a bright colored, tight fitting
outfit adorned with diamonds, glitz and ribbons more like something Prince or
Michael Jackson might have worn back in the 80's. Sportswear outfits often
have a rip away skirt or jacket that can be tossed around during their routine
or Pro-Am moves. Colors are flashy and bright. Sportswear outfits
are often combined with a flashy Pro-Am routine. Here is an example of
what a Sportswear outfit might look like:
Stages are typically set up in the T shape. This
basic diagram will show you.
Always keep your eyes on the judges, SMILE, and have fun. Walk
slowly so that the judges can admire your beauty and charm.
Contestants will walk from one X to the next pausing briefly(10 seconds or
so), posing, then moving on to the next X. When at each X contestant
should do what's called "Pretty Feet" in the pageant world. It means
with one knee slightly bent up, one foot in front of the other with the
front foot's heel close the the back foots toe. Much like the following
diagram:
You can read more about pretty feet by clicking "Back to Top" then
clicking, "Pretty Feet".
This is an option given by pageant directors that include the big categories
for the pageant. Usually this will include Beauty, Casualwear/Swimwear,
and a photogenic category. The Supreme Package can contain more
competitions or less. Every system is different so always check.
Entering the Supreme Package is often a good idea as you are saving money in the
bundled price but you will also be eligible for bigger prizes.
[This is the answer to the question.]
Swimsuit Competition. You would never want to wear any of these suits
to the pool (although they are made of the same material). Depending on
what level of pageant you are competing in (Prelim, State or National), your
swimwear should reflect that. That basically means if you are in a
National, your swimwear should be bright, flashy and have glitz or tons of bows.
If you are competing in a State or preliminary, your contestants
swimwear should have little or no glitz or be Off The Rack looking but
should still have that "wow" factor.
Swimwear sets should include the 1 or 2 piece suit, 1 or 2 anklets and
hair accessories (headband, 2 pigtail bows). They may also have a
necklace, bracelets or other accessories. Sometimes you'll be
able to find a stunning off the rack suit that you'll easily be able to
add your own glitz, anklets and hair accessories to.
Swimwear should also be age appropriate. 2 year olds can wear 2 pieces
but they should not be sexy! Some pageants require that the younger contestants
only wear 1 pieces. It is good to find out which style your upcoming
pageant accepts.
American Strawberry accepts one and two pieces for all age divisions.
Below are a couple examples of some glitzy swimwear:
[This is the answer to the question.]
Every now and then you'll find a pageant holding a "Theme" pageant.
It could be anything from a holiday theme (common ones are Valentine's
Day, Easter, 4th of July, Halloween...etc) to the more random themes like
"Back to School", "High School Musical", "Coca-Cola", "60's/Retro" the
list could go on and on. One of the fun things about theme wear is
that the options are limitless. Your contestant could wear a theme
based beauty dress, casualwear, swimwear, or other stylish outfit of
choice. Here are a couple examples of some stylish themewear!
Western wear is pretty much what the name says, western clothing.
Think cowboys (or cowgirls!) & indians! Fancy boots, tassels, and
glitzy hats! Usually this is an optional event. Western wear
could be worn during an outfit of choice, talent or dance category.
Usually the westerwear outfits will be combined with a Pro-Am or fun
routine. Here is an example of an adorable westernwear:
[This is the answer to the question.]
|
