Pageant definitions and terms defined

Newbie
Someone who is new to pageants

H/M
Hair & makeup artist

Pro
Someone who usually wins Supreme or Overall titles and uses professional H/M, clothing designers & coaches.

Pro-Am
A style of very upbeat walking, turns and moves only found in pageants. Sometimes called "vogue modeling" it is like dance moves that include turns, hand & head gestures, jacket tricks and more performed to upbeat music.

Sportswear
This does NOT mean clothes with a sports theme! This is usually an outfit that is a jumpsuit or crop top and pants that may have a matching tear away skirt or jacket. You can see examples of sportswear by visiting the pageant consignment shops & pageant clothing deisgners websites. Sportswear is usually defined in 2 ways. One is "glitz" (also called "vogue"), the other is "off the rack". You will need to contact the pageants director to find out which type their pageant is having.

Glitz/Vogue
Heavily decorated with sparkle such as rhinestones, ribbons, pearls, stones, brooches, etc. and usually custom made.

Off the Rack
An outfit that was purchased at a store and has had nothing added to it.

Casualwear
Clothing that is considered before 5 pm wear, something cute, funky or upbeat that you would wear everyday to school or the mall. Informal. Can be off the rack or custom made depending on what your pageant director allows.

Sundays Best
The type of dress that you would wear to church, not a pageant dress.

Prelim
Preliminary pageant. Some pageants require that you compete at their prelim before being eligible to go on to their State or National pageant level. This is usually a more casual, smaller version of that systems larger pageant. The attire is usually simple pageant dresses or Sundays Best. There are usually less catagories to enter and the pageant & crowning is held in one afternoon. Entry fees are less and prizes are less but it is a great place to practice before going on to the next level and to win fees off of the higher level pageants

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?!

Evening gown
Contestants seem to think that white gowns always win. That is simply not true. You should pick a gown that best complements you skin tone and overall physique. Practice walking in heels before you leave the shop so you'll have an idea of how the dress feels when you're in motion! Ask the store associate about tailoring for length. There is almost nothing worse than a gown that is too short or too long. Styles are changing-the pageant gown is becoming more versatile-less restricted. Contestants are no longer expected to wear only sleek, traditional, fitted gowns. You may opt for a free flowing skirt with a wrap or neckpiece. Try on many different styles, but select the one you feel most comfortable with-after all, the judges are not only looking for elegance, but the confident girl behind the gown as well.

Beauty
Enhance your best features-don't cover them up! Don't over-do concealers, especially creams, because they can cake and flake after applying your powder. Apply your foundation first, then your concealer on areas that need a little extra help. Accent pale skin and dark hair with deep shades of red and brown tones on lips with browns, grays and charcoals on lids. But always be sure to match your cheeks and lips with your outfit. Blonde hair and darker skin look best with neutral shades of browns, pinks and peach. Light brown hair can wear either depending on skin tone. Skin tone is very important when choosing a foundation. Match the color with your jawbone and blend in upward strokes. Contour just under your cheek bones, along jaw line (lightly!), in temples, and if you wish, on sides of the nose to make it appear smaller. Don't overdo blush as you don't want to look like a clown. For eyes, highlight with a light color just under the brows to bring them out. Remember, dark colors make a feature look smaller while lighter shades open and highlight. An eyelash curler does wonders for opening up small eyes. If you're daring, you might try false eyelashes and match them with your natural lash color. Follow with brown or black mascara and your eyes will be sure to leap out on stage. Remember, above all, to blend, blend, blend.

Interview
When being asked questions, honesty, sincerity and simplicity are the key. Don't give answers that simply indicate you agree or disagree with a subject. Rather, expand on your answer and explain why you agree or disagree with the issue. Most importantly, be firm in your answer. Judges look for contestants who are confident and comfortable with their opinions.
A good answer should have 4 parts. 1) Count to three before answering 2) Have a lead in sentence, like, "I honestly believe that..." 3) Answer the question 4) Summarization, "So overall I believe that "X" is the reason that...."
Sample Pageant Questions:
Who is your role model and why?
What qualities do you feel a good role model should possess?
What do you feel is the most challenging issue facing teenagers today?
Why do you want to become Miss "______" ?
Why did you enter this pageant?
What are your future plans?
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
What are your plans for education after you complete high school?
What are three words that describe you best?
What is your favorite color and how do you feel when you wear it?
What are some things you did to prepare for this pageant?
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Do you have a favorite sport?
What can people do to help the homeless?
If you could meet anyone in the world (living or not) who would it be any what would you say to them?
What is your most prized possession?
Who is your favorite actor or actress?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
What can we do to stop gang violence?
How would you try to improve racial relations among people?
If you could live anyone else's life, who would it be and why?
If you were elected President of the United States what would be the first thing you would do?
If you had only one wish, what would it be and why?
if your pageant title was threatened because you had gained weight, how would you feel and what would you do?
If you could give $50,0000 to any charity in the world, which one would it be and why?
If you won a million dollars, how would you spend it?
What does the word "loyal" mean to you?
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!!