I took part in my first pageant last September and had no idea what to expect. Loads of questions and judgements had gone through my mind and I now realise they were the same questions and opinions many people have when they show an interest in the industry. My favourite and most common question is...wait for it....So, do you have to get up on stage and like pray for world peace and that? - that may be in a slight Janner accent by the way - but the answer to that question is no. There's a little bit more too it than that but fair play, I never realised so many people (particularly men) had watched Miss Congeniality! Of course, all competitions are different but in relation to those I have participated in, the only talking that occurs on stages by the girls (contestants) was in the top 15 when they were asked a generic, relatable question such as... How did you raise so much money for charity and why etc etc?.... Not quite World Peace but still, it's a good little question right?
1) Charity work & Community Involvement
I 100% had no idea these factors even occurred or were part of the pageant process until I took part. Turns out - its actually a pretty big deal! Contestants are encouraged to raise money for a charity/charities often selected by the organiser which results in a lot of hours and dedication from each contestant in order to raise as much money as possible. Last year a group of 50 girls managed to raise £15,000 for Cancer Research UK - what a blimin' amazing achievement. As well as this, it is not uncommon to spot a 'Miss' out and about in the local community, supporting events and getting involved. It was only a few weeks ago I was on stage in Plymouth City Centre saying 'Hello and introducing myself as the current Miss Plymouth GB 2016/17 - I won't lie - I may have been a tad scared - but its opportunities like this that don't happen every day and are achievable due to these pageants and competitions taking place. Not only that getting on that stage and speaking through a microphone (bit different to Saturday night Karaoke down the local boozer) gave me a great confidence boost - something I've been trying to work on a lot in the past year - its ok, I have tissues and a violin with me - thanks for the sympathy though.
2) Meeting new people and making friends
Sounds cheesier than a bag of Wotsits and cringe worthy and may make you want to throw up into a paper bag but before taking part last September, I thought the same as most people... 50 girls in the same room, competing for the same title - must be the bitchiest, scariest, claws out experience ever. Something I can honestly, hand on heart say, is a complete misconception - completely and utterly 100% wrong. I have managed to make friends from all over the country who still stay in contact now and support each other. That whole scenario of drunk girls in the toilets being all friendly etc? Well, this was the genuine, sober version with fewer eyebrow and lipstick compliments and more well done on your charity work, helping you zip up your dress and making memories together (way better) - and girls run the world right? We do a much better job when we love and support each other - Girl Power all the way!
3) Body Confidence
Probably the most controversial out of them all but I believe it to be the most important. Many pageants do have a swimwear/bikini round which some people may disagree with - something they of course are perfectly entitled to do. Yes, getting on stage in your bikini or swimsuit is daunting, scary and as some people have said 'brave' but its also one of the most exciting, satisfying experiences which I personally think should be celebrated by everyone who partakes. Why? Because we are in a world where body shaming unfortunately occurs on massive levels and being all 'team positivity' like I love to be, its important for me to find a situation that is successful in putting such activity to shame. If 50 girls feel confident enough with themselves, their hard work and the way they look to the point where they are proud to show it off on stage then this is definitely something that should be positively recognized and celebrated. If you've been smashing out 100 squats. 300 sit-ups, and using the Lean in 15 recipe book like a bible - then be proud of yourself and strut your stuff on stage like you're the best human being to ever walk the earth. You've earned the moment, the excitement and the satisfaction. Same goes if you haven't been smashing out 100 squats, 300 sit ups and using the Lean in 15 recipe book like a bible - be proud and own it. One of the most important but least given pieces of advice is the importance to 'Love Yourself'. There's nothing wrong with feeling good, feeling confident and feeling proud of yourself, regardless of who you are and how you look and if you want to show it off by strutting a pageant catwalk, then why the hell not?! This is one of the main reasons why I believe pageants are such a positive experience and shall continue to be so.
So there we have it, the three main reasons why I believe pageants to be a positive experience and should be recognized for what they enable young girlies to achieve. Let me know what you think of the pageant process...
Love M i c h a e l a x
