This is a new page here on the website which will dedicated to pageant questions and information.  
I plan on featuring pageant articles and interviews with pageant directors, designers, coaches, H/M and photographers.
**** If you are looking for pageants to enter, pageant clothing, etc..  those links can be found on the links page.
~Featured Interview~
What are Pageant Coaches & What do they do?
 
Kime of Pageant Consulting by Kime 
Kime is a pageant coach who has been involved in pageants for 10 years. 
She has held to many titles to list but a few are: 
Miss New England, 1998 
International Model of the Year, 1998 
Massachusetts 18-27 Sunburst Queen, 1998 
Pageant Expo Grand Over-All, 1998 
National Diamond Princess Division Supreme & Over-all Interview/Beauty, 1998 
Ms. Massachusetts Petite USA, 1999 
Miss US of America, 2000-2001
What exactly is a pageant coach?
Answer: A Pageant Coach or Consultant, is a person (male or female) who has been involved in Pageantry for several years, in some capacity. Some are contestants, (like myself), some are parents, previous directors, hair & make-up artists, photographers, etc. Usually a person decides to become a coach after they have been involved with Pageantry for many years, and want to branch out into other aspects of the arena.
What should I look for in a Pageant Coach?
Answer: There are so many different personality types in the world, that you have to be sure whoever you hire fits your style, not that of your friends. Do not base your decision on name recognition alone. Rather, speak in person with the coach and see if you have the same philosophies regarding children and competing. Also, see what their background is, and why they chose to become a coach. I tell people that I became a coach because, I am a trained educator, and Pageantry is my passion. I wanted to give something back to the industry that gave me so much. Time availability of the coach should also factor in your decision. Can you reach them on the phone, cell phone, and/or computer whenever you need to? Do they update you ona regular basis? How often can you meet? You should also look at he track record of the coach. Do their clients consistently do well? In what types of systems? Are they competing at the same level and pageant type as you are looking into?And finally, the integrity of the coach should be looked at. The bottom line is that the coach is training your child, and therefore will have an influence on his or her life. I am encouraging people to listen to listen to idle chit chat, rather to read testimonials, ask trusted friends, watch the coaches behavior and students behavior at pageants, and lookinto the coaches life style. You will then know if you can trust this person both with yourchild, and in your Pageant Career.
What types of things does a pageant coach teach?
Answer: A pageant coaches train their clients in all aspects of Pageantry, from Beauty to Runway to Pro-Am modeling, to Interview. Some also assist with talent portions of Pageantry. Coaches also advise you on attire and photos, as well as assist you in selecting appropriate events for your childs skill level and pageant personality. A coach also teaches you about the past of Pageantry. He or she can tell you which systems and service providers are reputable, and what to avoid. They basically get you over that beginner blues Syndrome, where you feel so overwhelmed, much faster than if you attempt to go it alone. A coach really should be the person who elevates your stress as a parent, making you feel like you are not going it alone. He or she is your support system and personal cheerleader. 
What could I expect to spend typically for a coach?
Answer: The most inexpensive coach I know has her fees set at $30 per hour, but other coaches have set fees as high as $125 per hour. A lot of the fee requirements depend on if you are working with a local coach you travel to, or if the person is from another state and has to cover travel fees, such as airfare and hotel accommodations.I suggest starting with the coaches that fit your budget. However, price, as we know inlife, does not always dictate service. Look around, and see which person will assist youand your child the most, and who your child really clicks with. Then factor in the fees ofthe coach. 
At what age should my child start working with a coach?
Answer: You really can begin at any age, because coaches have so many things they can teach Moms too. For example: I have been working with Arionna, who is just 2, for just under a year now. She obviously does not take what you would think is a traditional runway lesson. Instead, we have worked on presentation of Arionna which is a crucial area for babies and includes where Mom stands and how she holds/walks the baby, attire, props, photos, what Arionna should enter, etc. The key is...the earlier you start with a coach, the more advanced your child will becomeat age 3,4,5, when they do begin to model. Further, you will already have a relationship with your coach. The coach will know the learning style of your child and likes and dislikes. You will be into a comfortable rhythm that will foster positive and successful preparation.
Do I have to travel to a coach or can I do this online?
Answer: There are several things a coach can assist you with on-line. Coaches can help you find appropriate clothes, and work with designers for you. They can look at your photos. They can answer all your questions regarding a specific pageant. And they can answer all your general pageant questions, because we know you have them! LOL! A good coach is available on-line or via telephone at least twice a week to answer their clients questions. What cannot be done on-line is stage work. That should be done either via video or in person, the latter preferably. 
 Thank you to Kime for all her very helpful information! I know this will be very helpful to many pageants moms. Be sure to visit her website Pageant Consulting by Kime for more information and also visit her Queens Questions Corner with your pageant questions.
 
Pageant Articles on The Web
Lexington Herald Newspaper- Little Beauties, Big Debate 
POLL - Are Beauty Pageants a Good Idea? 
POLL- Who Benefits from Child Beauty Pageants? 
First Cut TV- Beauty Pageant Article 
TIME- Playing at The Pageants 
Eopinions.com-Children in Beauty Pageants!! 
Pageant Words & Definitions
Newbie- Someone who is new to pageants 
H/M- Hair & make up 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.
 
Pageant Related Questions
How do I dye fabric to make an outfit or dye shoes, headbands, etc to match an outfit I already have? Visit the Rit Dye website for lots of info about dyeing and also look at the Rit dye chart to see how to make additional colors.
 
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