I love it when I have the opportunity to judge a pageant where there are over 200 contestants and this past weekend I did just that. It’s amazing how many of the same mistakes are made over and over again. I wish the contestants and their mothers knew this information before the pageant so they could increase their chances of winning the honors they seek. So here is my list of top mistakes that cost contestants points and possibly the title.
- Showing up late for your interview or when it is your turn to be on stage.
- Hair is in your face. In all beauty pageants, beauty of face is always one of the line items we score. Your hair must be sprayed back from your eyes and face so the judges can see your features. Bangs cannot hang in your eyes.
- Clothes that do not fit perfectly. You must have a good seamstress who can alter every piece of your pageant wardrobe to fit your body perfectly. No exceptions. Your clothing should be tight enough to see the outline of your curves; but not so tight we see every line from your undergarments or bulge of your body. Sleeves must hit right at or slightly below your wrist bone. Dress hems must be an appropriate length. A dress too long is just as unflattering as one that is too short. Remember, the judges are lower than the stage in most cases. We see everything. No midriffs should be seen. Cleavage should be proper secured and supported with the aid of sewn in pads and proper undergarments, which we should never see. Little boys need to wear belts to keep their pants up and shirts need to be kept tucked in. Either attach his shirt to his underwear by sewing on snaps, or have a custom shirt/bodysuit (like the male ball room dancers wear) made for him. Then there’s my favorite. The messy lacings of the corset tops. If you have a corset top, make sure you have the fabric insert that going behind the laces and the lacing job must look great.
- Holding the skirt of your full length dress up while you walk so you don’t step on it. Hem the dress in the shoes you are going to wear. Judges should not see your shoes when you are stopped or walking. You need to practice walking in your dress before the pageant.
- Not having your contestant number in clear, plain view. I have to be honest with you; there were a couple contestants this weekend I wondered if I gave them the right scores because I couldn’t see their badge number. So I had to guess at their number. The judges need to know who you are.
- Not using your full time on stage, or taking too much time. Again, it’s just as bad to race on and off the stage as it is to watch a contestant walk at a turtle’s pace when they are modeling. You need to practice your walk so you keep the same pace the entire time you are onstage.
- Not making solid eye contact with the judges.
- Talent outfits must match the style of your talent. If you’re doing a hip hop dance, don’t wear a lyrical outfit. Don’t wear a dance outfit if you are a vocalist. Your clothing must be age appropriate, stay securely in place, cover all important body parts, and work with your talent number.
- Singers must sing with a professionally recorded backing track. It is the kiss of death to sing a cappella. And please, whatever you do, don’t sing along with the original recording of the artist. The only voice the judges should hear is yours. Try http://musicalcreations.com/ to see if they have the song you’re looking for. I use them all the time and they are great!
- Special notes for the parents with toddlers and babies. Carry your child facing out so the judges can see their face. Don’t force your child to walk. It is better to carry them and keep them happy than for them to have a tantrum on stage. Moms, don’t wear spaghetti strapped tops or low necklines. Child’s hands grab and move at the speed of light and you don’t want that kind of exposure, if you know what I mean.
These are the big mistakes that I see on a regular basis. Of course this list isn’t complete. I could write a whole book on blunders and bloopers I see on the stage when I’m judging. To receive your highest score, eliminate these common mistakes.
June 1, 2011 17:14
