The World Of Pageants: Shortcut To Stardom Or Highway To Heartbreak?

Rhinestone tiaras … fabulous fashions … television commercials … generous scholarships … cash awards … instant fame and lasting recognition. Girls and young women envision all these things when they enter the glittery world of pageants and modeling. No wonder millions of parents, nationwide, get requests from their daughters about participating in pageant programs. No wonder many students look to pageant participation as a funding source for college.

But what should all parents, and every potential contestant, know before taking the big step? What are the realties, the behind-the-runway scenes, and even the dangers of entering pageants? What does it really involve? What does it cost?

Here’s the encouraging news:

- Pageants can be great fun and profitable for some participants.

- For decades, thousands of students have benefited from education scholarship awards made possible through pageants.

- Most pageants are run by upstanding, reliable organizations and volunteers determined to improve their communities and enhance the lives of their young contestants.

- Pageantry can even help prevent teen pregnancy.

However, there are other factors that contestants, aspiring models, and parents should be knowledgeable about, so pageant participation can be a worthwhile and enjoyable experience. Without this awareness, many novice participants can become disillusioned and cash-strapped.

Pageant participation is often a significant financial investment not all families can, or should, afford. Would you spend $7,500 to win $10,000 with 40-to-1 odds?

Breaking down the actual costs can, however, be accomplished. Before spending a dime, families should determine whether it’s best to keep the money in the bank or invest in another program that will guarantee results for the child.

In addition to the money question, parents must be careful not to involve their school-age children in pageants they’re not mentally ready for. Some child pageant magazines come across as a guide on launching child porn!

Sadly, it’s possible to become the victim of fraud or poorly-run pageant programs. Even worse, children’s pageants can be a virtual lifeline for child predators. Star-struck parents need to get their priorities in order. Their child’s safety and mental well being, NOT fame and fortune, should be the Number One focus.

Some parents equate etiquette with pageants. Is this realistic? Know what you (or your daughter) will and will not gain from pageant competition.

And, yes, it’s true that some people actually get addicted to pageants. Mothers may even pass this expensive habit on to their daughters. The reality is, pageants are not good for individuals with low self esteem.

Furthermore, today’s events are “not your grandmother’s pageants.” The competitions and the agenda have significantly changed. It’s a parent’s responsibility to investigate before committing the time, money and energy. Make sure you know about sponsorships, classes, photographers, the different systems, fees, taxes, contracts, security, staffing, residency loopholes and how they can be exploited, and other criteria.

For 18 years, I've judged, staged, directed, choreographed and volunteered with various pageants nationwide. I'm also the former President and Executive Director of the Miss District of Columbia Scholarship Organization, an official Miss America Preliminary, and I've also directed other pageant systems that include Miss USA.