How to Enter Beauty Pageants for Teenagers

Win the crown and enter a local pageant.

Entering a beauty pageant as a teenager requires a solid wardrobe, completed application and the ability to perform well in front of others. Beauty pageants normally requite contestants to wear a swimsuit, don an evening gown, answer interview questions and in some cases, display a talent. To compete against other girls your age, you will have to practice and exercise to ensure that you're in the best shape possible. Teenage beauty pageants can be controversial; there's a debate about whether or not a teenager should be encouraged to show off her body.

Instructions

1. Visit a pageant website to find local and national pageants for teenagers. Search for pageants by state and date to find a pageant that you will have time to prepare for.

2. Contact the organization hosting the pageant. Ask about the application and entrance fees and complete an application to participate in the pageant. The typical registration involves paying a fee and providing your contact information.

3. Take professional photos if the pageant of your choice requires them for the application process. Send the photos along with your application and any other required supporting documents to the pageant office.

4. Practice answering the interview questions that are most likely to be asked in the pageant. Commonly, pageant judges will ask questions about your role models, future plans and questions that reflect your character. For example, you might be asked to talk about a role model and how the role model has influenced your decisions.

5. Purchase a swimsuit for the swimsuit competition. If you're self-conscious about wearing a swimsuit, practice modeling in front of family and friends. Hire an actress or model coach to help you learn how to walk properly. The judges look for confidence, physical fitness, grace and posture. Make sure to purchase a swimsuit that meets the regulations of the contest.

6. Choose a gown for the evening gown competition if it's required. Don't select anything that's too revealing or too form-fitting. The gown should fit comfortably on you and allow you to show off your features. You will be judged on posture and stage presence.

7. Prepare a talent if it's required. Typically, there will be several possible categories, including stage performance, singing, baton twirling and instrumental music. Choose the category that you're most experienced with.

8. Smile genuinely and avoid unrealistic or over-the-top smiles that are insincere. Practice smiling in front of a mirror until your smile becomes relaxed and comfortable.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't overdo your makeup; consider hiring someone with experience to apply your makeup for you.

References

• Teenager Pageants: Pageant Tips & Hints

Resources

• Pageant Center: Pageants