How many pageants are there

Read about the history of the Mrs. Our blog contains everything from information on upcoming events, preparation tips, company news and special insight for pageant directors across the US. Interested in attending or participating in one of our local events? See our complete upcoming event lineup and learn how to become involved!

A preliminary for the Tennessee United States Pageant next sp A preliminary for the Alabama United States Pageant next spring! A preliminary for the Alabama United States Pageant next United States National Pageants believes strongly in showcasing the beauty, intelligence and charisma of women of every age.

We invite you to discover what makes our system one that encourages women to be their very best now and well into the future. Poise — Without question, she will learn poise as she goes through the competition — personal poise in one-on-one interviews, and stage presence in front of a crowd. Character — She will undoubtedly find competition to be a character-builder.

People often become stronger and learn more in defeat than in victory — qualities of grace under pressure, perseverance, resolve, discipline, initiative, and a work ethic. Good sportsmanship — She will learn the value of a positive attitude, getting along with others, and accepting the results graciously.

Healthy habits — good nutrition and exercise — She will be encouraged to eat healthy and exercise in order to look her best for the competition. Over and over, young women thank us for the people skills they learn through their pageant experience. After going through the pageant process, she will feel at ease and confident in a job interview.

Friendships with special bonds — This is a favorite benefit of the contestants, themselves. They will experience so many emotions in a short period of time and form quick but long-lasting bonds. Many contestants become bridesmaids for each other and life-long friends.

Goal Setting — You do not reach goals if you do not set them. Goals and dreams are essential in life. To say that beauty pageants are designed to serve the male gaze would be to state the obvious. The need to adhere to a certain body type, or the inclusion of elements such as the swimsuit competition which is no longer a part of some contests , aren't just ways of measuring and comparing women's beauty which is problematic in itself ; they are a means to put on a display sexualised versions of women for the male gaze, under the guise of "celebrating women's beauty".

In , the Miss Universe pageant made headlines for an unusual and embarrassing reason: Host Steve Harvey named the wrong participant when announcing the winner, during a live telecast. Pageants are also big business for all stakeholders — except participants, who often spend more than the amount they could potentially win, reports International Business Times. From a participation fee to the expenses incurred over hairstyling, makeup, outfits and personal trainers, the services availed by participants alone could constitute an industry, considering how popular pageants continue to be.

Morality featured, and continues to feature, prominently in the qualifications required to participate. For example, until , Miss America reportedly did not allow women who were married, divorced or who had undergone an abortion to take part in the pageant. There have been cases where women have also withheld the truth about being married and having children, in order to participate.

It is evident that for very long, these pageants expected participants to perform a very narrow definition of femininity, while belonging to a very narrow section of society, too. There are also age-based restrictions. Unhealthy and idealistic notions of beauty and physicality have been at the centre of pageants. In , a collage of the finalists of the Miss India contest was criticised because of how similar the women looked — fair skin, long, black hair — a point that is particularly striking in a country where fairness is still coveted, despite the diversity of cultures and communities.

These idealistic conventions of womanhood have been challenged each time a woman who did not fit into the stereotypical image of being conventionally good-looking, cis, heterosexual, and able-bodied has participated, but not without public uproar, harassment and discrimination.