Frequently Asked Questions
What is different about this pageant from the ones I've seen on TV?
This is an event for young ladies to be recognised for their accomplishments whilst competing for the opportunity to become a representative for the Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire region.
How do I get started?
There are several ways you can apply. Download and complete the online application form on your computer, pay the £15 application fee via PayPal and email your headshot to [email protected] (must be jpeg). If you are a member of the Sharon Gill School of Dance or Aberdeen Cheer & Dance Company, you can also print out the online application, fill it out by hand and hand it in at Hanover Community Centre along with a cheque made payable to: Aberdeen Cheer & Dance Company. Don't forget to attach your photo! Lastly, you can request that an application be mailed to your home address via email.
What is a "Sponsor Fee" and how much is it?
The total sponsor fee for the pageant is £20. The sponsor fee pays for the cost of producing the pageant, awards, choreographers, emcees, lighting, sound, staging, judges expenses, staff, florists, venue rental, trophies, office support and all of the many other things that go together to make a first class event. You may have as many or as few sponsors as you wish contributing to make up your total sponsor fee of £20. Any combination of businesses, family, friends, or anyone is acceptable. Neither the number nor names of your sponsors have bearing on the scoring in any way.
Do I need to go to any other functions or take a modeling/grooming course?
No. All required pageant activities will take place on pageant weekend at the pageant location. All preparation can be learned easily in the comfort of your home. Everything that you need for preparation will be on the website and in your newsletters. An optional pageant workshop will be held at an additional cost for those who want to get some extra practice before the competition.
Do I have to be "beautiful", "thin", or have perfect teeth to have a chance to win?
No. The Aberdeen Pageants, while glamorous events, are NOT like beauty pageants you might have seen on TV. We pride ourselves on being a programme offering young girls the chance to become a role model for her community. The judges are scoring contestants on where you are in life, just the way you are. What you need to concentrate on is just doing your best and remembering to be positive.
What will I need to learn and do at the pageant?
Most of the pageant weekend you will participate in fun rehearsals and you learn the skills to successfully participate in the pageant. Basic stage modeling, using a microphone, public speaking and interviewing are examples of activities that you will have the opportunity to master while rehearsing at the pageant.
Do girls wear makeup and frilly dresses?
First of all the pageant is broken down into different age divisions. If you are under 11 - or in the Princess or Preteen category - you are not allowed to wear makeup. Our pageant is looking for a Fresh Faced and All Natural representative. If you are over 11 - or in the Junior Teen or Teen category - you are permitted to wear age appropriate makeup. We encourage all girls in all divisions to wear outfits that show off personality and their own individuality. We do have some rules on clothing which are specified in your material that will be sent via email, however, generally speaking we want you to wear what you feel most beautiful and confident in.
Is previous pageant experience required?
No, many of our contestants, if not all, are new to pageants! Anyone can win without having pageant experience. Our staff will provide you with all the information and help you need to do your best on pageant weekend.
What color does my evening gown have to be?
Color does not matter- style does! So long as YOU feel confident and beautiful in your dress, you will shine onstage. You will know that it's the perfect dress for you, the minute you put it on. We do ask, however, that your dress is long and age appropriate. Choose a dress that fits your body type; A-line, slim-fit,mermaid, whatever works for you! You often find that the younger contestants (Princess and Pre-Teen) wear an A-line or "poofy" dresses, which is fine. The older girls, however, (Junior Teen and Teen) have more flexibility in their choices. Happy shopping! (If you want our opinion on your dress, simply email us a picture at [email protected] and we will be happy to help!)
Are the interviews done one-on-one?
Yes. You will enter the room with about four other contestants. One by one each of you will step forward to state your 20 second personal introduction. Then you will be directed to meet with the judges one on one. You will rotate until you meet and talk with each of the judges. Your questions for the interview will be about you! Be prepared to talk about whatever you put on your application. Most questions are about your hobbies, afterschool activities, goals, etc...It's a piece of cake!
Is there a swimsuit competition?
No!!! Our main segments of competition are: Eveningwear, Interview and Personal Introduction.
**If you have a question which was not answered in the FAQs, feel free to send us an email at [email protected]**
This is an event for young ladies to be recognised for their accomplishments whilst competing for the opportunity to become a representative for the Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire region.
How do I get started?
There are several ways you can apply. Download and complete the online application form on your computer, pay the £15 application fee via PayPal and email your headshot to [email protected] (must be jpeg). If you are a member of the Sharon Gill School of Dance or Aberdeen Cheer & Dance Company, you can also print out the online application, fill it out by hand and hand it in at Hanover Community Centre along with a cheque made payable to: Aberdeen Cheer & Dance Company. Don't forget to attach your photo! Lastly, you can request that an application be mailed to your home address via email.
What is a "Sponsor Fee" and how much is it?
The total sponsor fee for the pageant is £20. The sponsor fee pays for the cost of producing the pageant, awards, choreographers, emcees, lighting, sound, staging, judges expenses, staff, florists, venue rental, trophies, office support and all of the many other things that go together to make a first class event. You may have as many or as few sponsors as you wish contributing to make up your total sponsor fee of £20. Any combination of businesses, family, friends, or anyone is acceptable. Neither the number nor names of your sponsors have bearing on the scoring in any way.
Do I need to go to any other functions or take a modeling/grooming course?
No. All required pageant activities will take place on pageant weekend at the pageant location. All preparation can be learned easily in the comfort of your home. Everything that you need for preparation will be on the website and in your newsletters. An optional pageant workshop will be held at an additional cost for those who want to get some extra practice before the competition.
Do I have to be "beautiful", "thin", or have perfect teeth to have a chance to win?
No. The Aberdeen Pageants, while glamorous events, are NOT like beauty pageants you might have seen on TV. We pride ourselves on being a programme offering young girls the chance to become a role model for her community. The judges are scoring contestants on where you are in life, just the way you are. What you need to concentrate on is just doing your best and remembering to be positive.
What will I need to learn and do at the pageant?
Most of the pageant weekend you will participate in fun rehearsals and you learn the skills to successfully participate in the pageant. Basic stage modeling, using a microphone, public speaking and interviewing are examples of activities that you will have the opportunity to master while rehearsing at the pageant.
Do girls wear makeup and frilly dresses?
First of all the pageant is broken down into different age divisions. If you are under 11 - or in the Princess or Preteen category - you are not allowed to wear makeup. Our pageant is looking for a Fresh Faced and All Natural representative. If you are over 11 - or in the Junior Teen or Teen category - you are permitted to wear age appropriate makeup. We encourage all girls in all divisions to wear outfits that show off personality and their own individuality. We do have some rules on clothing which are specified in your material that will be sent via email, however, generally speaking we want you to wear what you feel most beautiful and confident in.
Is previous pageant experience required?
No, many of our contestants, if not all, are new to pageants! Anyone can win without having pageant experience. Our staff will provide you with all the information and help you need to do your best on pageant weekend.
What color does my evening gown have to be?
Color does not matter- style does! So long as YOU feel confident and beautiful in your dress, you will shine onstage. You will know that it's the perfect dress for you, the minute you put it on. We do ask, however, that your dress is long and age appropriate. Choose a dress that fits your body type; A-line, slim-fit,mermaid, whatever works for you! You often find that the younger contestants (Princess and Pre-Teen) wear an A-line or "poofy" dresses, which is fine. The older girls, however, (Junior Teen and Teen) have more flexibility in their choices. Happy shopping! (If you want our opinion on your dress, simply email us a picture at [email protected] and we will be happy to help!)
Are the interviews done one-on-one?
Yes. You will enter the room with about four other contestants. One by one each of you will step forward to state your 20 second personal introduction. Then you will be directed to meet with the judges one on one. You will rotate until you meet and talk with each of the judges. Your questions for the interview will be about you! Be prepared to talk about whatever you put on your application. Most questions are about your hobbies, afterschool activities, goals, etc...It's a piece of cake!
Is there a swimsuit competition?
No!!! Our main segments of competition are: Eveningwear, Interview and Personal Introduction.
**If you have a question which was not answered in the FAQs, feel free to send us an email at [email protected]**