Winners Selected In M.V. Cinderella Pageant

By STEPHANIE BUNKER

The Progress

The Old Overton Gym was polished up and turned into a figurative Cinderella’s Castle last month when the Moapa Valley Cinderella Pageant was held on Oct. 22.

About 15 girl’s ages 3-29 years old and babies 0-35 months, participated in the pageant and presented their best self to the judges.
“This program was built for building confidence, public speaking, and interacting with other people of all ages and from different places,” said MV Cinderella Pageant Director Vanessa Solis.
The girls had 4 areas in which to showcase themselves.

The first was in an interview with the judges that took place before the pageant began. In this interview the judges asked questions to better get to know each contestant.

The girls also modeled on stage for casual wear and formal wear. During the casual wear portion the girls gave the audience a little information about themselves, they stated their name, age, and where they live.

The girls ages 13 and above gave more of a bio of themselves, telling their hobbies, sports, interests at school, and avenues they would like to pursue out of high school.

The next phase of competition was a talent showcase. Solis explained that the personality of the girls really shines through in their talent. The talents ranged in variety between singing, dancing, performing musical theatre, and even one contestant giving a monologue.

“This competition is not based on physical beauty but the girl who presents herself the most beautifully-poised, personable, and confident,” Solis said.
The judges of this year’s pageant were Cindy Olson, Brooke Nowers and Chrissy Woods.

Following the pageant girls discussed their favorite parts of the contest. Many said they enjoyed modeling on stage and meeting different people.

Solis also reported that the parents were very pleased with how welcoming everyone was. “It’s not your typical pageant atmosphere,” said Solis. “Everyone helps each other and cheers each other on, it creates a great sisterhood in the girls.”

Solis and the pageant contestants started practicing a month before the pageant was to be held. She would hold weekly workshops in Overton and Mesquite where they worked on their modeling, talents, and bio’s.

“I had a girl show up with a sibling thinking it wasn’t sure for her, by the end she was a shining star!” Solis said. “The judges even spoke about her eloquence.”

Following the pageant the girls continue to participate in the Cinderella program by participating in community events throughout the year. They dress up in red, white, and blue and ride in the Veterans Days Parade in Overton. The girls put together a Christmas tree to donate to the Festival of Trees held at Old Logandale School. Another way they serve is by holding a pageant for special needs girls in Las Vegas. For this they take donations from the community for dresses and then they go help the girls with their hair and makeup.
“It’s really a great pageant for those special needs girls, they just love it,” said Solis.

The baby portion of the pageant had only 1 participant due to a few others being sick and not able to attend. The babies have 2 areas they compete in: playtime where toys are brought out and the little ones can interact with one another.  “The royalty loves this part of the pageant because they get to play with the babies!”

The other competition is the party wear, the mother assists the child as they complete the same modeling pattern as the tiny tot age group and she gives a bio and something fun about them.

The pageant participants that win an Overall Title have the opportunity to attend the Nevada State Final Cinderella Pageant in June in Las Vegas at the Santa Fe Station.