After nearly an hour of DJ Dre spinning soca songs, residents at Maria’s by the Sea finally got to see the four women who will compete in the Miss British Virgin Islands Pageant on July 31 at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex.
Ms. Thomas went first, telling attendees that she will “blossom to captivate the minds of us,” while Ms. Paul boasted of her poise, intellect and, “of course, charm.”
Ms. Creque, who aspires to become a civil engineer, said she hopes to be a role model to young residents, and Ms. Claxton announced plans to showcase her intelligence, confidence and dexterity.
Getting ready
By Friday, the contestants had already spent about three weeks preparing for the July show with the help of the nine-member Miss BVI Pageant Committee, which includes four former beauty queens.
During that time, they have attended several training sessions and rehearsals, but there are many more to come, said committee chairwoman Janette Brin.
“We take the preparations very seriously and try to educate them about the importance of taking it very seriously,” Ms. Brin said.
Next month’s winner, she added, should not only walk away with a crown, a government scholarship and other prizes, but with the necessary tools to represent the VI at international pageants.
“They ideally should come out with the understanding of who they are and where they want to go in life,” Ms. Brin said, adding, “Ideally, our girls are on par with international ladies.”
To help achieve that outcome, the contestants have been taking etiquette classes and are required to join the Tortola Toastmasters Club and a local gym, Ms. Brin said.
OTHER PAGEANT CONTESTANTS
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Also, they’re learning to walk in six-inch heels — a requirement in most international pageants — with help from former Miss BVI Rosanna Chichester.
Three weeks ago, some of the contestants could only walk on four-inch heels, Ms. Chichester explained. But with practice, they’re now up to five inches.
“We’re taking them step by step and letting them feel comfortable,” she said. “The girls will have fun; it’s a great experience.”
Preparations also include mock interviews.
“We are constantly reminding them to read the news,” Ms. Brin said. “Be aware of what’s happening.”
Making time to attend all the rehearsals and training sessions isn’t easy, said Ms. Paul, who lives on Virgin Gorda and has to commute by ferry late at night from Tortola.
“It takes a lot of personal determination to do this,” she said. “This includes making sure I exercise daily. In the beginning, I began by going to the gym twice a week; now I go at least four times each week.”
The stylist
As the women prepare, stylist Germain Smith, who has designed outfits for pageants in the VI for 17 years, will be busy as well.
“The first thing is we have to come up with a concept based on the theme for the pageant,” Mr. Smith said. “Once I know the theme, I also do an evaluation of the contestants’ personality.”
Apart from designing the dresses for the introduction segment, Mr. Smith will source clothing for all events and appearances ahead of the competition, he said, adding that he relies heavily on international trends.
“Pageant dress is all about how much you can conserve and how much you need to reveal,” Mr. Smith said.
Organisers will also need to hire a deejay and a company to erect the stage and lights, among other preparations, Ms. Brin said.
All told, organising the pageant will cost the committee between $50,000 and $80,000, according to the chairwoman.
“It is obviously very expensive,” she said, “but we try to do things within means and do them as cost-effective as possible.”
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