COMPETING PART 1 TIPS

SOME DO'S FOR A COMPETITOR PART 1

• TANNING: Exfoliate! Wax or shave BEFORE tan! (waxing is better, but not neccesary) If youre super pale, (like me) it does help to have a bit of a real base tan. (I know, I know its bad for your skin, but it does help with the whole tanning process) Test your tanning products out in advance- theres a few different brands out there (Jana Tan, Pro Tan, Dream Tan...do your research and find out what makes you look like an oopma loompa and what makes you look good lol) And remember, you need to be DARK on stage, those lights will wash you out! (Believe me, I always feel freakishly dark and then I see the pictures from on stage and I look like I havent seen sunlight in years!) Another tip, (my face does not like tanner, so I will do a light coat of tanner on my face and buy makeup to match the tan).
• HEELS: So my first competition I bought the highest pair of heels I could find with a platform: I thought "I wear heels everyday, I can totally rock this!" Umm not so much, I was awkward and looked scared as hell in all the pictures. Point is, find a heel that is COMFORTABLE! I love my heels with an ankle strap- the last thing you want to be worrying about is tripping on stage! And my goodness, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! It is not easy getting up on stage strutting your stuff- I don't care how confindent you think you are- noone is too good for practice. Ever hear of that whole do something for yada yada days and it becomes a habit? Well, its true: you dont wnat to look rehearsed, but you don't want to look like you have no idea what youre doing up there either.
• SUITS: Oh how I wish someone had told me I didn't need to buy a super expensive suit! I shamefully admit I could have bought quite a few new suits instead of this blingly ONE: gorgeous as it is, it was completely unnecessary on my part. So if youre just getting started or on a budget (like me!) off the rack are fine. Suitsyouswimwear is also a great website with suits under $100.00. Keep in mind also, that you can buy a suit and have it tailored more to you, or turn it into a scrunch butt or add more bling. To find out whats in check out what the Pros are wearing. And dont forget to buy some BIKINI BITE! No wedgie picking on stage:P
• PLAN YOUR SHOWS/ HAVE A BUDGET: Have a goal, know why youre doing a certain show. I have wasted way to much money on shows that weren't worth it, (not that there weren't good shows, they just weren't worth either the strain on my budget or body). (Yes, its always nice to compete, but if youre not ready or its not in the budget dont do it! Im speaking from past experience people- wait till your body is ready, wait till your emotionally ready, and wait till your budget is ready lol) I love the thrill of the stage, but I'm the type of person who likes to be completely prepared and when Im not, Im completely frazzled. Call me Type A if you want- I think its being smart waiting. (Unfortunately, I tend to get a little ahead of myself sometimes and make some unrealistic goals, leading to impulse shows lol) And as for knowing why youre doing a show: is it to qualify for Nationals? do you know the federation? is it for experience? exposure? Know your stuff. In the beginning I had no idea between the federations (Im still learning btw) and what it all meant- now I have a clearcut goal.
• ETIQUETTE: Ah, my favorite one to talk about. I'll keep this short and sweet (like me haha- I'm a cheeseball I know) Be nice! None of those catty backwards compliments, (you know which ones I mean.) And always keep in mind, what you say to people. I know I've had comments made that make my night and others that hurt. So think twice before snapping out something that may be just the low carb and water deprived voice coming out, and take it all with a grain of salt if youre on the recieving end.

I genuinely love meeting new people at shows, and its a great way to network. I've found that I see alot of the same faces at different shows, and its nice to always see a familiar face backstage. And like I said before, its in the judges hands who wins: so enjoy yourself, makes some friends, have an AMAZING time, and ROCK that stage!

Stay tuned for PART 2 of COMPETITOR'S DOS!