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| Dani Walker of Pageant Access "There is no secret to winning a pageant." Photo by Shana Lemos Hair/MUA : Lisa G Artistry |
It's that time of year when girls are winning new titles, competing in and preparing for pageants. Its pageant season ! I recently got the chance to chat with pageant coach, YouTuber and Beauty Queen Dani Walker.This is one of the first interviews on this blog and I'm so excited about it. Dani uses her experience in pageants to help others that compete, on her YouTube channel Pageant Access and through private coaching. We talked about her pageant experience, physical fitness, and what it takes to win a pageant. Be sure to subscribe to her channel for pageant tips, and new episodes here !
1.How did you first get started in pageants ?
DW:My aunt has a daughter who is my age; she received a letter
in the mail inviting her to compete at a local pageant. Although my cousin was
not interested, my aunt thought that a pageant might be something I would like
to try. So, I took my cousins place at orientation, listened to the presenters
speech and thought it, “I can do this.”
2. Do you prefer competing in pageants or pageant coaching ?
DW: Since I’ve been competing for over a decade, I’ve reached a
personal standard of competition. Even my worst days result in a relatively
good outcome, with no embarrassing, YouTube worthy blunders. At this point,
competition produces smaller areas of growth in my life, than it did when first
I began. I find that the challenges of coaching, prove to be more rewarding
than if I were to compete. It seems, now, that aging out of pageants is not as
terrible as I once perceived.
3.You are currently Miss San Diego Cities USA, what has your reign been like ?
DW: I think of my year as Miss San Diego Cities USA as a gift.
Since I am not a San Diego native, it was especially fun getting to experience
many parts of San Diego for the first time, work with sponsors and raise money
for local charities. I have an incredible teen sister queen, with an equally
incredible family that really put this year over the top. I am blessed with
outstanding directors, Sierra and Robin. What I appreciate most about my directors,
is their organizational skills. I couldn’t have asked for a better year. There
was never any stress. They were always there to check-in on Miss California
prep, as well as take time to go shopping, attend our photo shoots, walking
lessons and create mock pageants with judging panels. I felt, this year was
above and beyond expectation. My reign is just about over, and I couldn't be
more excited for my successor. She really has no idea what's in store; I know
she’s going to have the best year!
4.As a pageant coach , what would you say is one of the most important tips you give your girls ?
DW: I
believe that walking, dressing, and speaking like a queen can be taught. It’s a
matter of practice and repetition. But, the most important thing I focus on is
developing a client’s confidence. I find that many girls have the skills to win
a pageant, with ease, but they don’t believe they can win. Our words and
thoughts are prophetic. If you don’t believe you can win, most likely, you’re
correct. I focus on changing a girls thoughts from negative to positive,
doubtful to confident and from apprehensive to bold. I care more about what she
thinks of herself, than what other’s will think about her.
5.Is there any secret to winning a pageant ?
DW: The
secret isn’t much of a secret. Winning a pageant is a matter of intelligent
preparation, not luck. You win a pageant in the practice, not on-stage. In my
opinion, once you arrive at a pageant, your fate is sealed. Everything you
could do to win the pageant, has already been done. I think that the key is not
only practice, but a game plan. As with anything in life, if you don’t create
clear, specific goals, you’re just shooting in the dark. Avoid focusing on your
weaknesses, no one is good at everything. You’re bound to have some short
comings that will never quite reach the quality of your strengths. Instead
figure out what makes you different and qualified, then highlight those to the
judges. Never model your game plan after another queen or contestant. What
worked for her, worked because it was unique to her. Go with what is unique to
you.
6.How important is being physically fit, when it comes to pageants ?
DW: In the broadest sense, I don’t think it holds as much
weight in a competition, no pun intended, as many believe. Many pageants don’t
even have a fitness or swimsuit round . If we’re talking about
pageants like America and USA, it does effect the overall outcome of your
scores. Everyone’s body is different though. I never aim for a measurement and
I cannot even remember the last time I weighed myself, because numbers are
insignificant. What is important, is that you look proportionate and like you
lead an active lifestyle. So don’t worry about your stretch marks, or
cellulite, I have those too. Focus on creating an overall healthy look. When
preparing, if you’re not accustomed to the gym, I strongly suggest taking a few
sessions with a personal trainer to get you on the right track for your goals.
7.What is your favorite part of competition?
DW: Evening gown is my favorite, by a long shot! I feel most beautiful during this part of the competition. I also like that it’s a time to slow things down. Whenever I compete in evening gown, I love soaking in the moment and remembering how grateful I feel, to even step on stage with so many other amazing women. I also love the fashion aspect of it. It’s not often that we have a chance to wear a gorgeous evening gown, and when it comes to watching pageants, I love to look at all the beautiful new gown styles.
8.Starting to prepare for a pageant can be overwhelming, especially if you don't know where to start. What is a good starting point for new contestants?
DW: I’m a huge fan of organization and taking things one step at a time. I like to mentally arrange preparation for the entire pageant, before I get started on anything. I put all important deadlines on my calendar, then I estimate how much time I will need to complete all those tasks. I typically start with pageant paperwork and wardrobe. Once all the tangible items are out of the way,then I get to work on practicing all areas of competition.
Follow Dani on Social Media:
IG: @PageantAccess @DaniWalker
Twitter: @daniwalkermusic
Youtube channel: Pageant Access
Facebook pages: Pageant Access, Dani Walker
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