Last night we had the second round of preliminary competition - swimwear and evening gown. I was so nervous, but the energy of the crowd and seeing my family waving signs in the audience made me feel so good on stage. I can never tell how I did, but some directors here have told me my walk was great, so that feels nice. All those walking workshops with Geri paid off!! No dancer hands!
We entered in our swimwear and sarongs, with me just making it across the stage in time to do the arm movements without looking like a "Price Is Right" presenter! Check it out!
Then group by group we modeled swimwear, having finally mastered the removal of the sarong. Then evening gown, with the difficult shifting movement up and down stairs in trains and beads! Finally, we showed off our state costumes. Everyone in the audience said the costume presentation was so much fun because we were all relaxed (it isn't part of the scoring process). My costume was a hit!
Today we woke up EARLY for a presentation and then three rounds of rehearsal. Finals are going to go like this: opening number, announcement of Advertising Award and Mrs. Congeniality (I call Mrs. Missouri!), presentation of gifts to the Mayor, state costume presentation, swimwear routine, announcement of top 12 (yes, 12), top 12 in swimwear, parade of evening gowns, top 12 in evening gown, announcement of top 6 (yes, 6), final question, crowning of Mrs. America.
We learned so much choreography today for the opening number. We're split into groups at first: the dancers, the singers with movement, and the singers. I'm in the dancing group (of course) and our choreo is tough and fast. I'm front and center again, just like state. My group asked me to walk them through the routine for about 40 minutes, so I felt like I was teaching group class. It made me realize how much I miss all my students! The ladies liked my analogies - my students know what I mean. But by the time we had it all broken down, it was "easy peasy mac'n'cheesy." And all 51 of us dance to one verse of the song. It looks so good with all of us moving together!
I have no idea how it will go tomorrow, but I am proud of what I've done here, and proud to be sharing a stage with these articulate, kind, and beautiful women. I was joking that since I'm right next to where the top 12 line up when called, I might try to shimmy my way into line and see if they notice! But honestly, not one of us can call who the top 12 will be, let alone the winner. I could name so many ladies who would be a great representative throughout the year and at Mrs. World. I just want to thank you all for your support and good wishes. I hope I did you proud! So I'm waiting for tomorrow night ...
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