What is the Difference Between a Natural and a Glitz Pageant?

When people hear the words "children's' pageants" they get a visual image of Jon-Benet Ramsey prancing on a stage provocatively and in enough makeup to mistake her for a very small adult. There are pageants where heavy makeup and grown up outfits are the norm, they are called glitz pageants. Another popular type of pageant is Natural pageants where absolutely no makeup is allowed and children must dress age appropriately.

Here is a list of similarities and differences between natural and glitz pageants.

Similarities between natural and glitz children's pageants:

• There is a monetary fee for participating in both natural and glitz pageants.
• There are cash prizes and gifts for the winners in both natural and glitz pageants.
• There is a formal or eveningwear competition in both natural and glitz pageants.
• There are optional competitions like modeling and talent in both natural and glitz pageants.
• You will find local and National competition levels in both natural and glitz pageants.

Differences between natural and glitz children's pageants:

• Makeup is allowed and even encouraged in glitz pageants, no makeup under age 13 is allowed in most natural pageants.
• Swimwear is common in glitz pageants, but rarely worn by children in natural pageants.
• Children in glitz pageants wear wigs and often false teeth when theirs are missing. In natural pageants, this is not allowed.
• Natural pageants emphasize the interview as the most important part of the pageant while glitz pageants rely heavily of looks.

In addition to the natural and glitz patterns, a competitor will find an array of pageants where the description falls somewhere in between. This makes it possible for pageant contestants to find a competition that fits her own sensibilities.

For those who like to compete in glitz pageants, it is their prerogative. I do not necessarily see playing dress up on a grand stage as being any more detrimental contact sports. If the child enjoys it, and the parent is not pushing the child into the activity, then it should be Ok. Personally, I have a problem with dressing up a child years beyond her age outside of bedroom playtime. I prefer pageants where I child looks and acts like a child.

What people should remember, however is not all pageants are glitz pageants. A great many of the girls who compete in pageants are doing so to develop their confidence and interview skills, more so that being crowned the "prettiest".