ULTIMATE Pageants will bring their body-positive and diversity-focussed spin on pageantry to Midland this weekend with their national finals competition.

Bassendean resident and Ultimate Pageants national finalist Paige Anderton said she knew from the first time she watched a pageant in 2017 she wanted to be part of the pageant world.

“As I learned more about what these girls and women do for their communities and being able to raise money for their chosen charities, it became quite clear to me that this was a way I could make my own impact on the world,” she said.

“Now I can’t lie and say I don’t love putting on a sparkly dress, getting myself dolled up and stepping on that stage, but pageantry is much more than that.”

Ms Anderton said one of the best aspects of competing in pageants was the opportunity to make lifelong friendships.

“As much as we are all competing, we are still able to create such a genuine sisterhood,” she said.

“Beauty pageants allow girls and women to give back to the community via attending and organising community events and appearances and meeting like-minded individuals who want to make a positive impact on the world and for future generations.

“In particular, I love being able to watch girls and women of diverse backgrounds come together for the same cause.”

She said competing in pageants allowed women to give back to their communities and make a positive impact.

“My appearances through pageantry are based on enhancing quality of life: trying new things, exploring Perth for all of its beauty, bringing happiness to the world – in particular I raise money for Alzheimer’s WA, for mental health charities and foundations supporting mothers with premature babies as I was born at 27 weeks.

“Knowing I am able to make a difference and raise money to enhance quality of life and create conversation about these conditions warms my heart, knowing I am able to give back to others all through pageantry and telling my own story.”

Ultimate Pageants encourages diversity and body positivity, and has no age, height or weight restrictions.

“Within the system you are encouraged to show off your diversity and individuality,” Ms Anderton said.

“The director Asha Ryan has focussed on formulating a pageant where confidence and a positive mindset is what the judges will be focussing on in order to empower girls and women and inspire meaningful actions through our own self development.”

Ms Ryan, who founded Ultimate Pageants in 2023, said she wanted the pageants to be focussed on empowerment and celebrating individuality.

“I think celebrating uniqueness and giving girls the opportunity to learn life skills is a special thing to be able to do,” she said.

“Pageants are amazing places for finding your community of like-minded people, and for finding that confidence in yourself.

“Pageants are also a great opportunity for people to try something they didn’t think they would be able to do.

“You get to see kids flourish in pageants, going from shy six year-olds to eleven year-olds who can deliver whole speeches on stage flawlessly.

“For adults as well, because it’s sometimes harder to try new things as an adult, I want Ultimate Pageants to be a great supportive space where women can give pageantry a go.”

The national finals competition will be held in the Midland Junction Arts Centre on January 19, where the stage competition and crowning of eight Ultimate Queens will take place. For tickets visit www.ultimatepag
eants.online