Behind the Scenes

“If it weren’t for Studio then we wouldn’t be able to do this,” said Love.  She has been performing since Feb. 13, 2003 and had her first show at Studio 13.

Most contestants are in their early 20s.  According to Love, the average age has been a bit younger over the last couple of years.  Love got involved with the pageant at 18 by being a back up dancer.

“It’s harder for a younger person to get a top rating.  You need to make the connections.  You can’t do this by yourself,” said Love.

Jhazmen Monroe, last year’s Miss Iowa City Pride won the pageant three months into participating.  She is urging people, “Just come out and have fun.”

Last years contestants that represented Iowa City helped each other out along the way.  “In Iowa City it’s not as cut throat,” said Love.  They understand it takes more than just dancers, dressers, choreographers, and make-up artists. 

As with any competition, rivalries do arise.  There are good and bad spirited contestants.  “If someone forgets tape or hair spray, I’d like to think that the girls would help each other out. It’s my own personal philosophy,” said Love.

“The mood behind the scenes is kind of somber.  They all want to win and only one can, but its very fun…and most girls take the contest very seriously,” said Cass.