How to Stand Like Miss America

Introduction

Have you watched a pageant and noticed that each girl has a specific way of standing that makes her look long, lean, and polished? This article will show you how to perfect your Miss America stance... not only for a pageant, but for dates, for the beach, even for standing in line at the bank.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need

• A pair of heels (optional)
• A full-length mirror so you can see what you look like
• A swimsuit (optional, but a good idea if you want to get the best accuracy)

Steps

1

Step One

Stand up completely straight. You should feel as though a string is going through your body, through your spine, and out of the top of your head. Throw your shoulders back, puff out your chest, but don't arc your back. Suck in your stomach just enough to make it lie flat (it looks funny when your ribs poke out). You are now in the correct posture. Carry this posture with you when you walk, but practice slipping into this when you stand still.

2

Step Two

Look at your feet. When in the correct stance, one foot should be at 12 o'clock when you are doing your stand. Whichever foot you choose will be your dominant foot, and the one that you step with first when you decide to move. If you choose your left foot to be forward (at 12 o'clock), then your right foot should be at 2 o'clock. If you choose your right foot to be forward (at 12 o'clock), then your left foot should be at 10 o'clock. The heel of your dominant foot (the one that's forward at 12 o'clock) should slip right into the arc of your other foot (the one that's at 2 or 10 o'clock). This will give you the illusion of having only one skinny leg, which will slim your line.
Many people believe you simply stand in first position (in ballet). This is incorrect. You want to tuck one foot and one leg behind the other without looking awkward or uncomfortable. This is how your feet and legs will be when you are in your correct stance.

3

Step Three

Your arms should be relaxed. Make sure they are by your side, straight but not flexed. Your thumbs should be facing forward, not your knuckles. (If your knuckles face forward, then you might look like an ape with dragging hands.) If you decide to put hands on hips, then put then directly in the small of your waist. Only do this if you are committed! It looks weak to have them by your groin, or nearer your thigh... put your hands on your waist only if you can commit!

4

Step Four

Now for the tricky part. Let's say your left foot is your dominant foot (the one at 12 o'clock). As you stand, you will press your left shoulder back, making your waist twist slightly. Keep your hips, legs, feet, and face forward. This slight twist gives your body an extra dimension, slimming your waist and giving more depth to your stand. If your right foot is your dominant, then you will press your right shoulder back. Make sure you keep your hips straight on!

More at the Source

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TKPN
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