So this was my daughter's first time trying this and it will be the last! We worked very hard with her to prepare for this, attended every workshop, practiced at home all of it. The only thing we didn't do was participate in optionals because we were made to believe that they are judged by optional competitions because they have their own awards. But in our experience ONE SINGLE GIRL won every optional contest and was crowned state queen. Mind you, every optional costed $175 to enter and there were about 10 of those. You can't tell me this isn't about how much money you have. My child walked out as soon as the 'other' girls were directed off stage and I can't say I blame her. Now I'm not upset because she didn't place I'm upset because this showed her that it's not about how pretty you or your dress is, or what your personality is. It was all about $$$ .