Being crowned Miss Teen Alberta-World!

Hi! My name is Lindsay, and on March 18th, I was crowned Miss Teen Alberta-World 2012.

I have been living in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta for as long as I can remember. A historic city just twenty minutes from North Edmonton, I am proud to call this town my home.

One of my favourite things in life is the performing arts. In my first year of junior high, grade seven, I was cast in the role of Anne, in Anne of Green Gables. Playing Anne changed my life! Ever since the day I dyed my hair carrot red, I have been a part of as many plays, musicals, and theatre productions as my schedule will allow.

Me as Christine on one of the "Phantom of the Opera" posters.

Theatre not only taught me how to act, it taught me how to take risks and dedicate myself completely to a task. Some of my favourite memories include learning and practicing a Brooklyn accent for my grade nine performance in Guys & Dolls, and painting my face like a cat for last year’s high school production of Cats the Musical. This year, in my grade eleven year, I am over the moon to be playing Christine in Phantom of the Opera! I even got to be on one of the posters!

At the front of the line for my first ballet Christmas concert at age 6.

My passion for musical theatre also stems from my love of dance. Although I began as a six year old ballerina, now, at sixteen, I have found my true passion in variety jazz, also known as ’musical theatre.’ This dance genre allows me to sing, dance, and act all at the same time. Last year, my group performed a number from the Rogers & Hammerstein musical South Pacific. “Gonna Wash that Man” earned us gold medals in dance festivals, and I was awarded two on-stage scholarships for my performance. This year’s dance festivals are beginning in only a few weeks, and I’m very excited to be dancing to the comedic song ”The Kids are Finally Asleep!” from the off Broadway show, Motherhood the Musical. As well as being good exercise, dance is a wonderful form of expression. It’s also a good excuse to be on stage!

When asked the question “What is your favourite season?” I never know the answer! Summer is fabulous, with hot weather, swimsuit shopping, and some of my favourite sports, such as Frisbee and wake boarding. I love carefree summers on the beach with a good book and some delicious ice cream.

Working on the Mayan Temple during the sand castle contest.

Last year, during my family’s annual summer vacation in Penticton, British Columbia, my sister and I entered a sand castle contest with some of our friends. In our category, we had two hours to create a masterpiece out of sand, water, and all natural building supplies, such as pine-cones, rocks, twigs, etc. During those two hours, our team of five created what we called “Sandcastles of the World,” with a sand coliseum, Mayan temple, igloo, Stonehenge, and pyramid. We managed to take first prize, and all split the money! (Although we eventually all spent it on ice cream!)

On a hike in September 2011, near Lake Louise, Alberta.

Autumn and spring bring hiking season to Alberta! I am a part of my school’s ‘outdoor club,’ a group of students and teachers who travel to the Rocky Mountains and spend a weekend each semester tenting and hiking. These trips are endless sources of fun, team building, and of course, plenty of exercise.

Enjoying the last run of the day down Blackcomb Mountain in December, 2010.

I find winter equally enjoyable. Over Christmas, in 2010, my family traveled to Whistler, British Columbia, one of the locations of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. During our holiday, we had the opportunity to go snowmobiling, and dog sledding, both of which I had never experienced before! Everything about the adventures were incredible, especially the mountain-top vistas. Also during our Whistler holiday, we took a few days to ski/snowboard down Blackcomb mountain.

At Edmonton Fashion Week in September 2008.

I have always been interested in modeling and acting. One of my favourite experiences was modeling for Edmonton Fashion Week in 2008. My sister and I walked the runway, representing the Eveline Charles Salon. Our category was called “Femme Fatale.”  We had so much fun getting our hair, makeup, and professional photos done.

At Sam's grad in June 2011.

My sister is my best friend. She graduated from high school last year, and is now attending the University of Alberta. We are three years apart, although most days we feel like we are twins! She was crowned Miss Teen Fort Saskatchewan-World 2011 at last year’s regional pageant, and placed in the top 20 at nationals. She helped me immensely with the pageant, from my walk, to letting me borrow her dress. My parents were equally as helpful and supportive with the pageant (my mom is the best shopping partner ever!). Without the support I had from them, the rest of my family, and my friends, I would not be here today. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart!

Miss Teen Alberta-World 2012, and Miss Teen Alberta-World 2011, Alexandra Hanasz.

I’m honoured to be taking over the blog of Alexandra Hanasz, Miss Teen Alberta-World 2011, who placed first runner up at the national pageant last year! She is lovely, and I have some big shoes to fill.

Hopefully this post has helped you get to know me, and I’m excited to keep you updated on my preparation for the Miss Teen Canada-World pageant in the summer!

Love,

Lindsay