Props to those who participated in the pageant

   This year’s superhero themed homecoming opened the door for Miners to showcase their unique talents and creativity during the Oct. 14 SGA Royalty Pageant. I give props to everyone that participated in the pageant, since it can be very nerve wrecking to speak in front of an auditorium almost three-quarters full. I for one almost had a heart attack and I wasn’t even participating.

I could just imagine the contestants’ brain going full speed while going over the 10-minute dance choreography, their five minute individual speeches and the calculated steps the girls would take to prevent falling on stage in their very tall stilettos.

Yep, I pretty much worried the whole pageant through, however I was glad to see that the participants were able to hide their fear when they were called on stage.

Over 20 different but powerful superheroes made their way onto the stage, from Superman and Green Lantern to Aqua-woman and the Hulk. Even contestants running as individuals, decided to dress up as non-traditional superheroes such as a Transformer and the Invisible Woman, which in my opinion were very creative approaches.

Other candidates included the use of rap, storytelling while others simply relied on their props. One candidate pretended to be Tulane’s mascot, a pelican, that got roped and trapped by Wonder Woman, and then fell on stage pretending to be dead to be later revived with the power of Miner spirit. I honestly think this guy should have received an award for his volunteer service on the pageant.

Another contestant, Raul Armendariz, surprised the audience by singing a catchy tune with his quartet, which made Magoffin Auditorium fill with noise, making him win as King. Whether it was a lengthy or short speech, all contestants tried not to forget it; of course there were stutters here and there, one that even made my heart stop since halfway into her speech she blanked out. I really wanted to go up there and help her finish, but the crowd really supported her by applauding. Good sportsmanship was practiced throughout the whole pageant.

It was really gratifying to see that contestants didn’t rely on their looks to win the vote but really applied some historic and interesting facts about their organization and UTEP. I have to say that the girls picked harder questions than the guys. For example: “What is your most memorable moment at UTEP?” can’t compare with: “What legacy would you want to leave behind at UTEP?” But, that was all part of the contestants’ luck, since they were able to choose out of, what looked like about 20 or so questions.

Although the audience provided support through their constant cheering, I couldn’t help but notice the low attendance. I personally expected more students, faculty and alumni to attend the pageant, since this marks the first event that kicks off Homecoming Week; nonetheless, this was no excuse for the UTEP Miners.

The collaboration of the Student Government Association brought Johnny Kage as Master of Ceremonies, along with special appearances by the Allegro Dance Team, who performed during intermission, and judges such as Russel Autry, 1973 SGA President, T. André Feagin, fellow Marching Band director and Kandolite Flores, 2009 UTEP Homecoming Queen and traffic anchor at KFOX.

Except for some technical difficulties along the way and the lack of a musical number, the pageant was very entertaining, from the costumes—which included some men in speedos—to the unforgettable and hilarious Gangnam style dance done by none other than “Catman.”

Andrea Acosta may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.