After competing at Jr. National's this summer
I have been toying with the idea of competing in another organization. I did
some research on line and came across the INBA, the WBFF, and the Bikini
Universe (Muscle Mania). It seems as if the closest one to the NPC and IFBB is
the WBFF. But for some reason I was interested in finding out more about the
Bikini Universe. I spoke with a local competitor and drilled her with one
question after another. I then decided I wanted to go watch a show. I ended up
choosing the Space City in Houston. This was a beginner show and I needed to
keep that in mind when watching.
As far as the way the show was ran, it was
great. They had two hosts for the morning show, which I really liked. We got to
hear what the judges were looking for and we also heard about each contestant.
I enjoy that. These competitors have worked so hard and it's nice when we can
learn a little about them.
There was every physique imaginable, all which
looked pretty good. Of course I was drawn to the more athletic look instead of
just the thin, in shape look. The judges must have agreed because my pick won.
Judging is quite different from the NPC as well. First of all, they actually
have judging criteria. If you are in bikini then your "looks" play a
role. If you are in figure you are only judged from the neck down. Each criterion
is scored 1-15 or whatever the promoter or judge decides prior to show
beginning. So if they think you are gorgeous you will score a 15. If they are
scoring your muscle tone it is the same way. You are basically being scored
against yourself. The judges did not talk amongst themselves and there did not
seem to be scoring during the line-up itself. That seemed to be more just for
show. Below is the judging criteria from their website.
MS. BIKINI JUDGING CRITERIA
Themed Sportswear Round – 50% of Score
·
Poise & Presence – 33%
·
Sports Wear Selection – 33%
·
Appearance – 33%
You have a chance to show your modeling talents
and your creativity. Just like in the swimsuit round you will be asked to walk
from one side of the stage to the other performing quarter turns at a specific
point outlined on stage. The themed apparel you select should best represent
your character, personality, athletic interests and/or any other appearance
you’re comfortable wearing. Just make sure it compliments your body. Work your
magic – before you go on stage relax, enjoy your presentation and remember to
smile.
Contestants must provide a brief description of
their outfit in the Themed Sportswear Round. This is an opportunity for
contestants to get creative with their costume and also mention the clothing
sponsor, if any. No offensive costumes will be allowed (see through tops, etc.)
Swimsuit Round – 50%
·
Body Condition – 33%
·
Facial Beauty – 33%
·
Appearance – 33%
Judges will analyze body shape, tone, symmetry,
complexion, poise presentation and overall condition. Also, they will be
looking for fit, toned feminine body that display proper conditioning.
Contestants will be judged individually and in group comparisons. Facial beauty
will be judged during this round as well. Posing in an overly sexual or
manner including bending over in a reverse position, moves indicative of a
stripper or other provocative body positions and/or movements will result in a
deduction of points at the discretion of the head judge. In the Bikini
Round, Contestants must wear a two-piece, bikini swimsuit and high heel shoes.
If a contestant is competing in both the Fitness America and Ms. Bikini
America, she does not need to wear a different swimsuit in each event. G-String
or thong type swimsuits are not allowed. Contestants whom have a muscular
appearance and/or walk and generally carry themselves in a masculine manner
will be negatively scored by the judges.
Judges & Officials
Please note that the Ms. Bikini America is judged
by commercial photographers, fashion designers, cosmetologists, fitness
magazine editors, beauty pageant experts and other mainstream orientated
professionals. No bodybuilders, coaches or personal trainers will be empanelled.
There are different divisions as well. There
is the Bikini Model division. This division has club wear, bikini, and costume.
Bikini division does costume and bikini. Figure has 2 piece and athletic wear.
That's a lot to take in and can get confusing. Most of the girls crossed over
in model and either bikini or figure. Model seemed to be a more athletic
physique which I liked; probably even more so than the bikini division.
They pride themselves on being
"tasteful". These are not my words. They have a huge problem with the
way the NPC poses. I think it is the wide stance back pose they oppose the
most. I would have to agree with them on this. I did that pose in 2011 and
changed in 2012 because it just didn't feel right for me. However, the costumes
raised my eyebrows a bit. You think the NPC stance is trashy, but you have the
girls parade in, and let's be honest about this, a naughty Halloween costume or
stripper outfit. I know that sounds negative, and that is not my intention.
Just making a point. They were very tasteful in their modeling of these outfits
and quite frankly, I think the physiques (as different as they each were) were
showcased exceptionally well with these costumes. Verdict: I liked it.
I was not able to stay for the night show and
that's when they compete in their bikinis. However, looking at photos the
bikini bottoms are a bit more conservative, but the NPC style of suits are
allowed. Well, many of them anyway.
They do have measures in place to prevent
politics from running rampant in this organization. First of all, there are
different judges for each show. That helps ensure that favoritism does not form
between judges and competitors. Many of the judges are from local media and
from fitness magazines and such. In the NPC most of the judges are males. This
particular show, in the am, had all females except for one male and they were
spaced apart from one another. Once the competitor was scored, the cards were
picked up and tabulated in the computer.
From what some competitors told me and from
what I have read, there is a media day. This gives the organization a chance to
promote itself as well as give some of the competitors their own exposure. I
really liked this. It's not just about the organization, even though we know it
is, but they do promote their competitors even at a beginner level. I have
personally never seen this in the NPC.
There is drug testing in this organization. I
believe it is urine tested. This impacts more of the bodybuilders and figure
competitors more so than the bikini competitors where size is not necessary.
This organization does have pro levels for bodybuilders and figure competitors
but not bikini.
All in all, I am impressed. While it is a much
smaller organization and does not have the prestige like the NPC and IFBB it is
a great way to compete. I am planning on competing in this organization next
May in Galveston.
Next on my list to investigate: The WBFF
