Model citizens

By Danielle Galvin
UPCOMING models and pageant princesses will have the chance to learn the tricks of the trade, with a new modelling school opening up in Berwick.
Dancers, drama students and fellow performers have been invited to the first modelling class at @Studio Intrepid in Berwick. Pageant training is also available for tots as well as young adults.
The idea for the modelling school was born out of a need for a creative space for Berwick up and comers.
“It’s ridiculous to expect people who are interested in modelling to travel all the way to the city. We saw a real need for a modelling school in Berwick,” says Carmen Powell, one of the directors of @Studio Intrepid.
The modelling school called Tiaras and Top Hats is a new venture for Carmen, as well as directors Gayle Brooker and Megan Glenwright, who started the Masquerade Performing Arts school five years ago. While the school has only just opened up, Carmen expects interest to grow in the coming months.
She says next year the modelling and pageant training will be expanded to make sure that there are less than 10 girls in each class. This way, the teacher can help the girls individually realise their talents.
“At the moment we only have one class, and we have girls from age 5 to 18 in it. Next year, we will split them up into age groups, which will be even better,” she said.
Interest from the wider community has been an exhilarating experience for the girls, who have appeared on A Current Affair, the Today Show, Kerrie-Anne’s show, as well as featuring in an article in the Herald Sun newspaper. While pageantry has taken a hit in the media in recent weeks, Carmen explains how pageantry is an extension of the skills taught in modelling.
“When you undertake modelling classes, it’s hard to practice what you’ve learnt. The best way to practice is entering into and competing in a pageant,” she added.
Catherine Manning is a Cardinia activist who organised the Pull the Pin protest, where she invited concerned members of the community to rally against a pageant which will be held in Melbourne in July. While thousands of people turned up to the rally on the steps of parliament, the pageant will go ahead as planned.
“I’m not surprised that there are businesses that will cash in on the pageant craze, it’s a multi-million dollar industry. What concerns me is that these pageants place unnecessary pressure on girls to be the most beautiful and to compete against each other,” she said.
Tiaras and Top Hats is taking enrollments for term two. @Studio Intrepid is located inIntrepid Street Berwick and anyone interested in the Tiaras and Top Hats classes can contact 0459STUDIO.