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Junior Columnist: Ashley Weatherl
Adenna Swimsuit Competition: Five Years of Swimsuit Legendry November 21, 2011
It's wintertime, and fashion is hot this year! Just a hop, skip, and portal jump from RhyDin, the city streets of Adenna are bustling with bundled citizens sporting chic, fur-lined coats, haute patent leather boots, cashmere cardigans, and"
Bikinis"
This year marks the fifth anniversary of the annual Adenna Swimsuit Competition, a contest that showcases the elegance, athleticism, poise and personality of women from all around. Already the competition has earned some buzz on this side of the multiverse, prompting RhyDin's very own lovely ladies to turn their names in for a chance at winning a key to the city of Adenna and upwards of five thousand gold.
The incentive is more than enough to fill Adenna with a few busybodies, and these days no one is busier than the city's own Christopher Andan. Between managing and conducting the Adenna Cathedral Symphony Orchestra three days a week, he is also this year's Swimsuit Contest Director. But exactly what is generating all this buzz" Just what is this swimsuit competition, and what makes it so special" The Post had the chance to sit down with Andan recently to tell us just that.
Post: Thanks for meeting with us today, Mr. Andan. I know you're pretty preoccupied these days, what with all the beautiful half-naked women at your beck and call.
Andan: That wouldn't be an exaggeration. I am so very glad to be here. Thank you!
Post: So as we understand it, this is your fifth year running this thing. For those of us who aren't familiar with it, would you mind telling us just what is the Adenna Swimsuit Competition"
Andan: Wow! There's a lot to that question, actually. And to get there, I'll have to cover some of the competition's history.
Post: It's what we're here for, Mr. Andan. Please.
Andan: It started out five years ago as a summer event; and it was as simple as a swimsuit competition can get. Women wore bikinis, there was a poll, a young woman named Pinnella won it, but she hasn't since competed again. That was the only time it would ever be this simple. Starting with the second competition, it was two months later than the last, and the entire judging process underwent an overhaul that turned it into the prestigious event that it is today.
Post: It sounds as though the second annual competition went over rather well.
Andan: It really is an amazing thing. If enough people show enough love for something, it only stands to get more and more refined. So while the first competition certainly wasn't perfect, it got everyone realizing it was something we could do better next year. And that's exactly what we did. The second competition was ran and directed by Adenna's dance instructor, a wonderful woman by the name Atae, who really brought out the best everyone had to offer and create a really fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Post: How, exactly"
Andan: A questionnaire was introduced to tell the voters a little bit more about the contestant. That went over very well. And it only upped the competition, really. Contestants had to rehearse and prepare proud and upstanding responses, and this paved way for a whole preparatory ritual for the contestants to just give a better overall presentation. It really brought out our shining stars and set an example. So with these implementations, the bar got set to not only the most beautiful woman in a bathing suit, but the most beautiful woman inside, as well. And that woman won. The second competition's tiara went to the woman who made it happen. The very lovely Atae.
Post: So you think this contest has some kind of testament to self-esteem or introspection"
Andan: Absolutely. For the men who come out to the show, it's obvious. But for the young women in the audience, particularly the young Adennian women, they are sponges ready to soak up all the inspiration on stage. Not just their builds, or more glamorous features, but they're also absorbing their posturing, and the answers they give the judges. It sounds weird to say but they are all role models up there. What I think everyone can agree, though, is that we come together for the appreciation of the contestants.
Post: I'm sorry if I derailed you. I believe we left off at the third competition.
Andan: The third competition. We saw changes again that year. New Contest Director, new scoring system. A whole bunch of wonderful stuff. But I won't say it wasn't complicated. A three judge system was brought in, each judge with a 10 point arsenal to give out to each contestant, and a controversial three point arsenal given to the community's pick for the community poll. Aurast Dagger Sasc, brother of the King, Havelast Dagger Sasc, directed the event, with the Siovanui Techichi taking the tiara that year.
Last year's was a blast. It was our best competition to date, and we're hoping to outdo ourselves again this year. We had a larger outcome last year than ever before, and had to increase the exhibition to a week long celebration to accommodate everybody. And they were all winners. That's what this has turned into, really, a celebration of the competition. But the competition's still there. But it's "fun," that's the main thing. And no one got that point across better than the winner, Nima, who really won the event with minimal effort.
Post: Despite all your success, can you admit to having any setbacks in the past"
Andan: Yes, actually. Before we increased the run-time of the contest. Things were very hectic. Everyone was putting in overtime, especially the staff. We just had too many applicants. A surprising amount of people apply. I think last year we had close to six hundred. And most of them will give their hundred-twenty second presentation. After you do the math, a two-day event just doesn't cut it anymore.
Post: Would you mind telling our readers a little more about process of the event' You said it lasts an entire week"
Andan: That's right. The exhibition week as we call it is a weeklong function that is supported by catering, photograph sessions, autographs and several unofficial exhibitions. For example, this year I'm hosting an entirely optional second runway display of the contestants in the Piano Concerto Hall which will offer open questions to the contestants, and we've hired a professional photographer so they'll be able to purchase high quality picture sets of themselves modeling their suits, complete with a pin-up. But the fact of the matter is that we generally get hundreds of applicants, and that's a lot for our staff body to sift through, and our judges can only labor so many hours at their panel.
Post: Let's be serious a moment here, Mr. Andan. It is bleak and snowing outside. Won't these girls freeze"
Andan: That's so much of what makes this competition unique is that it takes place in the winter! Just like a summer competition, the contestants have to get dressed before and after their performance, it's just in and out of a winter coat instead of shorts and a t-shirt. But no, the functions are all being held indoors. I ensure everyone's nice and warm.
Post: What is the motivation for these ladies to even consider applying"
Andan: I think the biggest enticement is the pre-paid lodgings that come with the standard admission fee. All contestants and up to two guests of their choice will get a three bedroom, two and one-half bath apartment for the week of the function. That's a great deal! Our hospitality really shines this year in opening up our doors to the outside, and we really hope everyone is able to come and enjoy what our city has to offer. It really is a wonderful time to visit Adenna and get a taste of our culture.
Post: How do you think outside applicants will affect the otherwise strictly Adennian tradition"
Andan: Oh in all sorts of ways! This isn't a trial-run, or one-shot thing we're doing. We plan to invite RhyDin back every year! Just the fact many of them possess surnames is so different, since our women do not take on surnames at all until they are married. The culture clash is a very welcome distraction, and it only adds more color and detail to what this competition has come to stand for, and that is truly amazing and unique women. We also have the support of a couple major brands this year, so look for contestants wearing Mille & Mallie, and Pearle De Causey, among others!
Post: Tell us about the awards.
Andan: Well we have a sizable prize pool this year. For the second time now we're going into our city's treasure hold and picking out a unique gift for our first place recipient. This year we've gone with "Anton's Favor" which is a priceless and entirely jewel bouquet. First place will also be receiving a key to the city, a gift basket, and a 5000 gold piece cash prize. But for those more interested in the bragging rights, the first place tiara is gaining more and more renown in the pageantry world with each successful year. If you would like to see a full list of the prizes, check out the application form.
Post: As a woman, I suppose I should cover my bases, here. Not that there are many of them in RhyDin, but what would you say to the feminists who disapprove of the contest'
Andan: I would say the only contest they can criticize was our first one. That was the only contest we ran without a mind and clear goal. It was the eye candy sort of contest. Since then we've gone on to incorporate personal beliefs and stature and seek and reward excellence. Things like, do these women help out their community' Are they making a difference" What are they most proud of? If you show a body of people all of the good examples that are out there, and if even just one of them was unaware of it, or takes something away from it, then the competition has done its job.
Post: Thanks for your time! I think that about does it for us. Is there anything else you'd like to add"
Andan: No problem! It was my pleasure. I like being informed, too. And I'd only like to remind your readers to register, if they are still interested!
Post: Where can these ladies go to apply"
Andan: Actually, registration closes "today." But we would still like to welcome everyone to come and check out the event. There's more choices of food than I care to go into even attempt listing at the moment. But you can read more about that in this information pamphlet that can be found at the Adenna Welcome Center upon entry, should you choose to come. And if you're quick, you can still get those applications in! Applications can be picked up almost anywhere, including the Red Dragon, Town Hall, the RhyDin Market, and select Pearle De Causey outlet stores. Registration closes at midnight!
Post: Thank you, Mr. Andan. I wish you the best of luck!
Andan: Thank you!
Adenna Swimsuit Competition: Five Years of Swimsuit Legendry November 21, 2011
It's wintertime, and fashion is hot this year! Just a hop, skip, and portal jump from RhyDin, the city streets of Adenna are bustling with bundled citizens sporting chic, fur-lined coats, haute patent leather boots, cashmere cardigans, and"
Bikinis"
This year marks the fifth anniversary of the annual Adenna Swimsuit Competition, a contest that showcases the elegance, athleticism, poise and personality of women from all around. Already the competition has earned some buzz on this side of the multiverse, prompting RhyDin's very own lovely ladies to turn their names in for a chance at winning a key to the city of Adenna and upwards of five thousand gold.
The incentive is more than enough to fill Adenna with a few busybodies, and these days no one is busier than the city's own Christopher Andan. Between managing and conducting the Adenna Cathedral Symphony Orchestra three days a week, he is also this year's Swimsuit Contest Director. But exactly what is generating all this buzz" Just what is this swimsuit competition, and what makes it so special" The Post had the chance to sit down with Andan recently to tell us just that.
Post: Thanks for meeting with us today, Mr. Andan. I know you're pretty preoccupied these days, what with all the beautiful half-naked women at your beck and call.
Andan: That wouldn't be an exaggeration. I am so very glad to be here. Thank you!
Post: So as we understand it, this is your fifth year running this thing. For those of us who aren't familiar with it, would you mind telling us just what is the Adenna Swimsuit Competition"
Andan: Wow! There's a lot to that question, actually. And to get there, I'll have to cover some of the competition's history.
Post: It's what we're here for, Mr. Andan. Please.
Andan: It started out five years ago as a summer event; and it was as simple as a swimsuit competition can get. Women wore bikinis, there was a poll, a young woman named Pinnella won it, but she hasn't since competed again. That was the only time it would ever be this simple. Starting with the second competition, it was two months later than the last, and the entire judging process underwent an overhaul that turned it into the prestigious event that it is today.
Post: It sounds as though the second annual competition went over rather well.
Andan: It really is an amazing thing. If enough people show enough love for something, it only stands to get more and more refined. So while the first competition certainly wasn't perfect, it got everyone realizing it was something we could do better next year. And that's exactly what we did. The second competition was ran and directed by Adenna's dance instructor, a wonderful woman by the name Atae, who really brought out the best everyone had to offer and create a really fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Post: How, exactly"
Andan: A questionnaire was introduced to tell the voters a little bit more about the contestant. That went over very well. And it only upped the competition, really. Contestants had to rehearse and prepare proud and upstanding responses, and this paved way for a whole preparatory ritual for the contestants to just give a better overall presentation. It really brought out our shining stars and set an example. So with these implementations, the bar got set to not only the most beautiful woman in a bathing suit, but the most beautiful woman inside, as well. And that woman won. The second competition's tiara went to the woman who made it happen. The very lovely Atae.
Post: So you think this contest has some kind of testament to self-esteem or introspection"
Andan: Absolutely. For the men who come out to the show, it's obvious. But for the young women in the audience, particularly the young Adennian women, they are sponges ready to soak up all the inspiration on stage. Not just their builds, or more glamorous features, but they're also absorbing their posturing, and the answers they give the judges. It sounds weird to say but they are all role models up there. What I think everyone can agree, though, is that we come together for the appreciation of the contestants.
Post: I'm sorry if I derailed you. I believe we left off at the third competition.
Andan: The third competition. We saw changes again that year. New Contest Director, new scoring system. A whole bunch of wonderful stuff. But I won't say it wasn't complicated. A three judge system was brought in, each judge with a 10 point arsenal to give out to each contestant, and a controversial three point arsenal given to the community's pick for the community poll. Aurast Dagger Sasc, brother of the King, Havelast Dagger Sasc, directed the event, with the Siovanui Techichi taking the tiara that year.
Last year's was a blast. It was our best competition to date, and we're hoping to outdo ourselves again this year. We had a larger outcome last year than ever before, and had to increase the exhibition to a week long celebration to accommodate everybody. And they were all winners. That's what this has turned into, really, a celebration of the competition. But the competition's still there. But it's "fun," that's the main thing. And no one got that point across better than the winner, Nima, who really won the event with minimal effort.
Post: Despite all your success, can you admit to having any setbacks in the past"
Andan: Yes, actually. Before we increased the run-time of the contest. Things were very hectic. Everyone was putting in overtime, especially the staff. We just had too many applicants. A surprising amount of people apply. I think last year we had close to six hundred. And most of them will give their hundred-twenty second presentation. After you do the math, a two-day event just doesn't cut it anymore.
Post: Would you mind telling our readers a little more about process of the event' You said it lasts an entire week"
Andan: That's right. The exhibition week as we call it is a weeklong function that is supported by catering, photograph sessions, autographs and several unofficial exhibitions. For example, this year I'm hosting an entirely optional second runway display of the contestants in the Piano Concerto Hall which will offer open questions to the contestants, and we've hired a professional photographer so they'll be able to purchase high quality picture sets of themselves modeling their suits, complete with a pin-up. But the fact of the matter is that we generally get hundreds of applicants, and that's a lot for our staff body to sift through, and our judges can only labor so many hours at their panel.
Post: Let's be serious a moment here, Mr. Andan. It is bleak and snowing outside. Won't these girls freeze"
Andan: That's so much of what makes this competition unique is that it takes place in the winter! Just like a summer competition, the contestants have to get dressed before and after their performance, it's just in and out of a winter coat instead of shorts and a t-shirt. But no, the functions are all being held indoors. I ensure everyone's nice and warm.
Post: What is the motivation for these ladies to even consider applying"
Andan: I think the biggest enticement is the pre-paid lodgings that come with the standard admission fee. All contestants and up to two guests of their choice will get a three bedroom, two and one-half bath apartment for the week of the function. That's a great deal! Our hospitality really shines this year in opening up our doors to the outside, and we really hope everyone is able to come and enjoy what our city has to offer. It really is a wonderful time to visit Adenna and get a taste of our culture.
Post: How do you think outside applicants will affect the otherwise strictly Adennian tradition"
Andan: Oh in all sorts of ways! This isn't a trial-run, or one-shot thing we're doing. We plan to invite RhyDin back every year! Just the fact many of them possess surnames is so different, since our women do not take on surnames at all until they are married. The culture clash is a very welcome distraction, and it only adds more color and detail to what this competition has come to stand for, and that is truly amazing and unique women. We also have the support of a couple major brands this year, so look for contestants wearing Mille & Mallie, and Pearle De Causey, among others!
Post: Tell us about the awards.
Andan: Well we have a sizable prize pool this year. For the second time now we're going into our city's treasure hold and picking out a unique gift for our first place recipient. This year we've gone with "Anton's Favor" which is a priceless and entirely jewel bouquet. First place will also be receiving a key to the city, a gift basket, and a 5000 gold piece cash prize. But for those more interested in the bragging rights, the first place tiara is gaining more and more renown in the pageantry world with each successful year. If you would like to see a full list of the prizes, check out the application form.
Post: As a woman, I suppose I should cover my bases, here. Not that there are many of them in RhyDin, but what would you say to the feminists who disapprove of the contest'
Andan: I would say the only contest they can criticize was our first one. That was the only contest we ran without a mind and clear goal. It was the eye candy sort of contest. Since then we've gone on to incorporate personal beliefs and stature and seek and reward excellence. Things like, do these women help out their community' Are they making a difference" What are they most proud of? If you show a body of people all of the good examples that are out there, and if even just one of them was unaware of it, or takes something away from it, then the competition has done its job.
Post: Thanks for your time! I think that about does it for us. Is there anything else you'd like to add"
Andan: No problem! It was my pleasure. I like being informed, too. And I'd only like to remind your readers to register, if they are still interested!
Post: Where can these ladies go to apply"
Andan: Actually, registration closes "today." But we would still like to welcome everyone to come and check out the event. There's more choices of food than I care to go into even attempt listing at the moment. But you can read more about that in this information pamphlet that can be found at the Adenna Welcome Center upon entry, should you choose to come. And if you're quick, you can still get those applications in! Applications can be picked up almost anywhere, including the Red Dragon, Town Hall, the RhyDin Market, and select Pearle De Causey outlet stores. Registration closes at midnight!
Post: Thank you, Mr. Andan. I wish you the best of luck!
Andan: Thank you!