Check ins are always the evening before show day and most get their first tan before or after they have checked in. You’ll show up to the venue and get in line based on your division. You’ll get a height check, and they will then give you your number pin (this goes on your bikini) do not lose it. Depending on the host of the show, you may get a goodie bag and/or shirt. There will also be a vendor to order stage photos as well. You’ll be surrounded by competitors who looked tired, meal prep and water in hand and some will look dark from their first tan. Then rest and show day!



Show day and backstage can be such a surreal moment. My first time backstage I just staired in disbelief at how many competitors I was surrounded by and knowing how hard they worked to get to this point. Oh, and the smell…at this point you should have gotten your second coat of tan and either already have your stage glam (makeup/hair) done or getting it done by vendor backstage. Back to the smell…it is a smell of tan, hair spray, body odor and who knows what else. As I am laughing while typing I assure you will become accustom to that smell. You will become comfortable with the uncomfortable. If you are anything like me being half naked not only in front of other women but men too, is one way to break any shyness. First comes prejudging. You will be assigned a class based on your height and then depending on what divisions you signed up for will determine how many times you will step on stage. Be sure to listen as they call your class to line up. Then of course stage time, each show is put on differently but somewhat the same. You’ll get the same 10 to maybe 15 seconds to do your routine and then line up for comparisons. And welp that is it! It goes so fast, so my advice is soak it all up because you worked hard and spent some money to get there! Then you get a break before finals. Finals is fun, generally the hosts like to have the DJ going and you’ll notice more people come to watch. Again, backstage will be busy! You’ll get touch ups on your tan, hair and makeup. You will line up and then time for placings!