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Aliandra Calabrese, 2018 Miss World Australia Candidate, helps provide access to the performing arts, for young people from non-privileged backgrounds

Whether it was making a pinch pot, performing in a play or dance recital, or singing in the choir, most of us can remember participating in the arts during our school years. But arts education doesn’t just teach skills to future practitioners of the arts. It teaches children the creativity, collaboration, and criti- cal thinking skills needed to succeed in the 21st century.

Aliandra Calabrese, who'll be competing for the crown of Miss World Australia 2018, developed Youth Performing Arts Queensland with her family, a non-for-profit organization which provided scholarship positions to disadvantaged young people who would have otherwise been unable to pursue the arts - "The company has given hundreds of children the opportunity to engage with and be mentored by industry professionals" - she explained.

Aliandra's passion is singing and performing, she studied voice at the Conservatorium of Music for 5 years and is currently completing a Diploma of Piano. For many years she has enjoyed participating in musical theatre productions and have had the pleasure of playing lead roles in productions such as Grease and Fame the Musical.

Through studying a Masters of architectural design, Aliandra hopes to have an impact on the built environment in ways that benefit those in need. She wishes to devote herself to initiatives that support women and young girls in developing countries. "Through infrastructural and architectural intervention, I hope to contribute to improving the quality of life of young people and communities in disadvantaged parts of the world."

If she wins the crown Aliandra will have the opportunity to represent Australia Miss World 2018. Miss World Australia holds an annual pageant to identify young Australian women who exemplify beauty, talent, intelligence and compassion. It aims to create and empower role models who will serve as ambassadors to charity, enrich the perception of beauty, and enhance a new strength, energy and spirit for the advancement of women, while positively impacting their communities.

Did you know ? Two Australian representatives have won the Miss World title, in 1968 and 1972.


What inspired you to walk on the course of beauty pageants? 

Miss World Australia revolves around the ideology of “Beauty with a Purpose”. Each contestant must do her part for the community, raising money and awareness for worthy causes. This year the event is supporting Variety Children’s Charity, an organization which provides support to children who are disadvantaged, disabled or suffering from serious illness and their families. 

My part time job during university is looking after children and I recognize that this has influenced my decision to take part in the Miss World pageant. Helping children is a cause very close to my heart, and I have always involved myself in initiatives and charities that support children and families in need. The Miss World pageant has given me a wider platform to raise much needed funds and I hope this will impact the lives of many. I am thankful for this opportunity.

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What do you expect to gain by competing in a pageant?

I think I have already gained so much from this experience and I am very excited to see where it takes me. I have made many new friends and met a lot of wonderful committed people throughout my Miss World journey. Through participating I have been given the opportunity to develop a higher awareness of different community organizations and assist them in their efforts to improve peoples’ quality of life. The pageant has allowed me to positively affect a specific target community through a highly visible platform, and I hope to continue doing this in the future. For me, the pageant has been a fantastic and really worthwhile learning experience.

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What would you advise any young girl out there who has a dream of being a queen one day?

The best advice I could give anyone would be to never be afraid to chase your dreams. I truly believe that the only barrier we have in life is ourselves. If you are determined and you are committed to pursuing your dreams there is nothing stopping you from achieving the goals you set for yourself, whatever they may be. My advice is to work hard and throw yourself completely into everything you do with genuine ambition because you never know what opportunities can develop through commitment and personal drive.

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Social media seem to play a major role in pageantry nowadays. Do you think this is advantageous to you? Why or why not? 

Social media is one of the strongest promotional tools the world has ever seen. To me it is an integral component in raising awareness for my particular charity and their urgent need for funds to continue operating their support programs. The way in which we are able to reach an international audience with such speed is a completely unprecedented level of exposure. When used responsibly and with a social conscience, the power of social networking is easily one of the best mediums and one of the most effective platforms at our disposal today.

Thanks to the beautiful Aliandra for the interview. Pageants News wishes you all the very best for Miss World Australia pageant.

 

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