'No Makeup Allowed': Tinley Girl, 6, a Finalist in 'National American Miss Pageant'

Shelley and Joe Torsan have been trying to inspire in their daughter to pursue a career in medicine. 

But Miley, 6, knows what she wants to do—what she says she's meant to do.

"She wants to be a movie star," mom Shelley said, laughing. 

The spunky kindergartener got her first feel of the spotlight recently, during a preliminary round of the National American Miss Pageant. Despite her reservations about the nature and environments of pageants, Torsan registered her on a whim. While most pageants focus on appearance, this one was different, she said. Torsan refuses to apply makeup to her daughter's face. 

"I'm very protective of my daughter," Torsan said. "I don't want to put her out there in that way—it's not age-appropriate.

The National American Miss pageant does not allow makeup on its participants under 12 years of age. Judges focus on inner beauty, as well as poise and presentation. Miley was named a state finalist in the competition, to be held Aug. 1–2 at Pheasant Run in St. Charles. 

"I had no idea she'd be this excited about it," Torsan said. 

The pageant organizers stress good communication and presentation skills over physical appearance. There is no swimsuit competition, and a talent portion is optional. Entrants participate in an interview, evening wear and casual wear rounds. Miley will be participating in the Princess age division, so she'll wear a "princess" dress of her choosing. She's working on her singing and dancing for the talent portion of the competition. 

"Braces, glasses, skin problems, varying heights, and many other conditions are all just part of being young," reads the pageant website. "The judges are giving you scores based on where you are in life, just the way you are. What you need to concentrate on is doing your best and remembering to be positive. Smile and do the best with what you have!"

Winners receive a $1,000 cash award, the official crown and banner, a rose bouquet, air transportation to compete in the National Pageant in California where she will receive an exciting complimentary tour of Hollywood and 2 VIP tickets to Disneyland.

But for Torsan, it's the resulting confidence and poise that sold her on Miley's involvement. 

"She can gain confidence, learn basic interview skills she can learn later in life," she said. 

The interview portion should be a breeze for Miley, who is known for her talkative nature and expansive vocabulary. 

"She's so chatty, she'll talk your ear off!" Torsan said. "She will say things you wouldn't normally hear from other kids—but in a good way. 

"She's a funny little girl. ... I'm biased, but I think she's adorable."

Torsan is seeking local businesses open to sponsoring Miley in the contest. She can be reached at 708-743-6882.

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