The Role of Miss Heartland and the Journey to Get There

I was extremely happy, honored, privileged, and more than excited when I was announced Miss Heartland Swing 2012!  It's an experience that not even words can truly describe.  When I first found out, I was a little bit more in a state of shock than anything else.  It wasn't until later the next day that it finally hit me, realizing more of the role and position that I will be able to fill for the year. 

It started with a professional photoshoot the next day for the making of the Heartland Swing Calendar 2013.  Afterwards, it was over lunch with my boyfriend, Dan Pfeifer, that we discussed things in more detail; future Lindy Hop events and festivals that I might attend, the job of selling the calendars and promoting the Heartland Swing Festival along with swing dancing as a whole, organizing some media to get others interested and involved, and preparing for competing at Camp Hollywood!

I want it to be known that I take this position very seriously.  Of course there will be fun to be had along the way, but it means a lot more to me than I sometimes think others even perceive.  I'm really dedicated and committed to making a meaningful representation at events.  I want to make it easy and be helpful to others at their events, and be an inspiration for others!

Many may recall me participating in this contest in 2011.  I saw an advertisement on Facebook for the contest, which immediately caught my eye.  I knew it was something that interested me because it's something that I do regularly when I go out dancing or participating in other events such as the Stars and Stripes Honor Flights.  I love to dress up whether it's vintage, retro, or rockabilly!  I do my own hair including pincurls and victory rolls, do my own makeup, and make a lot of my own dresses!  I've also spent a great deal of time studying by watching things like YouTube videos to perfect a look!  Needless to say, I was disappointed when I first found out that I didn't make it in the top 12.

I still had a really good time at the event and learned a lot at the classes!  I also knew that the following year I wasn't going to give up because I knew that I had a lot potential and I really wanted to prove it!  I arranged a photoshoot with a friend, Matthew Schneider, that took the swimsuit pictures in September preparing for entering the contest that wouldn't start until December, knowing that it would give us plenty of time to take more if we wanted to.  Besides, I'd never pass up an opportunity to have more pictures taken!

This year I really stepped it up and gave it everything I got, of course with the help and support from many others as well!  I paid extremely close attention to the Heartland page.  There were also some changes that were made in the contest, including an essay "I Am A Heartland Girl."  I even changed my bio a bit.  Eventually the voting began, and I had a lot of help in getting as many votes as I possibly could. 

And ... well ... I guess you all know the rest.



(Photo by Ben Hejkal/Ben Hejkal Photography)

Before I knew it, the Facebook page was created, I was on Twitter, and had my own blog.  The goal is to really get people talking about and interested in various topics revolved around the swing dancing culture.  I hope to provide some helpful tips, advice based on experience, and links to sights that others will be interested in that I have spent years finding out for myself!

I don't think that there's a way to express as much appreciation to all those that helped and supported me along this entire journey. 

Dan was very supportive of me from the very beginning.  He was always very encouraging and helped in doing all he could and more!  I could not be more grateful in having someone like him by my side!

My friend Molly Maka did an extra help getting others to vote and is one of my vintage cohorts - also currently part of the Team Pam on the Miss Heartland Facebook page.

Thanks to the Jumpin' Jive Club, the Milwaukee Ale House, and the Bay View Brew Haus for helping promote the voting, and I know I mentioned time and time again, a HUGE thank you to all those that voted!  I want everyone to know that it does not go unnoticed.

Most of all, thank you Michael Brafford for putting on such an amazing event - the Heartland Swing Festival and for having a Miss Heartland Swing!  Thanks for giving a girl like me an opportunity to not only appear in a fun pinup calendar, but to do what I love to do, and to learn and experience such great opportunities, meet wonderful new people, and travel the country while doing it!

~Pam - Miss Heartland Swing 2012