LAS VEGAS _ The Miss America pageant has been a learning experience, said Miss New York Elisabeth Baldanza during a break between lunch and rehearsals Thursday.
"I know that is really clich','' she said.
But being at the pageant with 51 other contestants and participating in competitions and activities have provided opportunities for self-assessment, she said, and the major lesson she has learned applies to herself.
"I'm really OK being me,'' Baldanza said, 24, of East Meredith.
The Miss America contenders appeared in preliminary contests Tuesday through Thursday.
No show is set for tonight, and Saturday is the finale, which will be broadcast on the Learning Channel, channel 58 in the Oneonta area, at 8 p.m.
The preliminary contests and preparation for Saturday have meant many rehearsals with multiple clothes changes repeated throughout the day.
Baldanza said her days this week have started early _ she arises at about 5:30 a.m. and goes to the gym. Rehearsals start at 8 a.m. and she has a break for lunch, followed by more rehearsals in the afternoon and an hour for dinner. The next hour is spent preparing for the 8 p.m. show.
Baldanza said the hardest part of the week has been functioning on a lack of sleep, but she somehow has had energy to meet demands. The contestants have gone to stores in the Miracle Miles Shops and appeared in red carpet ceremonies and a fashion show, and more appearances are scheduled for today.
Baldanza said everyone has been "really nice'' and the week has been fun.
"I'm enjoying it,'' she said. "I anticipated more stress.''
The most fun was going to the show "Stomp Out Loud'' at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, she said.
"It was so entertaining,'' Baldanza said.
And seeing the performance reminded her of Oneonta and Off-Beat, a local tap dance group from years ago that included her brother Chad.''
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