by David Zenian
Garine Khatchadrian wants to be a world-class gymnast, but for the moment, she has to make do with being Miss Armenia 1996 and dream of the Miss Europe and Miss International titles later this year.
Garine, a 17-year-old high-school graduate, was the overwhelming choice of a panel of 12 judges that included the President of the Miss Europe Committee, Miss Russia 1995 along with Armenian journalists, authors, directors and businessmen.
The contest was the first for Armenia, and the primary selection process started early in the year with an advertising campaign which attracted 500 aspiring beauties from across the nation.
Each sent a brief resume and a couple of photos from which a list of 19 candidates were selected to participate in Armenia's first ever beauty pageant April 20 at a standing-room-only event at the National Opera House in central Yerevan.
The contest, punctuated with live entertainment, comedy acts, and side shows, was a resounding success. Corporate and business sponsors handed out prizes and other gifts not only to the winner, but also to all 19 participants.
The mood was jovial and the applause overwhelming as the aspiring candidates paraded across the glittering stage, first in evening gowns and then in bathing suits. No detail was overlooked by the organizers who devoted long hours coaching the girls how to walk, smile and carry themselves on stage.
"We did not expect such a turnout ... both in the number of candidates and the size of the audience today.
"It was a long process, and we made it," said contest organizer Arahig Yerinjakian, a stage director who spent months negotiating with Mondiale Events International, the Paris-based group that oversees beauty pageants in Europe.
"It was like establishing diplomatic relations between two countries. Meetings ... letters ... discussions ... credentials. We had to demonstrate the authenticity of our selection processes, and meet several other requirements, including a 10,000 dollar license fee and 15,000 dollars in other costs such as stage decorations and costumes ... but we did it," he said.
But why go though all the hassle and the organizational headaches at a time when Armenia is struggling to rebuild after 70 years of communist rule.
Yerinjakian shows no hesitation with his response.
"Do we want to be remembered only through catastrophes like the earthquake or wars like Karabakh. How about the happier events. Imagine the public relations coup if Miss Armenia wins either the Miss Europe in Moscow September 6 or the Miss International crown in Tokyo October 7 this year," Yerinjakian said.
Armenia is one of only three former Soviet republics participating in the forthcoming Miss Europe competition. The others are Russia and Ukraine.
"Visualize Miss Armenia on stage in a national costume holding an Armenian flag. She will be a great ambassador and envoy to the world. Our participation in such international events will enhance our national image," he said.
At 17, the first Miss Armenia is no stranger to representing her country at international events.
After winning the Armenian gymnastics championship in 1992, she joined the national team on tours of several countries, including France in 1994.
"I still practice four hours a day and hope to major in physical education and even win the World championship. But at the moment, school has to wait because I am concentrating on the beauty contests in Moscow and Tokyo.
"I have to improve my English and general education. Armenia will be proud of me when I represent my country at these contests," she said.
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Armenia: A New Era
