Miss America, Misty Copeland, and a Maryland Crab Walk Up to a Barre

Randall Kenneth Jones, Maryland Crab Wannabe.

Photo by Alexander Wakefield Jones

A couple of months ago, I wrote about my adventures attending the Miss America competition in West Palm Beach, including my brush with the law, the “congeniality” effect, and my fascination with Regan Hutsell, the new titleholder.

My message was simple: GET OUT! Do something! Pursue the people, places, and experiences that make your heart sing.

Life isn’t meant to be experienced exclusively from the comfort of your sofa. Although, admittedly, my sofa and I have enjoyed a long and meaningful relationship.

What I didn’t anticipate was taking my own advice up a notch and finding myself sitting face-to-face with Miss America herself.

Regan Hutsell recently joined me for an episode of my podcast, ON THE KNOWS. (www.OnTheKnows.com). Suddenly, the young woman I’d watched capture the crown was sharing her extraordinary story in person.

Though I had proudly predicted her win, the magnificent Regan Hutsell won me over all over again!

Regan’s journey from professional ballet dancer and Radio City Rockette to Miss America is fascinating. But what impressed me most wasn’t her résumé. It was her heart. Her commitment to being present for everyone who crosses her path.

Then there’s Misty Copeland, the pioneering ballet dancer and cultural icon who rose to global prominence as the first African American female principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre’s 75-year history.

Simply by doing her job, Misty indirectly inspired Regan when a competition judge told her, as a young dancer, that she had a little of Copeland’s magic.

Imagine what those words meant to a child who hadn’t always received encouragement from her teachers.

Sometimes, the right words at the right moment can change someone’s life. And oftentimes, the person inspiring us has no idea they are doing it.

I LOVE that! Fame isn’t required to inspire.

Next up: the world-famous Rockettes. Their legendary precision requires dancers to move as one. Every kick, every turn, every smile must contribute to the larger picture.

But Regan reminded me that individuality still matters.

“Nobody wants to see a robot on stage,” she explained. “People want to connect with what is human, what is real, and what makes them feel something.”

BINGO!

Whether you’re dancing at Radio City Music Hall, delivering a speech, or simply having coffee with a friend, authenticity creates connection.

Regan’s Miss America community service initiative, “Your Body Is Your Home,” comes from a deeply personal place.

She spoke candidly about developing an eating disorder and the damaging impact of criticism about her body throughout her dance career.

During her recovery, a coach offered life-changing wisdom: “Even though your body has been your instrument, it is first, and it’s always your home.”

Those words helped reshape Regan’s relationship with herself. Today, she’s using her platform to encourage others to treat their bodies with compassion and respect.

That’s leadership. That’s service. And that’s why I continue to believe the Miss America Opportunity’s time-honored commitment to Style, Service, Scholarship, and Success deserves our admiration and support.

Regan also shared a message that transcends crowns, competitions, and careers.

“You don’t have to wait until you have a crown on your head. Kindness starts now.”

Big time true.

Now, about that Maryland crab.

In my earlier column, I discussed supporting my BFF Tammy Roberts and the Miss Maryland program. Somewhere along the way, I floated the idea of showcasing my spirit by attending the Miss America competition dressed as a Maryland crab.

During my podcast conversation with Regan, I even modeled a crab hat. Regan loved it.

Then something happened: viewers and listeners began offering to donate to the Miss America scholarship fund if I actually show up at next year’s competition dressed head-to-toe as a Maryland crab.

I haven’t committed. Yet. (But I am all about supporting education!)  But wouldn’t it be wonderful if an innocent joke ultimately helped support something meaningful?

That brings me back to my original message: Get out. Follow your curiosity. Support something you believe in. Meet people who inspire you. You never KNOW where those experiences might lead.

Sometimes they lead to a ballet barre, Radio City Music Hall, or even Miss America.

And other times, apparently, they lead to a grown man dressed as a crustacean.

Randall Kenneth Jones is an author, podcaster, keynote speaker, creative communications consultant, and a self-proclaimed Don’t-Know-It-All. Visit OnTheKnows.com or RandallKennethJones.com.