Ava T., Age 13 yrs., Take 7!

From the moment we arrived at the Hanover Marriott, I had butterflies in my stomach.  I was only too

My Team! Dubai A

excited to be modeling again at East Coast Starz 7 since my experience at East Coast Starz 6 was AMAZING!  Upon arrival I met with Lauren Handler, the director of East Coast Starz.  She is so nice!  Percy was there too – one of my favorite people at East Coast, she is very sweet and helpful and amazing with all of us girls.  I registered and immediately went over to the store and my mom bought me the exclusive East Coast Starz blinged out two piece “model” sweat suit before they sold out!   My mom then bought a raffle ticket, and we were directed to go see Stacie Fitzgerald at the “Fitz’s House of Style.”  I know Stacie from her adorable daughter Paige who I love so much!  Paige is a top model in NYC so Stacie really knows her stuff.  Stacie had a gorgeous outfit for me to model in for my sponsor outfit.  I was then given the outfit from our Diamond Sponsor Outerstuff for the Teen Runway Showdown.  When Stacie opened up the box and gave me the Brooklyn Nets shirt, I just screamed!  That is my favorite team so I know that a little luck was on my side!

Outfits from Outerstuff... Brooklyn Nets are my FAV team!

After that it was time to meet with my team and practice before hitting the stage in our gorgeous destination outfits.  Our country was Dubai!  My mom bought me a caftan on ebay and we altered it to make it more modern.  It was an incredible outfit and I was ready to strut down the runway.  I had so much fun meeting and bonding with my team.  All the girls were so nice and friendly and we had a great time.

My Dubai inspired outfit!

At Starz 6 I was interviewed by Shirley Grant Management and was chosen for the callback so I did not go to the interviews this time, but my friend Andora from my Dubai Team got called back to meet with Shirley Grant so I was VERY excited for her!  East Coast Starz opens so many doors!  Funny Face Today was also represented at Starz, they are a top modeling agency in New York City.

We then went to our group photo shoot with Olesja Muller and that was fun and amazing.  I felt as though I was in New York on a modeling gig!  We then went directly into our individual photos with Child Essence Magazine and Alexi Kilmer -- her photos are always so gorgeous.  My mom had to order extra pictures!!!  My mom loves East Coast Starz for the memories she gets from all the beautiful photos.

After the photo shoots we had a scavenger hunt and we all laughed and ran around like crazy trying to win the game.  Afterwards we went to the party – Stacie always has the best parties at her pageants.  We danced and talked and everyone was so excited about the competition the next day!

Day 2 arrived and everyone was very excited.  After hair and makeup, it was time to walk the runway in our themed destination outfits.  It was so awesome to see the different outfits for each destination country.  The time came for Team Dubai A to show our modeling abilities and walk the runway in our themed outfits!  We each showcased our outfits and then came back for an encore walk.  One of my favorite things about East Coast Starz is being able to walk the runway, wear designer clothes, mingle with acting agents and top modeling agencies.  Once we finished modeling we then got ready for our sponsor showcase!  My outfit was the cutest blue and hot pink skirt and blue shrug.  Team Dubai A modeled together again in this portion of the competition, but this time we were only judged on our encore so we made sure we practiced, and focused on that.  Once the showcase was over, I got ready for the optional "Pose Off" competition, one of my favorite parts of the competition.  I had so much fun doing the Pose off, I was given the cutest blinged out shirt at registration to wear for the pose off.  One of my best friends Dominique Rivera won the Pose Off!!!!

Rocking the runway for Outerstuff!

As soon as the Pose Off competition was over, it was time for the Teen Runway Showdown sponsored by Outerstuff.  This is where I got to wear the Brooklyn Nets shirt.  I also added a basketball to model with my outfit and I guess that must have impressed the judges because I won!!!!!  I was over the top excited!

At the final show, Team Dubai A did not win the overall competition, but we did win “Best Supermodel
Ability” so we were very happy to have been recognized for our modeling – I thought our team rocked it!

Last but not least…. remember when I told you that my mom bought a raffle ticket?  Yessssss, I won that too!  I won a Pink Limo ride, I won a Bebe’s track suit valued over $300, I won a Juicy Couture outfit and a fashion bag filled with goodies!!  East Coast Starz was a weekend I will never forget.  Thank you so much Lauren and Stacie!

Avana H., Age 4, East Coast Starz Take 7!

Photographer: Andres Campos

I must say I really enjoyed myself at my first Starz's event, my daughter was so excited about rocking that runway and showing off her cute outfits. She loves making new friends and having fun! She really enjoyed the scavenger hunt and getting to run around the hotel, but I believe the highlight for her was the party, she loves to dance and she got to meet Elsa and Anna.

That just made her day and night she's still talking about that moment. We cant wait for Take 8! Thanks to Lauren and Stacie for a great weekend. Shout to my team NY B moms it was great meeting you ladies and I hope to see you again!

 -Crissy, Avana's mom :)

Photographer: Olesja Mueller

Carrie Berk, Age 11, NY Fashion Week

Me and my BFF Lila!

Me!

Best time I have ever had with East Coast Starz (and there have been lots! Pink Hummer anyone?!) was walking the runway during New York Fashion Week! My mom, my two friends Lila Goldstein and Sophie Ostrove and I all piled in the car and arrived at Studio Square in Long Island City. I met Booch O'Connell in line. 

We had met before at Take 4 and we became really good friends chatting about how much we loved fashion and Dance Moms! Inside, super stylist Stacie Fitz quickly picked out an awesome Les Tout Petit outfit for me: a rocker chic look with silver leggings a black shirt and a furry vest. The outdoor stage and runway was huge, and there were so many people watching and cheering for us! 

With the cast of Dance Moms!

I loved strutting down the runway and striking a pose. At the end of the day I got to hang with Chloe, Paige, Maddie, Kenzie and their moms from Dance Moms. We took tons of pics and they signed autographs for me. It was an amazing experience from start to finish--the only kind you get at East Coast Starz!!!
--Carrie Berk age 11

Leeza K., Age 12, Take 7!

After walking into the beautiful Marriott, I was welcomed by Lauren Handler, the owner, and Percy, Lauren and Stacie's helper at registration in a room full of gorgeous couture and Starz wear.  I then went up to Fitz's House of Style where Stacie Fitzgerald, the other owner, picked out a beautiful, blue romper by Les Tout Petits, for my sponsor outfit. Soon after that we had our team meetings. I was so excited to finally meet my team. All the girls were so sweet and we instantly had a bond.

The same day, I was honored to have had the opportunity to meet with Funny Face Today and Shirley Grant Management. Both agents were really nice and tried to engage in a conversation with each girl whether they were interested or not.

Photo Credit: Child Essence 

Next came the two photo shoots. I had been waiting for months to have a photo shoot with Olesja Muller

and I was so excited Stacie and Lauren were able to fly her in from California to shoot with every group. She was so sweet and hilarious! The whole time we couldn't stop laughing! We also had our individual photo shoot with Child Essence's, Alexi Kilmer. I had the opportunity to shoot with Alexi at Take 6 and I was so glad she came back, because she did an amazing job on my headshots last time!

I thought the scavenger hunt was such a great idea and our team had so much fun visiting all the stops! I think it really helped us become better friends. The scavenger hunt ended with the famous Starz party. Our team had SO much fun playing all the games and dancing. We danced until we all passed out in our beds.

Designers of Les Tout Petits Lois & Danny with Team London!

Our Team's Photo from the Destination Photo Booth at the Starz Party!

Finally, day 2 of Starz was here! I couldn't hold in my excitement anymore I woke up at 7am ready for the day ahead of me. What I really enjoy about Starz is that they open the runway for practice and Percy always gives you some tips. Since our group didn't go on until later, we watched the adorable little kids show, practiced our walks, and shopped at the booths in the ballroom!

Before we knew it, it was time to get ready, and walk the runway in our themed destination outfits. It was so cool to see what each person came up with for their destination. The time finally came for Team London to walk the runway in our London themed outfits! One by one we walked the runway, and then came out at the end for an encore. Once you hit the runway, all your nerves go away and you just are overjoyed with happiness and excitement.  We finished our routine and then started to go get ready for our sponsor showcase! We all did our routine, but this time we were only judged on our encore so we made sure we practiced, and focused on our encore. As we completed the sponsor showcase, the girls who were in the optional "Pose Off" competition headed for the dressing room while the others watched. I had so much fun doing the Pose off and the shirts we were given to wear were SO cute!

After, we completed the Pose Off we went back into our London outfits for awards. Even though we didn't win, we won for most team spirit and best of all gained confidence and made friends forever. I want to thank Lauren, Stacie, and the East Coast Starz staff for making such amazing events that lead to friendships, fun, and building my confidence.

Belle S., Age 4 yrs., Take 7!

We love East Coast Starz!!! It's always fun there!!! I can hear my daughter Belle chanting this words.

The very first time we joined this amazing group, my then 3 years old daughter Belle was a very shy little girl. After her first East Coast Starz experience, she evolve into this confident and more outgoing self. That put smile on mommy's face, seeing my little girl enjoyed every fun activities and opportunities this amazing group offered. Every child is treated and made feel like a star that they are. Everyone is a winner and everyone has the chance to shine.

Belle had so much fun at Take 7 event. We met lots of our old friends and made lots of new ones. The event was a great experience not only for kids but for the whole family as well. Fashion, friendship, and building confidence is what we came for. Our fun weekend last Friday night started with the registration. Belle was so happy and thankful when Lauren Handler handed me a black "Pose off" shirt. After we received our sponsored outfit and styled by the one and only Stacie Fitzgerald, we met our team members in the pool. Kids had so much fun and enjoyed the pool while the mommies and some grandmas we met enjoyed chatting and exchanging ideas for the Team show.

Photo Credit: Child Essence Photography

The next day we met with Industry professionals. Belle got the chance to be seen and interviewed by Shirley Grant and Funny Faces Agency representatives.The amazing photographer Olesja Mueller Austrauskas took group picture of each team and Child Essence Photography took the individual pictures. East Coast Starz event also brought some of New York's talented photographers including Nathan Yungerberg, John Zadrozny of iStyle Photography, Stacy Holland Galizzi Photography, Le red and also Franco Photography from Texas who's works can be seen in Vogue Italia and lucky for Belle to be photographed by them.

Belle's Team A New York was so lucky to receive a couture dress especially made for them by the very talented designer Loren Franco, who came all the way from Texas to join the fun at Take 7. It was because of East Coast Starz that we finally met the CEO of Kid's Dream ( Belle modeled for the company) Chewy Jang from Los Angeles who sponsored another great team.

Belle's friend Kaidance who is from Tennessee was signed up by her mom Heather and joined Team A New York. Both Belle and Kaidance will have that special bond and memories to treasure. Belle was also very happy to see her picture in the billboard. Kids had a great time this weekend, from hanging out with old and new friends in the pool, to the scavenger hunt, the party where they met their favorite Frozen characters Elsa and Anna, meeting with industry professionals, photo shoots and runway...my Belle had a blast!

For Belle, we cannot miss the Take 7 event. She was so excited about it that even if she was not feeling well the night before the runway show, @ 2AM she was feverish, she woke us up at 6 AM and her exact words "Today is the day of my fashion show. Let's get moving! I don't want to miss it! “She is such a trooper and enjoyed every minute of it.

The highlight of the event for her is walking in the runway and when she received her crown and swag bag. I love that every participant were given a crown and a swag bag that made the child believe she won something for doing a great job. If you are a mom like me who doesn't want competition alone but want to have fun and build your kid's confidence, this is where you want to be. Come join us at East Coast Starz where every kid is a star.

-Christie Smith 

Natalie B., Age 2 yrs., Take 7!

East Coast Starz weekend is a weekend we really look forward to. Once we arrive at the hotel, we register and receive our beautiful sponsor outfits. To our surprise, for Take 7, my daughter not only received one beautiful sponsor outfit, but Team Rome was selected as one of the Lucky Hours, and we received another beautiful outfit! During registration, the line was a little long, but my two year old didn't get bored, she spotted her friend and veteran Starz girl, Jazzy! Natalie and Jazzy were excited to see each other! Also, during our time in line, Natalie made a new friend named Journee, and was able to meet one of her teammates, Khloe. The girls became instant friends and endless rounds of Ring Around the Rosie made the time fly by. After registration and receiving my daughter's sponsor outfits, we went back to our room. However, that didn't last long. My daughter had brought with her a plush My Little Pony and asked if we could go back and find Khloe to show her it. The picture provided, shows the meeting! After all of this fun, Natalie was ready to go to sleep.

Saturday morning started off with our mandatory team meeting. Since Natalie was the team captain, I assumed the role for her since she is only two. After the meeting, I got Natalie all dressed for her Live Photogenic with the talented Child Essence Photography. We also opted to take advantage of the individual

photo sessions by such talented photographers. I booked Natalie's session with LeRed Photography, another very talented photographer. I would have loved to book with all of them but Natalie eventually runs out of smiles. However, these photographers are the best of the best and during Starz weekend, they offer wonderful discounted sessions. At this time, Natalie was reunited with yet another friend and veteran Starz girl, Bella! Those two held hands and were inseparable all weekend. I absolutely love the picture of these two hugging. Natalie was also introduced to two more teammates, Mackenzie and Arionne.

After the individual Live Photogenic, we went upstairs for Team Rome's sponsor outfit group pictures. We had a little bit of a wait, but Natalie, Bella, and Jazzy decided to engage in Ring Around the Rosie. That seemed to be very popular this weekend! These pictures were taken by the talented, Olesja Mueller-Astrauskas. It seemed as if Team Rome's session was taking a very long time. I was trying to peak in, but I couldn't see the girls. We could definitely hear them at times!! I believe Team Rome might have been the toughest group to capture that morning ;) When they came out, Natalie told me they listened to her favorite song, "Let It Go". I also want to add, the Live Photogenic and the Sponsor Group pictures, we always receive a link and the rights to download and have copies made.

Photo Credit: Olesja Mueller

We now had a little break until the Scavenger Hunt. We just went out to lunch and the bakery, of course, to get some treats!! The Scavenger Hunt began at 6. This was brand new for Take 7. I also want to add that Take 7 introduced the team events, and I really like this concept. The Scavenger Hunt was fun. We all went searching with the clues provided. Team Rome, I believe, came in 6th place. Up next, the Party!!! Natalie loves a good party, and she was so excited to go. At Take 6, Natalie was hysterical when I tried to have her leave the party that we had to go back in and she danced with the older girls. Well, no tears at this one for her, but she did manage to dance with the older girls. It seems as if her and Bella got with the older girls again and judging by the picture, it would look as if Ring Around the Rosie was what they were doing again! I doubt they were, considering these were older girls they were dancing with. Then, Natalie's dreams came true, Elsa and Anna appeared on stage and sang her favorite song!! Natalie and Bella were singing loud and proud, along with the other girls! We then lined up for a meet and greet. Natalie looked completely star struck meeting these two. I provided a picture to show how all of the color was drained out of her face!! After a little more time at the party, Natalie went up to our room to go to sleep. But, before she did that, she saw her friend Sydney and got a picture with her. Natalie met Sydney during the East Coast Starz limo trip in April. Natalie was the Billboard winner at Take 6, and her prize packaged included luggage, a gigantic trophy, crown, and the prize of a lifetime, a seat in the pink hummer limo for the Starz NYC trip. Natalie met so many new friends that day. The older girls (Cianna, Sydney, and Dani) carried her and held her hand throughout the day. Natalie felt so 

"cool" being with the older girls!

Sunday arrived!!! Natalie got ready to go and represent Rome with her adorable teammates. These little girls, being the youngest in the show, had so much fun! They looked beautiful! They just couldn't get enough of the runway. They all modeled individually and then came out together for their team finale. Once they were done, we went and got ready for the Sponsor show. Natalie and her team were given dressed to model and keep from Halabaloo. These dresses were colorful and beautiful. Again, they modeled individually, and then all together. It was a challenge to get them to exit the runway. They just loved being up there in front of the audience. Team Rome still had to participate in Lucky Hour but before that, there was a new, optional event the "Pose Off". Natalie passed on this one, well I passed on it for her since her posing ability is a little rough around the edges!! She looks like she is doing a karate move when asked to pose. Now, it was time for Lucky Hour. Team Rome appeared on the runway again. I have included a picture of their final pose together during Lucky Hour. Two teammates were missing from this showcase since it wasn't a "scored" event. They had fallen asleep :) Now, it was almost time for the awards! One thing I love about Starz is that all girls go home a winner with a crown and swag bag. Prior to awards, Stacie and Lauren bring in performers to sing or dance. It's always exciting to see who is going to be there because these little girls stand along the runway looking up at these performers with such excitement! Also, Natalie located her friend Kayla and made sure to get a picture with her. Natalie met Kayla at Take 6 and they danced the night away with each other at the party! Award time, Team Rome wasn't one of the top three teams, but they did a fantastic jobs for their age! The girls took some time to pose for some pictures, said their goodbyes and parted ways.

Starz weekend is a fun filled weekend. Not only do the girls make lasting friendships, us moms do too. Starz brings out the confidence in all of the girls. My daughter was so shy at Take 5, but now is a runway obsessed toddler! Lauren and Stacie are the best and I thank them for allowing us to have such a fun event to look forward to going to twice a year. East Coast Starz is a class act!!