UCA sorority members danced their hearts out for the crown in Sigma Nu’s Greek Goddess pageant.

“It gives the women in Greek life an opportunity to come together and support one another,” Shelby Drumwright, a junior member of Alpha Sigma Alpha, said. “Although we are competing against each other, this event allows us to all be in one setting and enjoy some friendly competition.”

Of the seven competitors at the event, three went home with awards in hand.

Alpha Sigma Tau member senior Madison Yarbrough was awarded best formal question. Alpha Sigma Alpha member junior Shelby Drumwright snatched up the audience favorite award. Delta Zeta member junior Sunni Harrington ended the night with best introduction and best talent, and she took home the title of Greek Goddess.

Harrington said, “We practiced a lot. It was very hard. There were some nights where we would be up till midnight going over things, making sure it was all good. I couldn’t have done it without my Greek family.”

The event raised $4,600, which was donated to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Alongside the proceeds, Greek Goddess also held a canned food drive.

“1,480 cans were donated, which I think is great because they all go to the Conway Ministry Center,” Alpha Sigma Tau member and sophomore Carley Cheatwood said.

Contestants dressed and danced to themes such as “Saturday Night Fever,” “Wednesday,” “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Kim Possible,” Britney Spears and Beyoncé.

Cheatwood said, “My favorite part of the show was definitely seeing all the different talents. Everyone is talented in their own way and being able to experience that is awesome.”

Songs featured throughout the talents section included “Be Our Guest” from “Beauty and the Beast”, Britney Spears’s “Toxic,” “Single Ladies” by Beyoncé and 50 Cent’s “Candy Shop.”

Along with entertaining the audience and performing for the judges, the experience was nostalgic for some.

Drumwright found the dance portions of Greek Goddess to be her favorite.

“I used to do competitive cheerleading, so I grew up performing in front of large crowds,” Drumwright said.

Preparing for such an event proved stressful for Cheatwood, but the enjoyment made the experience worth it.

“I got to be with all of my best friends along the way and it made it so much easier,” Cheatwood said. “I loved seeing all of us work together, but also enjoying each other’s company. We always have a great time when we get asked to be in a dance because we all bond so well.”

Although Greek God and Greek Goddess use a similar template, both including an introduction round, talent round and formal question round, they differentiate themselves with the content of the rounds.

“Greek God tends to have more theatricals and acting in their intro and talent whereas Greek Goddess is more focused on dancing,” Drumwright said.

Greek Goddess used the time in between rounds to showcase interviews filmed during the practice process. 

Interviews included questions such as “What are some of the dance moves for your talent?” or “What is your favorite Spongebob Squarepants quote?”

Cheatwood said, “Sig Nu made videos to play during the show. They gave everyone enough time to where they did not have to worry about rushing.

“It was very different but such a great idea. They were videos of behind-the-scenes, preparing for the day of, interviews and funny little questions. It was also very sentimental and sweet.”

When interviews weren’t being screened, masters of ceremonies Sigma Nu member junior Jacob Rodriguez and Sigma Kappa member junior Sam Sanchez kept the audience company with their banter, even performing a skit to the tune of “Hakuna Matata.”

Rodriguez said, “It’s one of those things that really brings Greek life together. We can all come together and watch these amazing competitors.”