Richardson woman in her 50s wins first beauty pageant

Sheree Koester signed up for tap dance lessons at the Huffhines Recreation Center in Richardson three years ago, hoping to have fun, increase her fitness level and meet new friends.

She did all of these things, and also went on to compete in and win her first-ever beauty pageant — in her 50s. Koester became the winner of 2021′s MS Senior World 50s pageant in January.

Part of Koester’s platform was talking about what she gained through the dance classes at Huffhines. The program helped her gain more poise and self-confidence, Koester said in a video report.

“It’s just a wonderful program. It benefits not only physical aspects, but mental aspects because we have to learn so much and remember things and it helps develop my core and my overall self-esteem,” she said.

Many others in the program look up to her, especially the younger students, Huffhines Dance Instructor Samantha Cinalli said in the video report.

“She is fabulous,” Cinalli said. “I have all kinds of girls who look up to those who do pageants and see women who represent girls and females who are doing awesome and amazing things in the world,” Cinalli said.

A listing of classes available in Richardson are available online.