Mary Lou Phipps of Bloomington, Minnesota has plenty of reasons to feel like dancing. The current Ms. Bloomington Senior 200 was just crowned Ms. Minnesota Senior during a gala pageant that took place during the 9th annual Seniors Expo at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Red Wing. In October, she will travel to Atlantic City, New Jersey to compete in the Ms. Senior America Pageant.

The Ms. Minnesota Senior Pageant showcases mature women age 60 and over - the 'age of elegance' -- as they defy age-related stereotypes. The pageant involves a talent demonstration and evening gown competition, as well as interviews with the judges. Contestants also describe their philosophy of life for the Seniors Expo audience.

"I have a lot of energy and enthusiasm, so I am using my gifts to give back to the community," says Phipps, who tap danced to the song In the Mood for the pageant audience. "An important goal of mine is to give younger people hope. I want them to see by my example that aging can be positive, and I use humor to show that life is still fun."

In fact, Phipps is thriving in her senior years. A retired flight attendant/flight service manager, she enjoys canine agility and obedience training, and has performed dances with her rescued dogs at assisted living facilities, nursing homes, schools and even on TV.

She began dancing at age three and studied hula in Hawaii. She is a member of the Rhinestone Rockettes and the Minnesota Cameo Club through which she performs at nursing homes, churches, schools and other venues.

Phipps has two children and three grandchildren, and loves water aerobics, knitting, and hosting "candle light" dinner parties. She was second runner up in the Ms. Senior Missouri Pageant in 2006, and first runner up in the Ms. Senior Missouri Pageant in 2008.

Anyone interested in becoming involved in next year’s Ms. Minnesota Senior Pageant should call 612-798-7237 or visit www.101expos.com/seniors.

Media Note: For additional information, or to schedule an interview with Mary Lou Phipps should contact Media Relations, Inc. at 612-798-7220.