Rexburg Couple Crowned Mr. and Mrs. Classic World at International Pageant in Bulgaria
Rexburg, Idaho – Douglass and Nini Anderson, a couple hailing from Rexburg, Idaho, have recently achieved international acclaim after being awarded the titles of Mr. and Mrs. Classic World at the Classic Universe Pageant held in Sofia, Bulgaria. This prestigious event, which took place at the end of October, saw contestants from 20 different countries showcasing their unique talents on a global stage.
The Andersons stood out from a diverse array of competitors, thanks largely to their captivating ballroom dance routine. “We were honored to represent the United States among such talented individuals from across the globe. Winning was beyond our expectations,” remarked Nini in a recent interview with EastIdahoNews.com.
For Douglass, the experience transcended the competition itself. “The connections we made with individuals from different cultural backgrounds were the most valuable part of this journey. In today’s world, where political tensions can often cloud perceptions, it was refreshing to bond with friends from places like Russia and share laughs and stories,” he reflected.
Bulgaria had not initially been on Douglass’s travel itinerary, yet he found the country to be an unexpected delight. The Andersons’ participation in the pageant is reminiscent of America’s Got Talent, where contestants flaunt various skills and are evaluated based on stage presence, appearance, and their ability to engage the audience. Nini, with a touch of humor, noted that in the context of a universe pageant, receiving a world title equates to achieving second place, yet it is a significant accolade nonetheless.
This achievement follows a series of milestones for the couple, including their victory at the Mr. and Mrs. USA pageant held in Salt Lake City earlier this year. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a trans-Atlantic cruise, an experience enriched by their passion for dance. Upon learning of their talent, the cruise staff invited them to conduct dance classes for fellow passengers, a venture they embraced enthusiastically. “We had a fantastic time engaging with large groups during our lessons,” Douglass shared.
Nini is no stranger to the pageant scene; she triumphed at the Mrs. North America pageant last year and later defended her title in Dubai. Additionally, her daughter participated as Miss USA at the Super Model Universe. Although they did not win any awards during that event, Nini cherished the opportunity to bond with her daughter in such a whirlwind of cultural exchange and personal growth. “The essence of competition is to give your best, and while not every experience results in a trophy, the insights you gain are irreplaceable. I’ve learned that the concept of beauty varies across cultures,” she noted.
The Andersons’ journey began over two decades ago at Ricks College, where they first met during a dance class. Nini, whose childhood was steeped in dance thanks to her parents’ involvement with the college’s ballroom team, found a partner in Douglass, who was introduced to dance through a brother. This shared passion propelled them to teach dance classes at Retrix Dance Studio, fostering a lasting love for performance.
While both Andersons currently work as civil engineers for the U.S. Forest Service, their hearts remain anchored in dance. The flourishing dance community they once fostered in Rexburg continues to be an integral part of their lives, providing avenues for creativity and personal expression.
Looking to the future, Douglass is open to the possibility of participating in more pageants, while Nini has received invitations to return to the Classic Universe Pageant next year as judges. “We are weighing our options, as we never know where this journey might lead us,” Nini expressed thoughtfully.
As the couple embraces their newfound recognition, their story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of the arts and the way they bridge divides, foster friendships, and create a sense of community on an international scale. The Andersons embody the spirit of resilience and connection, proving that the paths we take can lead to unimagined opportunities and experiences.
—
Tags: #CommunitiesNews #PeopleCultureNews #WorldNews #Bulgaria