Jackie gabrysh

• As a first time competitor, I had no idea what to expect or how to achieve what I needed for my stage presentation. I was so fortunate to have been introduced to Tina. She made all of the ladies feel so comfortable and relaxed, and as new competitor this was a fundamental part for me to take the next step. She played an active part in every area that I needed help with. Her knowledge and expertise put me at ease and motivated me to do the very best that I can with grace and confidence. Tina goes above and beyond to help you reach your goals, I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to work with her.

Dawnn Burfoot

• I started working with Center Stage Figures when I was not even close to competition shape. Tina always believed in me and my determination to become a shining example of what Center Stage represents. In a year, I lost close to 80 lbs and competed partly due to the coaching and support Tina provided me. I am honored to be a part of such a strong all woman run organization, an organization that believed in me when most people had doubt. Thank you Center Stage, Mary and Tina, I will continue to make you proud!

Tiffany

• I had been wanting to compete for 10 years. I always read women's fitness and bodybuilding magazines and was so enamored of the women's physiques. Two years ago a friend of mine told me to start by hiring a posing coach. I had no idea what I was getting into! I contacted and met with Tina of CSF and she asked me to begin by showing her my idea of the required poses. I performed my first round of quarter turns and Tina said in her very honest and no BS way, "Um, you need a lot of work!" From that moment I loved every second of working with Tina. She is always honest, up front, tells you your strengths and helps you correct your weaknesses. Over the year of working towards the stage I struggled with physical and personal setbacks. Tina was there for it all! And, she never let me give up. Several times I said there was no way I would make it to compete and a week before my first competition, I backed out. Tina stayed working with me encouraging me and pushing me and when it came closer to the 2nd competition, I tried to back out again after everybody around me said I wouldn't place and I wasn't ready for the stage. Tina again kept encouraging me to finish what I had started and worked so hard for. I got 3rd place (in novice) in my first competition...despite everybody around me saying I wouldn't place at all! The most important part of working with Tina is that she never lets you give up, she's there through all of the upset, tears, stress and personal things that come up as you approach competition. In particular, as a single mom of two little boys it is really difficult to get to the stage. There is literally nobody to rely on but yourself. Working with Tina makes you feel like you have a whole army behind you helping you succeed on stage! Tina helps with all aspects of getting to the stage--including which suit will complement you best, dietary tips and ways to tweak your workouts to improve your results so that when you arrive at your competition venue you feel confident and prepared to crush it.

Crystal Jean Hulmes

• "The Art of Figure Competition is an essential component to a figure girls preparation, whether she be a seasoned competitor or a beginner starting from scratch. As a new girl to this sport, I really needed a simplistic tool to help me build a good foundation for my posing and teach me to pose like the pro's.  Mary's DVD reviews posing for different organizations, and she shows the best styles for different body types. She covers not only posing, but stage walks, presentation, along with tips and tricks.  Mary is simply fabulous, and I highly recommend bringing her into your home!  But let me warn you, after watching the DVD, you will insist on posing with Mary in person. I'm sure glad I did! She has guided me in all aspects of competition and for that I am grateful. If you want to shine, get polished with Mary Bell's The Art of Figure Competition."

Michelle Shepherd, WNBF Figure Pro

• Mary's DVD was very helpful, for both me and my sister. She covered all the basics and much more. Her insight and teachings helped us to greatly improve our posing and stage presentation. Thanks Mary for sharing your expertise with us!!

Coco

• I wanted to encourage those who are competing this year and who can't get to Mary in person, to purchase the DVD!! I bought the DVD a few weeks out from my first figure competition. Since I couldn't find any posing workshops in my area, I had to rely on practicing with DVD's. I had also purchased 2 other DVD's prior to buying Mary's. I have to honestly say that Mary's was the most informative, thorough, and helpful. Nice job, girl! I plan to compete in different orgs this year and it's nice to have all the info on one video. Mary also breaks down each pose and for each org, step by step. The sample "stage walks" for each are also great pieces to watch. The BIGGEST benefit, for me, was watching Mary's clip of her own stage walk presentation. I knew going into my first competition that I wasn't as lean as I needed to be. Nonetheless, I was determined to take Mary's advice and walk out on that stage like I owned it. I practiced Mary's signature "twist" and "spunk" which you'll see in her stage walk. After my centest, I asked the judges for feedback. The biggest compliment that I received from both the judges was about my "stage presence". They said I had a GREAT presence on stage, I was upbeat and confident, I looked like I was enjoying myself, my transitions were smooth (thanks Mary) and my overall demeanor was striking! The only constructive critique was to get a little leaner. I really appreciate all the info that Mary included in the video and all the "little things" that make a BIG difference. There will be times when there will be little to distinguish you from the next competitor and it will be your "polished" presentation which will set you above the rest. Thanks again, Mary. I hope to meet you in person one day and give you a great BIG HUG of thanks for all your help.

Karmel, CA

• I just finished watching the ENTIRE DVD - in one sitting!
  
  Mary, I can't tell you how incredibly informative it is! I just decided to do my first competition about a week ago and I've started training sessions with my trainer this week and have definitely tightened up my diet. The plan is for a competition in Sept 2007. The organization is INBA, but thanks again for the amazing DVD...before I watched it, I was seriously still having doubts and fears about being on stage. But your DVD has definitely boosted my confidence and I'm happy to have found out about it 7 months in advance of my competition date which gives me plenty of time to practice!
  
  Everything I've seen about figure gals have always been photos - snapshots really-of these gorgeous women and perfect physiques. Your DVD allowed me to see these figure champs not only in their best form through their posing-but to also see them as human beings-like me. It definitely helped me realize: "YES! I CAN do this!"
  
  SO THANK YOU!

Tiffany - August 2006

• I have to “rat” out Mary Bell, she is to the one responsible for “dangling the carrot” in front of me!!!  As a “novice” participating in my first figure fitness competition, I took the time to investigate how one participates. But, most importantly, what it would take for me to win a competition of this magnitude. I was able to attend one competition to get an idea about what I could expect. I came away from the show knowing there were three things that had to be done: A strict diet, a consistent training routine and the most proper and professional way to present myself. The exercise was easy, the diet harder- although doable, but it was the posing that I was worried about. So, when I was searching for a the best figure posing coaches in the region, the same name kept popping up. So, I decided to give my business to Center Stage Figures. I mean, wouldn’t you want to hire the best trainer, nutritionist and posing coach that could help you WIN!?!?  I hit it on the mark with the exercise and a bit less on the diet, but it was Mary’s graceful and professional posing training that became the last part of the elements that had to be right on. Mary gave me the confidence that I needed to present myself in front of a studio audience and to pose well enough to impress the judges. Thank you Mary, for trusting in my athletic abilities, for calling me your “friend” first, your client second and for giving me the confidence to seal the deal!

Tina and Eric Peratino - August 2006

• Mary, Eric and I owe so much to you for choreographing such a beautiful couples posing routine for us this spring. Being the first time that Eric and I have done this together, we had no idea where to begin. You helped us choose the right song and put together a routine that was not only romantic and tender, but allowed us to show off our physique and flexibility. I think the crowd was really 'wowed' with the split and the lift (and can't forget that kiss!). You're the best. Eric and I are currently undefeated in the couples posing category after performing it at the USBF Silver Cup and OCB Spirit of America. We have 2 first place trophies and we owe it all to you. We look forward to working with you again for yet another exciting routine for the fall shows! We love you!

Stacy - April 2006

• Mary is awesome! Although I had my training in the gym down, I had no idea how to walk, nonetheless look graceful and poised, in 5-inch heels. I was lost when it came to how to pose and present myself on stage; I didn’t know where to begin with the aspects of figure that make it unique from bodybuilding. Mary, with her encouraging and honest demeanor, worked hard with me to transform this former tomboy into to a fit-and-feminine figure competitor. Not only did she teach me to pose and to walk, but she taught me what it meant to being the best “me” that I could to the show, and to be confident in myself and my hard work. She reminded me of the balance of this lifestyle, and how to have fun doing it. For anyone looking to compete, Mary Bell is your girl. I consider her not only my coach who helped me take 2nd place in the novice class in my first show, but I also consider her a friend. Thank you, Mary, for passing along your expertise and your passion!

Nikki Schiavone and Dominic Sessa - November 2005

• Hey Mary!!! I remember the first time I was introduced to you by John Puskarich. I took one look at how beautiful you were and said, "how am I supposed to look like her in less than two months?" Anyone that meets you can feel your warmth, confidence and positive attitude. Dominic and I appreciate everything that you have done for the both of us. With your guidance for the USBF Baltimore National USBF show, I took 2nd place in the Novice Division- and it was only my second contest! Dominic won the USBF Novice heavyweight division, and this was only his second show as well. I had so much fun training with you, and I completely watch the movie "Pretty Woman" in a different light (hahaha). You taught how posing, presentation and confidence is key to competing. You are a great teacher and I know you will excel in anything you put your mind to- as you always say, "Is that a Challenge?- Then watch out!" You were always willing to help Dominic and I no matter what or when, and I can't thank you enough! Thank you so much for taking time out of your schedule to work with Dom and myself and help bring out my "A" game. I can't wait to try more routines and gain more experience in the great sport of Figure Competing. We had a blast working with you and can't wait to train for another competition with your help! Your friends, Nikki Schiavone and Dominic Sessa - November 2005

Tina Peratino - November 2005

• What can I say about Mary Bell? She is absolutely one of the truest and most genuine people that I have come to know. She took this diamond in the rough (and I mean really rough) and made me shine. I came away from my first ever figure show with 1st place in Novice Short and the Novice Overall title, as well as 2nd place in the Open short class. I couldn't have done any of this with our her guidance and expertise - anyone can put in the hard work on diet and exercise, but if you don't know how to show off your assets on the stage, it can all go to waste! Her training style put me at ease and gave me the confidence I needed to bring my "A" game to my competitions. She truely cares about the women that she trains and it shows in everything that she does. I cannot wait to get started working with Mary again next season - next year it's time for a routine!

Eliva - November 2005

• Mary! Thank You So Much! There are really not words to express how happy I am. I can't believe I won first place. I know I would have never been able to do it with out you helping me. You are so kind and understanding, you went out of your way to meet with me multiple times a week. Your eye for perfection helped so much. I really thought I had a clue to what I was doing until I met you and saw how well you and your other clients posed. I am so happy you helped me. I will tell everyone who wants to do a Figure Competitions that they have to see you first. I never knew how posing and stage presence could make you or break you. Thanks again Mary. I will see you in the gym.

  
  

Lisa - November 2005

• Hi Mary. Thanks for all of your help preparing for the competition. The experience was terrific.

Kerry Nolan - November 2005

• Thank You, Mary.
  
  I received the suit yesterday and its more than I could have hoped for. It fits beautifully and its very flattering. Hopefully some of your luck will rub off on me. Once again, thank you so much.
  
  Sincerely,

Mary-Beth Fitz - October 2005

• WHAT A GREAT PRIVELEDGE IT WAS TO WORK WITH MARY BELL !! IT WAS HER EXPIERENCE AND HER TRAINED EYE FOR DETAILS THAT HELPED ME BECOME ALL THAT I COULD BE. {1ST PLACE IN SHORT AND OVERALL WINNER IN USBF SILVER CUP MARYLAND, 1ST PLACE IN SHORT AND OVERALL WINNER IN NABBA BATTLE OF YORK} YES! THANKS SO MUCH! AS MARY WOULD SAY, " YOU HAVE TO PUT YOUR TIME IN, IT SHOWS IF YOU DON'T ". I HAVE TO AGREE. I DROVE 1 HOUR AND 30 MINUTES ONE WAY FOR 3 MONTHS TO SEE HER, AND THE JOURNEY HOME WAS EVEN LONGER DUE TO TRAFIC. I ALSO PRACTICED MY POSING AT LEAST 4 TO 5 TIMES A WEEK. ANY REGRETS ? ... NO WAY! I COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT WITH OUT HER. SHE HELPED BUILD MY CONFIDENCE AND POLISH THOSE QUARTER TURNS AND POSES TO PERFECTION! WHEN I'M READY TO DO ANOTHER SHOW, SHE WILL BE THE FIRST TO KNOW, THEN MY JOURNEY WILL BEGIN ALL OVER AGAIN. THANKS AGAIN MARY BELL