Does she respond to squeaky toys? Somehow you have to get her attention so she will look up. I know what you mean though about the choking. Are you using a kindness show lead like this:
Dog Bows: Yorkie Bows, Maltese and Shih Tzu Show Dog Bows & Show Leads
You have to make sure the lead is high up on the neck, more under the throat area and not around the trachea.
Just try to make showing fun for her and hopefully she will start getting her head up. We would love to see pictures of her.