Wednesday

How to Walk Like a Model

By: Jacqueline Thomas

Learning how to walk like a model may be your most challenging task when you first start your modeling career. Walking the runway requires a sense of presence and the ability to create a long, lean silhouette for the clothes to take center stage. Unlike in other areas of modeling, models who walk the runway need not be photogenic or considered commercially beautiful. A runway model's walk is her most important quality. No matter how striking a model is, if there is an absence of a strong runway walk, that model will not be able to book jobs.

Practice In High Heels
Although it comes naturally to some, finding and perfecting your trademark strut takes practice and critique. The first place to start for female models is by training your feet. Buy the highest pair of high heels you can find. Wear these shoes everywhere you go. If you're not experienced in walking in pumps or stilettos, expect to wobble quite a bit before you finally achieve balance. Most runway shows require models to wear extremely high-heeled shoes, and it's better to wobble in private than in front of a potential client. Be prepared for back and foot aches, but, if you're serious about your career in runway, you cannot skip this step.
Walk In A Straight Line
If you study runway shows, you will notice that the models walk in a straight line. To practice your walk, imagine that you are walking on a thin line, or a tightrope. Your feet should never step off of that line, and one foot should be placed directly in front of the other.
Step Over Obstacles
Along with walking in a straight line, your steps should also be relatively high. On a runway, you should walk as if you're stepping over small objects or obstacles. Be careful not to appear as if you're galloping as you walk. Your steps should be intentional, but not exaggerated.
Minimize The Bounce
Many models suffer from the dreaded bounce as they walk. A runway walk should be graceful and fluid, not bouncy. To add grace to your strut, place a book on your head as you walk. Successfully balancing a book on your head while walking will minimize the bounce.
Perfect Your Posture
A runway model should have her shoulders back and pelvis slightly tilted forward. A model's legs are the first things you should see as you observe a runway show. If your posture is less than perfect, start correcting it now. Begin sitting up with your shoulders back. Take that attitude to the runway. A straightened posture will always positively affect your body lines as you strut down the aisle.
Pick Up The Pace
When you first start your runway walk, you will start off slow. As you begin perfecting your walk, you'll also need to pick up your gait. Play a fast-paced song, and try to walk to the beat.;
Develop A Concentrated Gaze
A model should never have a blank look in her eyes, and this is especially true for the runway. Be careful to think of something as you're walking down the runway. The strength in your eyes will only complement your walk

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