For many young aspiring models, walking in a professional runway show is a dream come true. Although walking on the catwalk is incredibly
fun, a model's first catwalk show can be incredibly scary. To give you an idea of how to prepare for your first runway show and perfect
your catwalk, we've got together a list of hints and tips for to get you started.
Walk with purpose
It's really important that you walk with purpose when you're on the catwalk. Imagine how distracting it would be if a model dawdled down the catwalk without any clear direction or focus! The best models in the world are able to shut out all of the distractions around them when they are on the runway and wear their outfit with confidence and style.
A great way to walk with purpose on the runway is by finding a point at the end of the catwalk (perhaps a camera) and focusing on it as you walk. By keeping your gaze centered on that one point as you walk, you will look focused and in control. Once you reach the end of the catwalk and have turned around, find another point (that is at a similar height to your first one) and divert your focus to that as you complete your catwalk.
When it comes to walking with purpose – consistency is key! Try and ensure each step you take is even. In addition to this, keep your strides long and try to align your steps with the beat of the music. It's also a good idea to make sure that you are walking so that each step is in line with the last – just like you would if you were walking on a tightrope! By slightly crossing your legs over each other as you walk, you will find that your hips will slightly sway as you walk.
Unfortunately, the perfect catwalk doesn't happen overnight. As always, practice makes perfect. When you go into a casting for a runway show, it is vital that you have your own style and confidence to your walk so that you can give yourself the best chance at landing the job.
A great way to self train is by performing your walk at home and gathering feedback from friends and family. It's also a good idea to watch as many professional catwalk shows as you can so that you can watch what other models are doing.
Be confident - you look amazing!
There's no denying that catwalking can be really scary. In saying this, however, it is your job as a model to showcase the designer's clothing and the best way to do this is to be fearless on the runway. When we are nervous, it can be a natural instinct to slouch over and try to hide – and this can be incredibly distracting. As such, when you are going into a catwalk show it is important to try and be mindful of standing up straight and keeping your arms nice and relaxed.
When it comes to your facial expression, try to keep it nice and neutral. You don't want to distract from the clothing through engaging too much in your face. Obviously, however, if the designer asks for a particular character or personality from you, this is what you should embody whilst on the runway.
When it comes to walking on the runway, you must embody the character and personality that the designer wants. As such, make sure that you are listening to any feedback or requests that they have carefully. This will ensure that you do your job to the best of your ability and will increase the chance of you getting booked again in the future.
At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember when you are on the catwalk is to embrace the excitement and atmosphere of a live runway show. The adrenalin rush that can come from walking on the runway is amazing and it's something to be excited about!
Remember, even if you do trip up on the runway, all you need to do is brush it off and continue with your walk – mistakes happen to even
the most experienced models!
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