1 It doesn't matter if you're comfortable. Choose the right shoes. If you're not used to walking in heels, you'll learn quickly. If the shoes are new, scratch the soles with
scissors so that they will not slip when they touch the floor.
Alternatively, you can cover the sole of the shoe with masking tape, if
you don't want to scratch your shoes. Whatever you do, don't wear flip
flops!
2 Learn to stand like a supermodel. Practice your posture, throw your shoulders back and down, and push your hips slightly
forward. It might create the illusion that you're leaning forward a
little, rather than leaning back in an unwelcoming pose. You should be
able to balance a book on the top of your head.
3 Place the ball of your foot
down first (not the toes), then your heel, but keep most of your weight
balanced on the ball of your foot rather than on the heel. It may
feel strange, but keeping much of your weight on the ball of the foot
gives you more of an elegant stride than a clunky (stepped down) heel-
weighted walk would. It's almost like walking on your tippy-toes, the
way ballerinas do, but more natural.
4 Put one foot in front of the other (literally).
Toes should face forwards. Your footprints should form a zigzag. When
done quickly, this gives the body that characteristic swing. You ankles
should never bump, this is painful and may make you fall!
5 Make your stride look long
and controlled by lifting your legs almost in the same fashion a horse
would while doing trotting leg extensions. For each stride, you want
to lift your foot a good distance off the ground (with a bend in the
knee) and then place it down a good distance in front of the supporting
leg, with a stride longer than a normal walk would have. Don't make your
strides too large as this will make you look awkward and ungraceful,
but make sure you take large enough steps, rather than just baby steps.
Remember to turn with your hip. It's hard to describe but easy to do.
6 Look straight forward, capturing the essence of the clothes you're wearing with the expression on your face.
Focus on an object straight ahead of you (but don't stare at a
viewer...that is creepy). Try to smize (smile with you eyes). This will
give a fierce look to your face and to your walk. Keep your chin level
and your eyes up - you want the spectators to see your face. Keep your
head and shoulders still as your body moves down the runway. Your head
and shoulder should feel a little like a sturdy coat hanger, and things
should swing from there. Don't swing your shoulders, and don't over
exagerate arm movements. Do make sure, however, that your hips swing
more than they would usually. This may take some practice to look good.
When the beats to your music are slower, swing your hips more and slow
your pace. When you make your turn at the end, make sure your left foot
is in front as you pause for a beat or double beat in your music. Your
hips, shoulders, and feet should be facing the side of the runway as
your head is turned to look straight on at the audience over your
shoulder. After pausing or posing for a beat, pivot your feet back
towards the curtain or glass, pick up your front foot first (your right
foot), and continue walking. Make sure that your face is the last thing
to turn away from the audience.
7 Fingers naturally fidget or fist up when you're nervous, but don't let them!
It will be a bigger distraction than you realize. Just let them hang
down, relaxed. Shaking your hands out before you walk will help your
fingers relax and look more natural.
8 Develop your own signature walk.
There's no simple formula for walking the runway, and what will
ultimately make you stand out is not only how well you can move your
body but also how much of your own personality you can inject into your
performance to make it memorable. The best way to create your own unique
style is to experiment, practice, and get feedback (even if it means
taking some constructive criticism).
9 Most importantly, you must
walk and strut your stuff like you know you're beautiful and you know
that you're smokin' hot, and all the young men out there are going to be
going crazy when they see you!. Self-doubt and low self-esteem can be damaging and there's nothing prettier than a girl with confidence.
10 Strut to the beat! When you have your walk down, hit the music a strut to the beat.
