Having a great Runway Walk is no easy task...
But don't worry, we have a few easy steps to implement during your practice rounds that will have you booking in no time!
I think this goes without saying but this information is only helpful if you put it into ACTION. If you don't consistently practice, there's no way you'll be able to master this skill. We know... we know... it's hard to stay motivated but keep in mind that motivation is fleeting. It's DISCIPLINE that will get you to your goals.
Here's the best part
We are all busy bees out there just trying to survive so the the thought of adding yet another item onto our To-Do lists is dreadful. But there are ways to incorporate your runway walk practice into tasks that you already do! You obviously have to walk from A to B in your day-to-day lives, so why not make the world your own personal runway? Yep, you're catching my drift... Going to the bank? practice your runway walk from your car to the front door. Need to go to the toilet? Strut your stuff walking to the porcelain throne. Heading to to the iron box (gym)? Pop on the treadmill for your warmup or cool down and get your model on! It's as simple as that. Don't make excuses for yourself on not "having the time" to practice. We walk every day to accomplish tasks and responsibilities, now just do it in style with a purpose!
This seven minute video below breaks down a handful of great tips and tricks for accomplishing a great Industry Standard runway walk and finishes off with a great example of what it should look like - Thanks to our lovely AFTM model, Kathleen Flores.
Here are a few bullet points to summarize
Speed of a model Runway Walk
TIPS:
Keep your breath down (exhale)
Separate shoulders from earlobes
Let your arms swing naturally front to back (not side to side or with bent elbows)
One foot in front of the other (like you’re walking on a tightrope)
Don't do a "signature" or dramatic walk by swinging you hips too much, lifting your feet up too high, or crossing your feet over too much
Walk to 128 BPM song to make sure you have the correct speed
TURNING AT THE TOP & BOTTOM OF RUNWAY:
LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT - When you get to the top of the runway, your last step will be the left, then you step out with your right foot to shift your weight, then you step back with your left foot to initiate the turn to walk back.
Make an “L” with your pointer and thumb - place your pointer under your chin and your thumb about 2 inches below your clavicle to check your head positioning. Don't tilt your chin too high or too low - we don't want to see all nostrils and we don't want devil eyes.
Keep your eyes fixed on a spot on the walk directly in front of you and do not veer your eyes from this spot. You do not want to look at anyone in the eye or look around the room.
As you turn at the top of the runway, be sure to keep your head focused on the wall until it becomes unnatural to hold it there while you start your walk back.
You want to turn over your left shoulder at the top and bottom of the runway.
When you walk back, make sure you find the center of the runway as soon as possible to walk down the middle upon your return.
When you get to the bottom of the runway, you may turn around naturally and hit a pose. Remember to turn around in the center and pose in the center (as opposed to stepping right or left and end your walk off center)
If you are doing two (2) passes, then you will do the “left-right-left” turn at the top of the runway, bottom of the runway and back at the top of the runway. You finish with a natural turn to finish your 2 passes and pose.
Here Is A Video That You Can Study To Help You Practice your Walk
GOOD LUCK!