Walk that Walk

I got my pencil and paper out, so I can learn. Learn what you ask. How to walk of course. Ms. Runway Diva/designer/model herself Jeannie Ferguson held her annual "Walk This Way" walking class on the 9th at Ripley Grier Studios. And I must tell you, I had a ball. 3 hours in my heel definitely did a number on my feet, but it was all worth it. If you never seen Jeannie walk a runway I suggest you youtube her. I remember the 1st time I saw her in Atlantic City at NJFFFW last year, she blew me away, and every since then I get excited to see her on the runway. And to have that kind of knowledge broken down, is just incredible. 

So the second I heard that she was having a walking class, I made sure I saved my spot. I ordered my comp cards, got my new fave Steve Madden heels ready. As I arrived I saw quite a few familiar faces, and some new faces, that I'm sure would become familiar in no time. 

She starts her class with an introduction as well as some stretching to get our hips ready to move. All of us stood facing the mirror and with a hip swinging playlist set, she was ready to bring our sexy out, and we hit the ground movin...quite literally. 

She made a point to break down how to drop your hips, crossing of the feet as you walk, the pivot at the end, as well as exiting the runway.We worked on each technique as we walked to our favorite songs. I can still hear her say "ya'll betta not walk to this song. DO NOT WALK TO THE MUSIC" lol that is quite hard to do when she has Rihanna and Queen Bey on blast. Oh and she had the nerve to put on house music so you know we had to get all the dancing out before you hit the runway lol

She made her class a reality. Meaning that we may be in a show that is blasting our favorite song, and although our 1st thought is to walk to the music, we have to learn how not to do so.

Every piece of information she gave us, was general for everyone to understand, but still specific for each of us to personally use and take away. She treated us all the same whether you are a novice like myself, or a seasoned walker like Suzette Michelle, she gave the proper tips to make your walk the best it can be. Singling out every aspect of the runway. From the time you get ready, your walk down, your pose at the end and ultimately posing and exiting. 

We watched, we listened, we shed a few tears as she talked about the late great Mia Amber, we laughed as she said "I walk in like I am 6'0 tall and 30 inch long hair "

Ms. Jay Jarvis (Fashion Editor of Pose Magazine)

 The Icon herself Ms. Theresa Randolph

 And we walked...Honey when I tell you we walked....we walked lol By ourselves, in pairs, in groups of the 3. New girls with the vets, tall with the short. It didn't matter we meshed together to make it happen. 

To be honest I was extremely nervous, because I didn't know what to expect. I know how to walk in heels, but a runway walk is a whole new element. There is a lot that goes into giving life on that runway. When to turn "it" on, when to be sexy, when to be elegant...it's a lot. Knowing how to create hips if you don't have any, I gained much more respect for runway models. because to just get up and walk won't cut it. Being that not only was Jeannie supportive, but all the women in the room being supportive, by the end of the class, myself and other women in the class went from questioning our walk, to having a Tyra Banks...Naomi Campbell moments lol

Oh and in case you were wondering, she had her heels on and was walking right along with us.

Ya'll know I had to snap a pic with my girl!

So if you are thinking about modeling, or you just want to get your walk on point, I highly suggest taking her class. You will leave with not only a new sense of confidence, a wealth of knowledge, but such a warmth inside because of the level of fun and energy during the class. 

Clearly it was a star studded class lol Some of my fave models!

Be sure to check out Jeannie on instagram or facebook to keep up with what she is doing. And if you are interested in learning how to Walk that walk stayed tuned for her next class. To all the women I met at the class, it was my absolute pleasure to meet you all, to learn and grow in this craft, and to know that there are supportive women out there. 

Until next time ladies
xoxo
Shay