Walk the Walk

Have you heard about classes that teach women how to walk in high heels? This isn't a new trend. In Thailand, the average young woman takes modeling classes to improve her walking skills. (It is no wonder that Thailand has a tradition of beauty pageants both national and international.) The modeling class focuses on posture, poise, question and answer, and how to walk in high heels.

(Aside: I went to a summer camp where I took modeling classes in upstate NY given by a Dutch woman, and I still remember what I was taught. American women tend to walk with both their tummies and rear ends sticking out. A look that is quite unattractive. European women are taught to walk with their tummies sucked in and their rears pulled in - which naturally lifts the bust up and out slightly - not grossly but attractively - as it straightens the spine. We were also taught how to loosen our hips as we walk, which is completely different from shaking a fanny. We were instructed to, "Keep the wheels in motion" - the "wheels" being our hips. It's a very specific look and one that works well, or so I feel, given all the whistling and phone numbers I've received.)

As a girl, I used to clomp around in my mother's heels, as most children did. This is how I learned. You watch your parents, you emulate your parents, and you grow up possessing certain skills.

I always thought that the idea of a course designed for high heels was ridiculous. Have I made plunders in heels? Of course. I always attributed it to not paying attention.

The miraculous thing about high heels is the way your body language changes. Your walk becomes sexier. Your hips sway just a little bit more and you feel hot. If you are self conscious and not used to heels, you become stiff and very "not sexy." If anything, you look rigid. Maybe there is something to these classes!

I'd be interested to know how these classes have helped women. Also, are they geared for women whose mothers or fathers (what men do on the weekends God only knows) never wore heels?

~ Dawn Land