How to Prepare For a Real Catwalk Event
Choosing to take part in a Real Catwalk event is one of the greatest gifts you can give to both yourself and everyone who will be there on the day. It means celebrating yourself as beautiful in front of an audience, and being a representative for people like you.
If that sounds scary or intimidating, don’t worry! Here are five things to keep in mind as the date approaches.
1. It’s okay to turn up alone.
There is nothing quite like the atmosphere of a Real Catwalk event. It’s electrifying and exciting, but also warm and deeply loving. Lots of Real Catwalk models have arrived to the event completely alone but left with a legion of new friends. Everyone there shares the same ethos and goal and once you’re mingling with your fellow models you’ll be chatting to the others like you’ve known them your whole life.
2. Bring water!
Even if it’s not going to be a warm day, your adrenaline will be running high and it’ll be very easy to lose track of time and forget to stay hydrated. If you bring a bottle or two of water with you then you’ll always have something on hand to make sure you don’t go too long without a drink. Any extras that you can bring will be greatly appreciated by the others, and an opportunity to cover someone who might have forgotten to bring their own.
3. It’s normal to be nervous
If the event is approaching and you feel afraid, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it, that just means you’re human! Notice how on the photos everybody always looks like they’re on top of the world? Once the event starts and you’re out there on the catwalk, those feelings are going to melt away to nothing. But being nervous in the lead up to the event itself is very normal, and almost all of us models felt afraid or worried that we’re going to screw up. But if you didn’t have it in you to do this, you’d never have agreed to it in the first place. Something pushed you to say yes. Even if it’s hard to picture it now, you’re going to do an amazing job.
Rather than listen to your doubts and fears, try and take a minute to visualise everything going according to plan. Picture how incredible it’s going to feel, and what you’ll look like strutting down that catwalk. Everytime you feel those nerves bubbling up, return to this picture of success an remind yourself that’s exactly how well it’s going to go.
4. You’re not the odd one out
The Real Catwalk celebrates everybody, regardless. As a trans woman, I definitely felt like I was going to be the odd one out once I got there. But when I actually met the others, I realised that what made me different was actually a strength. It was an opportunity to represent people like me. Whatever is making you feel isolated, whether it’s your shape, size, gender, mental health, disability, or something else, it’s not a reason to drop out, it’s a reason to double down and go for it.
5. A little practice goes a long way
Lots of models have never done anything like this before, which is great! The event isn’t about runway skill, it’s about being yourself. But taking a few minutes to practice a runway walk, even if this just means walking up and down your house or watching a couple YouTube videos, will help you feel that extra bit more comfortable. All you need to keep in mind is that it’s a runway not a race. Keep your head up, walk at a steady pace, and be ready to pose at the end. Easy, right?