Northwood University’s annual Style Show is a completely student run, well-oiled machine. “Reel to Real”‘s models are no exception! Participating in the show this year, are about 70 male and female models ranging from freshman to seniors. Leading this outstanding group of models are executive board members, Becky Hanson, our model choreographer, and Shelby Ott, our model executive.
In order to emulate high fashion runway show, our models attend practices from model try-outs (in February) right up until the show. Becky Hanson helps the models prepare for April 19th and choreograph walks so that they give their best show performances.
Becky was kind enough to give us a sneak peek of what we can expect to see this year in the one of a kind show, as well has what previous experience has prepared her for this demanding role.
“What many people may not know about me is my background in modeling. As a freshman, I was recruited by MTM Modeling and Management Company by a talent scout. I began taking classes weekly in Detroit specializing in runway, commercial modeling, improve, promotional modeling, photo makeup, choreography, and much more. The tutors of these topics were models in the industry: Racha Khansa from Lebanon (who has modeled around the globe) was my catwalk tutor; I had a tutor that specifically did promotional modeling for the car shows nationally; and my makeup teacher is now doing fashion shows nationally. During my time modeling, some highlights were: modeling for Jonathan Kayne from Project Runway, modeling in a hair show for Betsey Johnson (she took styles from the show & incorporated them into her fashion week show), & shooting music videos for upcoming artists. I have traveled for expos across the country as well: so I have been engaged in the hearty of the industry for quite some time.”
“Bringing my knowledge to Northwood’s catwalk is proving to be a thrilling challenge. Training over 70 student models in such a short amount of time could overwhelm even the most efficient teacher. That being said, I wanted to have an overall strategy: to focus on confidence. I could have ages to coach the technicalities of foot placement and turning, but all of that can instantly be thrown out the window the moment a model turns out onto the runway in front of their peers and community. To start, we had the models walk and pose freely together to become more comfortable around each other. Next, we focused on the proper posture, stance, and basic walking technique for male and female models. Following that will be tempo and turning; so truly, covering the basics. This year I plan to incorporate less technicalities and more creativity. The latter half of the practices will be on posing: using the face, showing versatility through accessories, posture for pictures, and working with a partner. As an e-board, many of us would like to see a greater connection to the audience, so the walks and poses will be geared toward that aspect. After gaining some feedback from models of past years, many of them would like to do doubles and triples on the runway (groups of 2 or 3 walkers at a time). This may look easy, but timing and stopping, as well as turning in sync are difficult tasks. Visually, this could create depth and a new angle for the show, so by all means we will try to execute it as best we can.”
Regarding the models, Becky says, “The models we have this year could not be more enthusiastic! They are energetic, lively, and from all different groups on campus: from sports teams to freshmen to Greeks: and of all different majors! This just goes to show how fashion connects us all as individuals. Every day we all have to get up in the morning and express ourselves through our clothing. This year’s theme especially integrates with our generation because we all grew up watching Disney movies. These movies influenced and inspired us, maybe without our knowledge at the time. Personally, I go absolutely mad with excitement in anticipation for the show. As Alice would say, “I’ve believed as many as 6 impossible things before breakfast” and truly nothing is impossible for this executive board.”
Witness Becky and the 2013 Style Show models add to the magnificence of the show on April 19th! Make sure you like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check our website at www.northwood.edu/styleshow for more information.
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