Walking: It's something we do every day and don't think twice about. But on the runway, walking is a model's signature and can make or break her career. In life, as on the runway, sometimes you walk into an opportunity -- and sometimes you walk past one.  

 

Such is the case with our contestants.  

 

Celeste came into this competition with the confidence of an old pro and pulled through unscarred. Hope was, well, hopeful; Tanya was polished; and Melissa was bouncy. All of them walked right into the next phase of the competition. Roxanne slinked and Bahia sauntered; they also made it through. Karin is eccentric, and she looked much like a broken wind-up toy toddling down the runway. However, she made her awkwardness her strength and celebrated during with her robotic parade.   

 

All the judges were ever hopeful that Paula was a fierce competitor and would give all the ladies a run for their money. Instead, she ran and hid behind herself.  The reality that she doesn't wear heels isn't a problem in the real world, but it is a problem on the runway.  

 

What we wanted to see Paula do was conquer this phobia quickly or uniquely. Instead, she surrendered her inability to adapt, and the consequence was that she walked down the runway for the last time. By learning a little more about the trials and tribulations of these ladies’ lives, we're learning how textured and interesting and fascinating these women are.  

 

I was happy to see Beverly take the seat as pseudo-therapist and learn a lot more about these beautiful women. This particular catwalk competition was a perfect platform to learn more about each contestant, and it brings to mind an old cliché:  Don't judge a woman until you walk a mile in her heels. 

 

--Robert Verdi

June 18, 2008

Message Edited by TVLTheLink on 06-11-2009 11:50 AM