THE two breakout stars of this television season’s hottest reality shows are J. Alexander and Willi Ninja – two African-American divas with an unusual specialty: They teach women how to walk like models.
For $250 an hour or more, they’ve taught clients from Tyra Banks to Paris Hilton, shaking their heads at clomps and slips. And they’re not embarrassed to be seen in good stilettos. Here’s how to tell their sashays apart.
TALE OF THE TAPE
J. ALEXANDER
As seen on: “America’s Next Top Model”
Native of: South Bronx
Height: 6-foot-4
Stiletto size: Women’s size 12
Years of experience: Over 11
How he got his start: “I was watching some girls at a couture show, and I thought, ‘My God, why is she spreading her legs that wide in a skirt that’s slit that high?’ And the girls standing next to them would say, ‘What about me, can you give me any tips?'”
Why he teaches: “I’m dealing with girls who are 14 or 15, and they’re trying to be fierce runway divas, but they’re not ready for it yet. We give them a crash course.”
Famous students: Tyra Banks, Kimora Lee Simmons
Favorite style of walking: None. “At one point, a lot of girls were doing this half-lean thing. They said I was responsible for that.”
Least favorite style of walking: The stomping pony walk. “They’re lifting their feet like they’re walking on hot coals. What Gisele does works for her, but I hate the copycats.”
Teaching style: “I put the clothing on to show them [how to walk in them].”
Tips for non-models: “Don’t try to wear 4-inch heels to make yourself look taller if you can’t walk in them.”
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WILLI NINJA
As seen on: “The Gastineau Girls” and “The Fabulous Life of Paris Hilton”
Native of: Flushing, Queens
Height: 6-feet
Stiletto size: Prefers women’s size 12
Years of experience: Over 25
How he got his start: “I used to do nightclub fashion shows, but I preferred what the real models were doing to the so-called ‘club models.’ I just mimicked what I saw. I started teaching in club shows, then beauty pageants, then models, then agencies.”
Why he teaches: “It’s fun to teach walking. I love molding, and it’s funny how you can see a girl blossom when she’s more secure with her body.”
Famous students: Naomi Campbell, Paris Hilton
Favorite style of walking: The natural walk – hips forward, legs straight. “The arms are your counterweight, and a lot of girls don’t know how to use their arms.”
Least favorite style of walking: The stomping pony walk. “It looks like a drag queen in heels in a nightclub.”
Teaching style: “I jump on the floor, I grab feet – I have high-heel scars on my hands.”
Tips for non-models: “Walking in heels is fun. Get the the highest stiletto. If you can walk in those, then you can walk in anything.”