THE BARBIZON ADVANTAGE
As we are doing in this issue with IMTA, we have asked one of Barbizon?s top-flight managers, Pamela Burch, to present a question-and-answer overview of the Barbizon philosophy and practices. Ms. Burch?s experience as both a Barbizon student, model, pageant contestant, and the current Director of Education for Barbizon Northeast/USA provides a unique perspective on the dynamics of the programs Barbizon offers. As you will see from her comments, there's more than meets the eye at Barbizon.
What is the history of Barbizon?
Barbizon was established in 1939, and originally, I would say we were more of a "finishing school" for young ladies. Programs focused on etiquette, manners, grooming, and hygiene, as well as self-confidence. Our curriculum has evolved and now focuses on modeling and acting for both young ladies and young men. Additionally, although we cannot guarantee employment of any kind, each Barbizon Modeling and Acting Center also has an in-house placement agency for their graduates. Even so, we have stayed true to our ?old-fashioned? roots. Etiquette, manners, grooming, and personal hygiene are requirements in all of our curriculums.
Barbizon is proud to have top industry professionals on its board of directors, and our intensive modeling and acting curriculums are taught by professionals. With their counsel, our curriculums are constantly being updated as the industry evolves.
What is the philosophy of the Barbizon training centers?
The world-famous Barbizon course curriculums prepare students to enter into the world of modeling and acting with self-confidence, poise, and style. At Barbizon, we teach the same modeling and acting techniques used by today's top models and actors. We teach students how to audition, act, walk the runway, speak and behave in a polite manner, dress and groom themselves, and much more. However, the root and underlying theme of our corporate mantra has always been personal development, confidence, and self-assurance. We are all about helping our students discover their potential. We believe it is imperative to create a foundation early in one?s life upon which many successes can be built.
Not everyone who attends Barbizon has the goal of becoming a professional model or actor. Many enroll to develop skills to help them in everyday life. When you come to Barbizon, you are taking the first step towards enriching your life.
What is the benefit of attending a training center?
At Barbizon, we pay a great deal of attention to the individual needs of each student. Every person walks through our doors for a different reason. Trade and vocational schools, as with education in general, serve a greater underlying purpose than the specifics of their course offerings ' development as a human being, maturity, and gaining the tools needed to succeed in life are all reasons for attending a Barbizon school.
How do you see the modeling industry growing?
Personally, I believe the industry is leaning towards "real people." Fashion has broadened its marketing and advertising. Top designers' lines have made their way into chain stores. Years ago, plus-size models were rare. Now, models come in all shapes and sizes. As you know, there have been weight issues raised recently with models in the international market. We may see minimum weight requirements for models more often in the future.
Anything else you would like add?
I have been a member of the Barbizon family for many years, as both student and employee. I am fortunate to work for a company in which I truly believe in its product. It is my belief that when you come to Barbizon, you really are taking the first step toward enriching your life.
Courtesy of www.pageantrymagazine.com
