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"Don't stand so ramrod straight. Turn your body slightly; it will make you look more natural. Yes, that's nice!"

"No. Don't walk around with a serious expression like that on your face. Wink at the audience sometimes, and it will make you look more attractive. That's just right, yes!"

Such are the words of advice the man dispenses to a group of young women prancing up and down in front of him on a dais standing in for a catwalk. The instructor's voice is loud enough to carry over music blaring from a hi-fi stereo player.

Welcome to WeAreModel, formerly known as Model To Be, a school in Royal City Avenue on Rama 9 Road, catering to aspiring supermodels.

Although the school welcomes applications from everyone to join the course, instructor Eaggamon Attagamon says that a pre-screening procedure is aimed at ensuring that only promising candidates are taken onboard.

"You should be at least 170 centimetres tall, which is the minimum height a ramp model needs to have," he explains.

"Then again, if you are shorter, you can always take the course to improve your gait and personality. Still, better to think things over carefully before applying."

Even with all the requisite physical features, Eaggamon insists, graduates of the course cannot be guaranteed a job in the whimsical and competitive world of fashion modelling.

The course builds up modelling skills step by step. First, students are taught how to be supple in their movements. They are then schooled in walks - prances, sashays, parades, swaggers - tailor-made to the modelling of various attires from a casual, jeans-and-T shirt outfit all the way to an evening dress.

A professional make-up artist is on hand to instruct students in how to highlight their attributes, and a dietician advises them on how to stay nice and slender.

One of the prospective models taking the course is Parita Intararekha. A Ramkhamhaeng University student, she says she has already learnt how to comport herself better.

She has also managed to shed quite some flab. "I've lost 6 kilograms since joining the course," the 22-year-old boasts.

How did she do it?

"The instructors recommended that I not consume any food after 7pm, but only drink water. This regimen has worked wonders for me. I've quit drinking soda. And, popcorn at the theatre is another no-no," she explains.

Another student is Tirinee Kananurak, 15, from Bordin Decha School. She was at first bashful, but has since gained a measure of confidence, she says.

"At first, I was worried about how the other students would regard me because I was the youngest of the lot. But my initial fears proved unfounded; everyone has been so very helpful," she enthuses.

Eaggamon, who doubles as a fashion editor for Praew magazine, says prospective models may encounter some daunting hurdles on their way to a career. It is important, he stresses, that novices spend enough time training before taking on assignments.

"A beautiful face is not enough," he explains. "You must learn the ropes because modelling on the catwalk is a lot about teamwork."

The course fee is Bt 12,000. Students can choose to attend classes on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to noon or Monday-Wednesday-Friday from 7pm to 9pm. Students need to bring their own shoes to the class.

WeAreModel school is owned by Thai professional model Russamee "Look Mee" Tongsiripaisri

Call (02) 641 5979 or log on www.wearemodel.com