#cheststand

Anna McNulty - Via TikTok

With only a few Summer Fridays left, we’ll be exploring Coney Island every Friday this month by showcasing works depicting our local seaside escape.

We’ve come a long way in beach fashion since this late nineteenth century photograph was taken. The couple at the center don swimming costumes appropriate for a day on the beach. Until the early twentieth century, women wore bathing dresses or long tunics over bloomers, all of which were made from heavy, often wool, fabric to prevent the clothing from rising up in the water. Men also had to observe the rules of propriety—they were not allowed to bare their chests on Coney Island beaches until the late 1930s.

Three years ago….

Samantha never forgot the moment she met “The Bendy Lady.”  She almost never stopped talking about her.

After Donni became certified as a yoga instructor, she opened courses for younger pupils.  Samantha became one of those pupils at age 6. The young future yogini was engaged from the very start. She was always enthusiastic and has been good at listening to Donni’s instructions. Even the most simplest poses and breathing techniques kept her returning to the studio.

Almost everyday after school, Sam looks forward to attending Donni’s yoga class, and she often leaves with a smile on her face as she tells her mother about what she learned -- as well as what she could do. Her mother and Donni sometimes arranges special private sessions for Samantha due to scheduling conflicts. It’s just a way to keep her happiness and inspiration alive.

Here, Donni and Samantha demonstrate Dhanurasana (the bow posture) together. It’s one of Donni’s favorite yoga postures. They lay flat on their bellies.  Together in sync, their arms reach back to their own feet to lift their legs and chests off the floor. They held the posture for five breaths, looking at each other before slowly releasing back to earth.

“Well done, Sam!” exclaims Donni.

Samantha bows before her. “Namaste.”

“Namaste. See you next class.” Samantha scurries over to her mother, who arrived in time to see her backbending pose.

“Mama! Mama! Did you see what I can do now?”

Samantha hugs her mother.

“Yes, Sam! I am very proud of you. You’re getting to be quite the yogini.”

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Artworks by @roemesquita (top pic from 2015) & @lu-fidelis (bottom pic -- three years later)