Hot... uncovered in New York
New Yorkers get naked to beat the heat
Published 23 July, 2008, 15:12
The Big Apple can get very hot and sweaty, particularly in the middle of July. But the residents of New York have never been shy about letting it all hang out. And that’s just what they’re doing this summer. Many are stripping to their birthday suits to cool down and to get closer to nature.
Nudist camps and ‘clothes optional’ bike rides are old hat. So New York is finding new and entertaining ways for public nakedness – from cruises at New Your Harbour to yoga classes.
Members of COdinners (clothes optional dinners) have been meeting once a month for the past three years to enjoy nude meals in restaurants. Only the staff wear clothes, solely to comply with city regulations.
Their latest outing is a cruise from Sheepshead Bay off Brooklyn. Group organiser John Ordover explains his philosophy.
“I've always tried to shake things up – in the past we've rented out a comedy club for a night, done museum tours, had garden brunches – and this just seemed like a fun idea. Plus in this hot weather, I thought it would be nice to be out on the water and seeing New York Harbour by night,” Ordover said.
The dinner included a buffet of chicken, beef, string beans and pasta – but no hot soup, for obvious reasons.
Naked Yoga NYC are classes where students use ‘yoga practice to remove energy blocks, belief patterns and body armour’ – the latter being the clothes.
Held in the Phoenix Temple in Manhattan twice a week, each class starts with a disrobing ceremony. Several strict rules apply like ‘no touching’ and ‘don’t be late’.
Mixed groups are common and teachers say it helps students to overcome fears of their bodies and see them as divine temples.
At the People's Improv Theatre in Chelsea you can find naked stand-up comedians once a month.
Being naked ‘gives you a kind of vulnerability that puts the audience on your side straight away,’ said Andy Ofiesh, founder of the Naked Comedy Showcase.
Part of the auditorium is reserved for visitors who like to see the show au naturel.
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