What was yoga like in the last century: curious vintage photos

For the first time in the West, the philosopher Schopenhauer began to study yoga, and the real surge of interest in this "science" occurred in the first half — the middle of the twentieth century.

We have collected interesting vintage photos from the history of yoga, capturing its first adherents.

1. 1928.

Gradually, Indian philosophy transformed into a kind of fitness, gaining adherents in the West. Actress Athene Seiler shows an exercise during the show Skin Deep ("Deep under the skin"). Photo by Sasha/Getty Images

2. The first photos resembling yoga classes appeared in 1908 — at the London Olympics, athletes used its elements to stretch muscles.

3. The first real yogis in America — James Hay-Kelly demonstrates impressive asanas.

4. "Master class" of the 1940 model. Photo: Tunbridge-Sedgwick Pictorial Press/Getty Images

5. Yoga is not only useful, but also fun.

6. And, by the way, it's beautiful.

7. An integral element of yoga is a headstand.

8. By the way, Marilyn Monroe was one of the first stars to practice yoga: she could easily perform a headstand right on the beach.

9. As well as other very difficult asanas.

10. May 1949.

15-year-old Pamela Fawn performs an exercise in a class at the Tunbridge Wells Ballet School. In this educational institution, under the guidance of Madame Nikolaeva-Legat, students studied yoga on a par with traditional, classical subjects. Photo: George Konig/Keystone Features/Getty Images

11. June 21, 1956.

Acrobat Joe Clemendor, who perfectly knows the technique of yoga, literally shocked the visitors of a nightclub in Paris by performing a "twisted" asana in front of them. Photo: John Sadovy/BIPs/Getty Images

12. 1960.

The Indian "master" is rocking a sling attached to his hair with a baby, which seems to give both great pleasure. At the feet of the "guru" is a board with nails — the inventory of the show program. Photo: Fox Photos/Getty Images

13. March 1963.

Hungarian "guru" Laszlo Szabo shows exercises on the Budapest TV program. Photo: Keystone/Getty Images

14. Advertising of clothing brands is already appearing here. September 1976, a popular yoga instructor, Kahti, performs an asana in a knitted suit from the C&A winter collection. Photo: Evening Standard/Getty Images

15. August 1977.

A couple of yoga lovers at a class in London's Hyde Park. Photo: Colin Davey/Evening Standard/Getty Images