George Caddy – un regard oblique

George Caddy :: Freshwater surf lifesaving club reel team took part in a march-past at Bondi Beach, 3 April 1938

Australian photographer George Caddy loved dancing. Here he leads his partner on Bondi Beach promenade to the music of his wind-up gramophone, 20 January 1940

George Caddy :: This image brings a smile to most people familiar with Max Dupain’s iconic Sunbaker 1937. In fact, it is an exercise designed to strengthen the chest. As Health and Physical Culture (1 May 1935) noted: ’… the breath is literally trod out of the figure on the floor. The idea is to make the chest as elastic as possible – hence full inhalation followed by treading and then complete relaxation and inertion.’ 20 February 1937.

src: SLNSW

George Caddy :: Four high: in this tricky move, which puts a lot of pressure on the bearer at the bottom, the guy in front watching is no idle bystander. His job is to act as ‘spotter’, helping with the formation of the stunt and catching the top balancer if the whole thing collapses. Tim Holman acts as ‘spotter’ for Eve Holman, Max Stewart and Vic Whitehead, supported by bearer Alf Stanbrough. American gymnasts call this a ‘triple holdout’. Bondi Beach, Australia, 1930’s

George Caddy :: Scales. One man supports two women with another man hand-balancing on top, as a separate gymnast can be seen watching from the shoreline. Bondi Beach, Australia, 1930’s / src: SLNSW

George Caddy :: Roya Geale puts on a spectacular display of flexibility and balance, similar to ‘needle scale’ poses struck by professional adagio dancers and contortionists, in which a standing front split is done, while holding the back leg overhead, Bondi Beach, January 1941 / src: State Library of New South Wales

George Caddy :: Candlestick. This triple balance involves one woman (Roya Geale) standing on the necks of two men, who in turn shoulder-balance on the feet of two others, forming a five-person centerpiece. Bondi Beach, 1930’s-1940’s

George Caddy :: ‘Beachobatics’. Arthur Coutts and his daughter Pauline, who performed at the Tivoli doing a one-hand balance on balance canes, Bondi Beach, Australia, Nov. 1939 / src: SL of NSW