by Marika Cowan.

Riding the Q train to or from Manhattan on the weekends, I often encounter small bands of breakdancing buskers while crossing over the Manhattan bridge. They usually travel in small groups of three or four, and announce their presence with the characteristic shout of “Showtime, folks!” as they enter the car carrying a boombox blaring hip-hop. Most New Yorkers have grown to consider these performers an annoyance, and I’ll admit I often agree with them when I’m exhausted after a long day of errands. However, there’s another part of me that is always impressed by the skill and bravery of these kids, as I watch them do handstands and backflips amongst the crowd of commuters, grabbing onto the subway poles and swinging themselves upside-down. This week’s illustration is inspired by those performers.