Workshop Themes

Current workshop themes

1. What’s in a pattern? Variations on the boxtie

2. Moving together: Forms of knowledge for connection, collaboration, interaction

3. Rope magic: Creativity, intention and frames of meaning for rope bondage 

4. Airbound: Suspension techniques on the floor

5. Shame and Pride: On Gaze, Exposure and Social identifications

(Scroll down for descriptions. Please note that for all our workshops, you need to bring a pen, a notebook and a set of ropes. Most of the exercises are based on couple-work, preferably with a partner you know well already.)

1. What’s in a pattern? Variations on the boxtie
This workshop is focused on what is arguably the most common pattern in shibari, the Gote (hands behind the back, typically also involving a pattern on the upper arms and chest). In a first section, the participants are asked to tie the pattern in which ever form they are comfortable with. After some feedback, the pattern will be repeated with some variations of constraints – such as tying blindfolded, tying with eye-contact, tying with one hand etc. There will be designated time for both private reflection on specific questions and sharing in small groups. In the second part of this workshop, we will discuss the functions and uses of the different elements of the Gote, and (drawing on patterns from Nawashi Kanna and Naka Akira), we will experiment with some variations. Required skills: You need to be comfortable with tying at least one type of Gote, or with having your hands tied behind your back.

2. Moving together: Forms of knowledge for connection, collaboration, interaction
In this workshop, we offer exercises that facilitate reflection on different kinds of knowledge, skills and personal qualities that two people make use of when they are involved in rope bondage. We demonstrate and name different things that both the person tying and the person getting tied is actively doing in order to make the tying possible and interesting. The exercises focus on bodily cooperation during the tying, including movement on the floor together, as well as different forms of take-down-play. We use some basic movement analysis from contact improvisation and martial arts. Throughout the workshop, special attention is given to the activities of the person being tied (”the art of rope bottoming”). In addition to the ropes, bring a pen and a notebook – there will be designated time for both private reflection and sharing in small groups. Required skills: You need to be comfortable with being in or tying one column ties and improvised friction locks. The class will involve moving up and down from the floor with and without hands.

3. Rope magic: Creativity, intention and frames of meaning for rope bondage
This workshop explores different ways that mind and language influence the bodily experience of rope bondage. Some call it ritual – our exercises examine different dimensions of what is powerful in the rope encounters, and offer a range of perspectives on what can happen in rope-interaction, depending on how it is framed and negotiated. What do different frames of meaning make us capable of doing and feeling together? The general purpose is thus to chart some resources for creativity in rope bondage. As in the previous workshop, special attention is given to the activities of the person being tied (”the art of rope bottoming”), for example in communicating verbally before, during and after a scene. Exercises include: “Fake healing (with and without ropes)”,  “Storytelling bondage”, “Tie me as if”, “The secret” and “The agreement”… Required skills: You need to be comfortable with being in or tying one column ties and improvised friction locks.

4. Airbound: Suspension techniques on the floor
In this workshop, we reflect on the experience of being suspended. After a warm-up that can be useful for suspension work, the participants get the occasion to try out different sensations that can occur during suspension, while also locating sensitive nerve placements. Further, we will touch on a few techniques for being comfortable in a suspension, including breathing techniques, body posture, pain management and forms of communication. Required skills: The workshop stays on the floor or very close to it, but will be somewhat physical. You need to have an interest for the experience of being in a suspension and a willingness to experiment with your own body on the floor.

5. Shame and Pride: On Gaze, Exposure and Social identifications
Shame and pride are affects closely related to a person’s ideal self-image – ultimately, they touch our personal identity. For some, it is also possible to turn these affects into powerful sources of pleasure and enjoyment. This workshop is a playful exploration of the social frames that matter in both our rope community and our personal relations to rope. How do we, tying or being tied, relate to pride and shame in our rope-play? Many of the exercises explore the visual field, both on a personal and a social level, but the workshop also includes a group exploration of the essence of dirty talk. In the final exercise you are invited to tie with eye-contact with another couple. Other exercises include ”Open / close”, ”Limited visibility” and ”The haptic gaze”. Required skills: You need to be comfortable with being in or tying one column ties and improvised friction locks.