Shibari is more than knots and patterns. Rope can become a way of listening, responding and communicating, not only through words, but through tension, movement, touch and intention.
In this full-day workshop, we explore how the techniques you already know can become the building blocks for something more responsive: tying that develops between two people rather than following a predetermined destination.
Connective tying begins with shifting your attention.
Instead of asking What tie am I going to make?, we begin to notice what is happening between two people while the rope is moving. How does the body respond to touch? What happens when you change direction, tension or pace? When do you lead, when do you wait, and when does the person in your ropes change where the tying goes next?
Through guided exercises and partner explorations, we'll work with rope handling, body positioning, movement, tension and touch. We'll explore ways of reading and responding to body language, and how relatively simple tying elements can develop into coherent scenes without relying on increasingly complicated structures.
We’ll explore connective tying through both floor work and suspension, adapting the exercises to each pair’s experience and technical level. You don’t need to suspend to take part: the same principles of attention, movement, tension and response can be explored entirely on the floor. For those who already work with suspension, we’ll explore how connection can be maintained when bodies leave the ground.
The aim isn't to tie more. It's to notice more.
Exploring body language, movement, tension and response, and learning to notice the information already being exchanged while you tie.
Working with direction, pace, touch and rope handling, and allowing the response of the person in your ropes to influence what happens next
Bringing these elements together in longer explorations, on the floor or in suspension, and discovering how familiar techniques can become part of a responsive, shared rope experience.
This workshop is for people who already know the foundations of Shibari and want to move beyond simply learning more ties.
You should be comfortable with basic knots, single and double column ties and fundamental frictions. You don't need an enormous repertoire of harnesses, and suspension experience is not required. What matters is that the techniques you already know are familiar enough that you have attention left for the person in front of you.
If you already work with uplines and suspension, you'll have the opportunity to explore how the same principles translate when bodies leave the floor.
Singles are welcome. You can attend with a partner or come alone and be paired with another participant. If you come alone, you should be comfortable switching roles so both partners have the opportunity to tie and be tied.
Duration: 11:00–17:00
Break: 14:00–15:00, with a full hour to eat, rest and recharge
Level: Basic Shibari foundations required
Prerequisites: Basic knots, single and double columns, fundamental frictions
Suspension: Not required. Participants with suspension experience can incorporate it into their explorations
Come: Alone or with a partner. Singles will be paired and must be comfortable switching roles
Wear: Comfortable, fitted clothing that allows you to move freely
Rope: Minimum 6 × 8m, preferably treated hemp or jute. POSH and hempex are also welcome
Language: English
Location: Subspace, Brussels
Choose an upcoming session below.
GOOD TO KNOW
Bookings are non-refundable.
Please double-check the date and time before booking.
Please arrive on time.
Once a workshop has started, we can't interrupt the class to admit late arrivals.
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