[SOLD OUT] Shibari Workshop Cape Town: Partial Suspension; Setting the Scene | May 2024

This workshop is aimed at those tying at an Intermediate Level or who feel like they want a bite of something a bit further from the beginner level basics.

For safety, the following skills are required but also some will be covered:
- One suspension-worthy harness, that our guest host will inspect and provide feedback on if needed on the day. This will not be taught on the day.
- Single column.
- Inline cuff.
- Uplines, high lock & low lock which our guest will provide instruction and inspect on the day. This will be covered on the day.
- Upline management, can you untie an upline with one hand? This will also be covered on the day.

We will start with a short introduction, followed by touching on the principles of partial suspensions and safety concerns. Your teacher will demonstrate, and then guide you through a series of three partial suspension sequences. 

There is space for a maximum of 5 pairs. The workshop is for tying pairs, and roles will not be switched during the workshop. If you want to attend but do not have a tying partner, please reach out ASAP and specify your preferred role, top (tying) or bottom (being tied) so that we can match where possible. Attendees should have previously participated in a Bondage Basics/Fundamentals workshop and have an understanding of at least one suspension-capable harness. We repeat; please attend in pairs. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, no switching will be allowed. 

We will cover the following topics during the duration of the workshop:
- Floor partials
- Body mechanics with an upline
- Scene crafting
- Body positioning
- Communication through bondage
- Connection and intention

You will need to bring the following on the day:
- Your rope kit: at least four 8m lengths (class rope is available to use and rope is available for sale before the class)
- Safety shears 
- Water bottle, snacks, and sugar for energy
- Comfortable clothes (like you would for yoga class)
- A learning attitude, this is an educational space
- Notebook and pen; this will be your primary means of capturing any information to practice after the workshop

We are excited to announce that this Intermediate Level workshop is presented by our guest host, @jute_rope_claire, who is a rigger based in Brisbane, Australia, and who hosts @theropesocial in Brisbane. Claire and their partner will be in our beautiful city to share their knowledge with our community.

In Claire's own words: My style draws from a mix of Western and Shibari tying styles, infused with a touch of my unique flair. You will be in good hands and you move beyond just the technical in this workshop, but also focus on creating a scene and a play space for you and your partner.
 

This workshop is open to rope tops who have attended our Bondage Basics/Fundamentals workshop or equivalent workshops, attended private tuition with us, or are at least comfortable with tying one stable and secure suspension-capable harness. We have an exciting upper-body harness workshop lined up in April called Everything Tengu where you can get the opportunity to upskill in time for this workshop. If in doubt, reach out.

Do not buy a ticket if you do not meet the requirements. We will not refund tickets to those who purchase, or arrive on the day of the workshop, not meeting the above outlined minimum requirements. 

Otherwise, our regular event rules apply:
1. Don’t be late.
2. Respect the space. Leave no trace - whatever you bring, take it back with you. 
3. Ego has no place here. Learn and share with humility. 
4. Ask for people’s pronouns and use the ones you are given. 
5. No shoes. Keep underwear on at public events. Nipples may be free. 
6. Do not make unsolicited comments about anyone else's body.
7. Do not take any photos of anyone in attendance without consent. 
8. Do not post photos without the consent of EVERYONE in the photo. 
9. Do not reveal the identity of anyone you meet in the space once you leave. Many people prefer anonymity. 
10. Be mindful of making noise in the space when others are tying around you, this includes loud talking and laughing. 
11. Be discrete when moving through other parts of the premises. Clothes are optional in the space but not outside the door.
12. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell.
13. This is a sober space. Please do not use any recreational drugs or alcohol before coming or while on site. 
14. Acknowledge and accept that you are participating in high-risk behavior at your own risk.
15. No suspension is allowed unless you have been given permission, please message us beforehand via Instagram DM to tell us about the suspension you would like to do.

Embodiment Rope Space is a welcoming and safe(r) space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. We practice rope and shibari communally and host occasional workshops for upskilling the community. Rope/Shibari is never safe, there are only ways to do it more safely. Our events take place in our home base and studio located in the Spice Yard in Salt River.

We have limited treated rope from Sudo Jute for sale and safety shears. Non-alcoholic drinks (Soft drinks, water, tea, coffee) will also be for sale. Please flag down one of our Embodiment team members on the night for assistance.

Embodiment Rope Space is the love child of a group of volunteers from different walks of life coming together to actualize something we think the world needs: a queer safe(r) space for exploring kink as a healing, connective force. 

You can follow us on Instagram here: 
@embodiment_ct 
@desirelinesbondage (she/they)
@vroeteldier.kinbaku (she/they)
@faeriebunnyrope (she/her)
@rope.fu (he/him)
@hotsqueak (they/them)
@wavybeanbaby (she/her)
@gr_en.trapa (they/them)
@charliefrench_za (she/her)
@creaturale (they/them)

What is Shibari/Kinbaku/Bondage? 
The art of binding the body of a consenting adult. 

Is rope/Shibari always sexual?
Rope/Shibari has many benefits and practitioners outside of the sexual paradigm. For some, it is about pushing their bodies not unlike engaging in strenuous exercise or extreme sports. For others, it is a way to reclaim their agency after trauma. It can also be a way to experience a connection with others without the scripts and expectations associated with genital contact. As long as what you are doing is consensual and intentional, we consider it healthy and valid.

What should I wear?
This is a friendly learning environment, not a sexual one, so crotches are to remain covered. Other than that, you are free to wear whatever you like. We find that it is easier to tie with minimal clothing or clothing that you can move in easily (leggings, shorts, etc.). Comfort is important, so rocking up in jeans can be an uncomfortable experience. Just remember it will be a long evening, so the more comfortable the better.

Should I bring my own rope?
We encourage all participants to bring their own rope if they have any. For those who do not have rope, we have quality rope from SudoJute on sale at our rope kiosk. Additionally, we have class rope for use during the course of this workshop as well. All our class rope is quality 6mm Tokyo Asanawa rope from SudoJute which has already been pre-treated and pre-used. We do not permit any fluids or crotch rope/face rope/mouth rope with our class rope.

Do I need a partner?
We recommend all participants to come in pairs. Tickets are sold per pair, so 1 ticket = 1 entry for a PAIR. No switching will however be permitted on the day. 

What are the minimum requirements to attend?
You need to be able to tie a single column (with any knot of your choice), an inline cuff as well as a suspension-worthy harness which will be assessed and inspected on the day to ensure it meets the minimum safety requirements. Additionally, knowledge of managing uplines as well as locking them off will be beneficial for this workshop. If you do NOT meet these minimum requirements, please get in touch with our team at [email protected] to book a private lesson. Spots are limited, so secure yours now! If you want to learn how to tie a suspendable harness, join our Everything Tengu workshop in April.