Workshop with Ann Antidote
Note: This class is suitable for anybody who has done first suspensions and seeks structure, consolidation, input and inspiration for their next steps. If you have currently or recently taken the Step 3, Towards Suspension classes or the Introduction to Suspension weekend workshops at Daruma, this class is great for you!
Workshop Description
Congratulations to you, rigger(s) and model(s) on your first suspensions! So what comes next? Every rope journey is unique, and people emphasize different aspects of shibari, such as play, aesthetics, relationship dynamics, affinity for (or resistance to) pain, risk management, motivations, rapport with novelty or repetition, and body limitations.
Do you want to practice at home safely? How do you handle and consolidate suspension lines? What about transitions? Pain management? Avoiding injuries? What if your rope jams? Can you and your model do X and enjoy it? How can you enjoy tying while managing all these considerations?
This workshop will focus on topics, questions, and challenges you bring. Based on these, Ann Antidote will propose exercises tailored to your needs. You’re encouraged to email Ann (studiesforthunder@gmail.com) beforehand with your topics of interest.
Topics Covered:
Suspension line management
Weight distribution
Pain and nerve management
Tactical and strategic suspension techniques
Problem-solving (e.g., rope jams)
Transitions
Gravity and lever mechanics
How to keep smiling while managing all this
Optional: Bring a case-study situation that you and/or your model have trouble with (or email Ann Antidote in advance).
Ann Antidote, a 1.58m featherweight, offers extensive input on moving proportionally or absolutely heavier or taller bodies in the air. These skills support riggers in tying bigger individuals or simply in preserving their back/s, conserving energy and minimizing injuries and risks.
Who Is This Workshop For?
Teams of two, or three are welcome. You can also come alone if you are prepared to partner with strangers. There will be opportunities to switch or repeat exercises.
Ann teaches in a friendly, consent-based, non-hierarchical manner, adapting the workshop’s scope and pace to participants' needs, adjusting exercises to suit specific bodies, mobility, health, and comfort levels.
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Sliding Scale 30-50€ /per person
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Ann Antidote (no pronouns), lives in Berlin and freelances as an eclectic artist with works about queer, dissident, inclusive, solidary, consensual, or downright awkward lifeforms and moments. Ann teaches and performs shibari from an unapologetic queer and diversity-centred perspective since 2010, and offers or develops diverse rope-art related works, including rigging and performing for films, theatre and photo projects, mostly in collaboration and temporary autonomous zones.
Ann continually learns about and works on keeping their events non-normative, trans-inclusive, body-positive, based on explicit consent and inclusion, avoiding practices and mindsets based on hierarchies, efficiency or competition.
Ann continuously learns Japanese style bondage from diverse sources—including workshop participants—and has studied with teachers such as Dasniya Sommer, Arisue Go, Hourai Kasoumi, Miumi-U, and Felix Ruckert, to mention only a small selection.
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Low sound volume to ensure safety and prevent sensory overload.
Technical focus—sexual or salaciousness only with the group’s full consent.
No substances (drugs or alcohol).
Avoid perfumes, aftershaves, and strong-smelling foods.
Accessibility:
Daruma is on the first floor (no elevator), toilets are not wheelchair-accessible. There is one small step between the main entrance and the main workshop room once inside the space.
The space is naturally lit (north-facing) and quiet, with a retreat area (kitchen).
Commitments & Conduct
Ann Antidote workshops aim to be non-normative, body-positive, and actively inclusive. Respect diversity in bodies, minds, sensitivities, and expressions. Discrimination, oppressive behaviour, or “-isms” (racism, transphobia, ableism, etc.) will not be tolerated.
This is an ongoing, goodwill-based process—not about perfection. Let’s stay mindful of the space we occupy and the needs of others.
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Participants must:
Be able to tie a suspension-compatible chest harness (e.g., TK, Tengu, Hands-In-Front, Hands-Free, etc.).
Have a basic understanding of nerve injury risks.
Have a basic knowledge of suspension lines.
Suspensions will proceed only after meeting safety and consent conditions, including moderator supervision or peer presence. If safety standards are not met, untying will be required. While most participants achieve beautiful, safe suspensions, nothing is guaranteed—safety is the priority.
Bring: Ropes, carabiners, rings (bamboos are provided in the studio), emergency scissors, comfortable clothes, water, and light snacks (non-messy).
Optional: Bring a case-study situation that you and/or your model have trouble with (or email Ann Antidote in advance).