with A-Nicolas (formerly Yoroï Nicolas)
Please Note: After booking tickets, you will get an automated email telling you that the workshop begins at 12 midnight. It starts at 11am. We can’t change this.
Breathe. Shift your balance. Walk, weave, occupy the space—and disappear. Now, do it all with your partner, a rope, and the magic of movement. In this workshop, we’ll transform into an organic system: unpredictable yet beautifully organised, learning to move freely and naturally within the ropes.
Over the years, I’ve developed a series of deceptively “simple” movements designed to make you feel, study, and embody the art of manipulating a rope, your own body, and someone else’s. Often, I begin with just one rope, keeping the sensations and concepts clear, aiming to unite every movement, action, and intention into a harmonious dance. A dance with layers—some obvious, some hidden.
Drawing from Aikido, contact improvisation, and, more recently, Tango, I realized this practice isn’t just movement—it’s truly a dance. In this master class, you’ll dive into this fusion of disciplines and find your rhythm, whether you’re leading, following, or somewhere in between.
Here’s what you can expect:
We’ll explore how to lead and follow, how to move with clarity, and how to occupy the space with intention. You’ll learn specific movements and discover various approaches to them. Mostly, we’ll work with one rope, but occasionally, we’ll introduce additional ropes for research or to deepen the connection with traditional kinbaku techniques.
A Workshop That Evolves With You
Every group is different, and I evolve too—so don’t expect a rigid program. This workshop is organic and adaptable, tailored to your energy and the group’s dynamics. Beginners will gain confidence to improvise a dance with ropes, while advanced participants will refine foundational skills and expand their possibilities.
Connecting with Japanese Culture
In my view, the essence of Japanese culture in rope bondage is not just in the aesthetic results but inhowwe achieve them. Like the tea ceremony or calligraphy, it’s about posture, presence, and breath—about occupying the space with intention and grace. This process is as much a dance as anything on stage. By the end, your rope work will feel more fluid, natural, and elegant—grounded in tradition yet deeply personal.
The Dual Dance of Rope Play
As a rope top, you’ll hone skills to move with precision, define space, and act efficiently while staying fluid and elegant—perhaps moving like a cat (or an even bigger cat). To me, this is meditation in motion.
As a rope bottom, you’ll develop adaptability, structure, and a finely tuned sense of listening, offering your body as a creative partner in the process. Again, it’s meditation in motion—a dance.
We’ll focus on these shared characteristics while encouraging experimentation. Switching roles will be available as an option for those who wish to explore different energies, bodies, and perspectives. However, committed pairs or couples can choose to stay within their established roles if that’s their preference.
This is a master class and a research workshop. Expect to step out of your comfort zone—I will, too! I’ll practice with everyone, without a model, to keep things dynamic and engaging.
A-Nicolas will also perform on Friday 27th March. Tickets to the performance are included in the price of the workshop ticket.
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A-Nicolas has been immersed in the art of ropes since his twenties and photography since his thirties. His work is deeply influenced by his study of Japanese kinbaku/shibari, along with various body practices such as Aikido, Thai massage, Tango, Contact-improvisation, and System A.
He spent four years in Japan, where he studied under the renowned master Arisue Go, dedicating himself to Aikido, Japanese culture, and the art of rope. Upon returning to Europe, he developed his own tying style, known as Yoroi-ryu, under the name Nicolas Yoroï.
Nicolas has played a key role in establishing rope communities across Europe and has collaborated and performed extensively across Europe and North America. He has studied with notable figures like Tessin Doyama, Kinoko, Ottonawa, Kazami Ranki, Felix Ruckert, and Shadow while also engaging in numerous workshops and exchanges with other international artists.
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Open to anyone with basic physical training and prior rope experience. This workshop is not for complete beginners, but you don’t need to be an expert—just familiar with rope and body awareness.
Both tops and bottoms should be comfortable working with body consciousness and communication.
Basic rope knowledge is expected (e.g., being able to tie or understand a single-column tie). Advanced skills are not required, but prior exposure to a beginner workshop or equivalent experience is recommended.
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Kinbaku ropes.
A blindfold or a versatile piece of fabric per person.
Rounded carabiners or a ring.
Comfortable clothing suitable for movement—ideally, something you can dance in.
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No recording pictures, video or audio.
Must be over 18
No topless, No bottomless.
Booking Information
Tickets for this workshop will be available at the Early Bird price until February 28th 2026.
If you are planning to come but are unable to pay right away, and wish to pay a deposit to reserve your Early Bird spot please contact us.