with Ztella & Aja
In this absolute beginner class, Ztella and Aja will introduce you to the foundations of shibari, emphasising both the technical craft and the intimate connection that rope can create. Drawing from years of teaching experience, we create a structured yet playful space where you can explore rope as a tool for connection, movement, and restriction.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
You will learn a variety of technical foundations of shibari: how to safely and effectively tie rope onto someone's body, how to maintain tension, and how to create connections between different parts of the body or to fixed points in space. Beyond the technical, we'll explore how you can use intention and presence to craft an immersive session - both as the person tying and being tied.
WHO IT'S FOR
No previous knowledge of rope bondage is required. You're welcome to attend with a friend, lover, life partner, or any other arrangement that feels right for you. While we focus on paired exercises, participants interested in self-tying are also welcome—just let us know in advance if you'll be coming alone or in an uneven group. Tickets are sold individually, so if you don't come with a partner and don't want to practice self-tying, we can help pair you with someone else.
CONSENT & SAFETY
Bondage can bring up a lot of feelings—and we want to emphasise that nothing is mandatory. If there's anything you don't want to do or don't feel comfortable with—for any reason—you don't have to! We will proceed slowly and check in throughout to ensure everyone feels safe and heard. We (the workshop facilitators) are queer, and prioritise gender-neutral ways of referring to the body and won't make assumptions about desire or roles based on your gender or the arrangement you've arrived in.
PRACTICAL DETAILS
Dress comfortably in clothes without metal, zippers, or underwire
Bring rope if you have it, or borrow some from our studio (there is also an option to purchase rope if you'd like to take it home)
There will be time to switch between tying and being tied, but if you prefer to stick to just one role, that is also welcome
For those interested in taking your practice further after this class, we offer a 6-week course which takes place every Tuesday evening—the next start date will be April 1st with Shirin!