This two-day workshop series, taught by Mie Neko and Nikoleta Ginger, offers two distinct explorations:

Day 1: Twist & Bend: Torsion & Backbends

Day 2: Body Manipulations in Suspensions and Floorwork

Each workshop session runs from 11am until 6pm, including breaks. While both days can be booked individually, we highly recommend taking advantage of the discounted offer for booking them together, allowing for a comprehensive and immersive experience.

Further Details

DAY 1: Twist & Bend: Torsion & Backbends

The most beautiful thing about the bodies we tie is that they are soft. We can shape them into intense positions only by applying ropes at the right spot in the right amount and the right tension. But especially in the beginning it’s not too easy to understand how we can achieve a sustainable torsion or backbend in our model, where they are twisted and bent and where the whole picture gets even more 3-dimensional. In this class we will have a look at how a torsion & backbends can be created first on the floor and later in the air and how we can intensify them more and more. We will also address the models' needs to feel safe in this kind of tie and how to be open for it.

Prerequisites for Day 1:

Riggers:

• TK or other chest harness, which is suspendible from the back

• Safe single-column and double-column ties

• Safe and quick suspension line handling

• Confidence in suspension sessions

Models:

• Prior experience with suspensions

• Feeling comfortable being tied in the chosen chest harness

• Understanding the difference between comfortable and sustainable, and willingness to explore both

• Ability to self monitor nerve compression and blood flow restriction.

Day 2: Body Manipulations in Suspensions and Floorwork

"Someone who can tie a little but can move a body well will have a higher impact on their model than someone who can tie a lot but knows nothing about the body."

Moving our tied partners can be a challenge. They are restricted in their movement, they might be out of balance, and you as the rope top have responsibility for their bodies. These factors might lead to very static tying and fear of moving the model’s body. But being moved by someone else is not only fun—but it also increases the opportunity to let go during a session. In this workshop we are going to focus on smooth and elegant body manipulation that is suitable for all model/rigger constellations. We’ll find ways that the models feel safe and understood in their bodies, while riggers gain self confidence and encouragement to bring another variable to their rope practice. We will start with movement on the floor and continue looking at body manipulation in the air.

Prerequisites for Day 2:

Riggers:

For all:

• Safe single-column and double-column tie, and fluency with frictions

For those planning to include suspensions in their practice:

• Prior experience with suspension

• TK or other chest harness, which is suspendible from the back

• Safe and quick suspension line handling

Models:

• Understanding the difference between comfortable and sustainable, and willingness to explore both

• Ability to self monitor nerve compression and blood flow restriction.

For those planning to include suspensions in their practice:

• Prior experience with suspension

• Feeling comfortable being tied in the chosen chest harness

Prerequisites

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants, certain prerequisites must be met. In addition to the prerequisites for each day above, all participants must have effective communication skills with their partners. It is essential for both partners to engage in a thorough pre-negotiation, openly discussing any physical or psychological limitations, injuries, or concerns that may impact the ties.

Switching

Switching between partners during the workshop is welcome, although it's important to note that it will result in less time for each participant to practice the tie. We recommend only switching at the start of a new exercise, rather than within the same exercise.

Pricing

220€ per couple for the entire weekend, or single-day tickets for 125€ per couple, per day.