Join us for a fun evening to learn a really useful tie: partial suspension of the center of the body by means of a hip harness: the mono block, sometimes called “the booty basket”, and the half block, sometimes called the “gunslinger”.

Much of shibari is focused on the restraint of the arms or legs, or both. But how do you support the heaviest part of the body if you want to play with partial suspension?

In this class-to-jam we will dive into the ways to create safer and sustainable hip ties that can be used to support the body and raise the hips off the floor, to conquer the forces of gravity while also learning to surrender to it.

The hip ties that we will focus on are very useful additions to other ties on the upper or lower body and can help a great deal to support you in creating more sustainable partial suspensions. It can also be used as a standalone tie to create interesting sensations of surrender or positions for play.

While suspension is usually a more advanced technique that requires a certain level of skill and training, in this class we will only be playing with the first steps of suspension, making sure to keep most of the body's weight on the floor. Learning like this makes it a safer practice and allows beginners to start teasing the idea of lifting up other areas of the body. Using vertical lines and supports allows Shibari to move from a floor-based arena into a three dimensional space with increased dynamics and feelings.

If you are curious about Shibari but not sure of where and how to begin, join us to learn more about this rich, diverse and fascinating practice. We will teach some beginner-level content to build a basic understanding of rope bondage and give you a sense of why we love rope so much!

For experienced practitioners we can give added input to refine your practice and show some next steps. You're warmly invited to hang out, practice and share some skills.

Themed beginner jams ( like this one ) are a low-pressure learning environment where we introduce a few rope ideas and techniques, provide a bit of direction on how to use them and then open the floor up for people to play and explore with those ideas. Our spaceholders will be there to assist with any questions and ideas, as well as maybe providing a bit of our own inspiration.

What is meant by LGBTQIA+ only? 

The LGBTQIA+ community encompasses a diverse and inclusive group of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and other sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. The "+" at the end of LGBTQIA+ acknowledges the diversity within the community and encompasses identities that may not be explicitly mentioned in the acronym. This can include individuals with non-binary gender identities, pansexual individuals, genderqueer individuals, and more.For our LGBTQIA+/Queer Jams, our primary objective is to remain faithful to our foundational principle of maintaining a space managed by queer individuals, focused on the practice of rope-related and Shibari activities. This environment allows people to confidently and freely engage in exploring this medium alongside their peers and community members. Thus, these Jams exclusively welcome participation from members of the LGBTQIA+ community. You are welcome to come solo, with a friend or partner, or as part of your polycule.

Buy tickets on our website: https://www.embodimentropespace.co.za/shibari-events-in-cape-town/

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to get regular updates on our events: https://www.embodimentropespace.co.za/

OUR TEAM

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

@faeriebunnyrope (she/her)

@rope.fu (he/him)

@creaturale (they/them)

@fire_lily_kinbaku (she/her)

@sudo_kinbaku_ / @sudojute (he/they)

RULES
1. Be on time.

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. Please do not use any recreational drugs before coming or while on site.

FAQ
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 learning environment, not a sexual one, so crotches are to remain covered. Other than that, you are free to wear whatever you like. Comfy, sexy, sporty, fetish - as long as your booty is covered, you are welcome here.

What should I expect on the night?

We hope to create a safe and intimate space where you will get the rare opportunity to learn from highly skilled professionals. You will also have access to our team to chat about rope and connect with the community in a low-pressure environment.

Note on accessibility:

We believe rope is for every body. At the same time the building we are currently occupying does not allow for wheelchair access to ground floor ablution facilities. This is an ongoing negotiation with the current landlords. However the space itself allows for wheelchair access :)