"Usually attributed to the style of Naka Akira, semenawa translates as 'torture rope' but is more than simply torture or pain for the sake of pain. Rather, it reflects an appreciation of the beauty of persistence through adversity being both intimate and intense." - semenawa (責め縄), Shibari Study Glossary.
Class Overview: In this workshop, you will learn a simple, yet impactful, tippy-toe bent tie designed to create these effects in your bottom, drawing out both physical endurance and emotional intensity. You can expect a brief discussion on the essence of semenawa, followed by a guided practice of a tie designed to test both body and mind.
Prerequisites: This class is open to intermediate students and above. You should know how to tie a single column tie, hojo cuffs, how to lock/finish your rope, and have good communication with your partner.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours. The class will run from 12:30-2:00/2:30. Following that, we will have our usual free time until 3:30, where you can socialize, have scenes, practice tying, or use one of the rigs.
About The Presenter: L-corde (she/her) is a rope switch based in Luxembourg, though she is often on the move—catch her if you can. She has a deep love for rope, both in tying and bottoming, each offering its unique experience that she enjoys. She offers rope classes and private lessons and sessions in Luxembourg. FetLife and Instagram
Group Rules: Please review our group rules. You can also print and sign our Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct Agreement from the same page on our website. If you don't, we'll have you sign them when you check in. If you have signed these previously, you don't need to sign them again.
Suspending at Box Tie Studio: If you want to do any partial or full suspension, you must be vetted to do so. This means you must be familiar with tying harnesses, hangers, and uplines, as we cannot guarantee that there will be someone knowledgeable to supervise or help you. If you want to be vetted to do suspensions at Box Tie Studio, please reach out to Cait ahead of time (cait@boxtiestudio.org).
COVID Policies:
- All attendees are required to be vaccinated against COVID, and WE WILL CHECK YOUR ID AND PROOF OF VACCINATION AT THE DOOR. If you can't be vaccinated for legitimate reasons, please reach out to us beforehand. You can securely send photos of your ID and vax card to Cait (cait@boxtiestudio.org) ahead of time if you'd like. If we've checked your ID and vax info before, we don't need to check it again.
- Please don't attend if you're feeling ill or exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 (review symptoms here). If you can't attend due to illness, we'll refund your tickets fully. We don't care what the CDC says about isolation; if you test positive for COVID within 5 days of this class, have had a known exposure, or are feeling ill, please do not come and spread your germs.
Buying Tickets & Event Capacity:
- We are implementing a maximum capacity of 24 attendees due to limited space, so if you want to come, you should quickly reserve your tickets online!
- If you want to avoid Forbidden Tickets's fees, you can select the registration-only ticket and pay an alternate way. We accept cash, checks, credit/debit cards, PayPal (@BoxTieStudio), Venmo (@boxtiestudio), and Cashapp ($ropespaced). If you pay one of these ways ahead of time (not at the door), please indicate which order it's for (the email address on your order works).
- "Our pricing is on a sliding scale, a system developed to fight against economic injustice and widen access to education and other events to build community. Please pay according to your available resources" (wording borrowed/slightly changed from the Boston Rope Collective, with their permission). If the ticket cost is a little out of your budget even at the lowest tier, please reach out to us and we can work something out.
What/Who To Bring & Wear:
- Bring a blanket or yoga mat to sit or tie on, if desired; there are a few chairs available.
- Also bring water, rope, and safety shears.
- We will have loaner rope available to borrow and raw jute and synthetic rope for sale if you don't own any.
- Dress comfortably in clothing that isn't too loose or flowy and still permits a full range of motion (many people wear workout clothing). Vanilla to the door, no nudity inside; genitals and anuses must be covered.
- You can come alone or with a partner, but we won't match up single attendees for you. You can pair yourselves up if desired.
Parking & Arrival Time:
- Doors open at 12:00. Please try to arrive early! We will be closing the doors at 12:30 and making opening remarks so we can start ASAP. If you know you're going to be late, please text Cait at (207) 558-2930. If you arrive and the door is locked, please knock loudly and/or call Cait, as our doorbell is broken :(
- There is plenty of parking. When you turn onto Ingersoll Drive, the parking lot is the first left, and we are the first building on the left. We are the second-floor end unit; you'll see large windows and skylights from outside. Please text Cait at (207) 558-2930 if you have trouble finding us.
Miscellaneous:
- No guns or other weapons are allowed on the premises.
- There is no smoking indoors. Please step outside to smoke.
- Use of drugs and/or alcohol is not allowed. If you are suspected to be under the influence, you will be ejected from the event without a refund.
- We have a dog and there will likely be dog fur throughout the studio, although we do our best to keep it as clean as possible. If you're allergic, please take note.
- There are 3 short stairs to get into the building and a carpeted staircase inside to get upstairs to the studio. Unfortunately, there is no elevator access.
If you have any other questions, please reach out to us! You can also contact @ropespaced (Cait), @Griffin207 (Jack), @ragdollbaby (Grace), or @Bratty_Beck (Beck) on FetLife. Otherwise, we hope to see you there!