Connecting through Tying： Movement and improvisation on the ground w/ @Joan_von_Brook

Brought to you by @Joan_von_Brook, the founder of new Czech rope and BDSM home Subspace

During this workshop, we will combine movement and improvisation together and also dive into each separately.

In the technical part, we will discover how to build our own minimalistic and restrictive ties on the ground without thinking too much. The movement will be introduced for the sake of motion (or
dance) itself and also as a way to find a new position and restriction. We will let the rope lead the way and learn to use „mistakes“ to our own advantage.

Touch. Tie. Improvise.

Ropes are very often compared to dance or contact improvisation. They can be very organic such as contact improvisation and even when you do not dance, there is always some form of the movement included.

We will not only focus on moving the models but also on how to manage the movement of us riggers. Appropriate body position and focus on breathing make a big difference in the impact on the body of our partner. With a suitable position comes the ability to observe, and thus react when wanted or needed. With the ability to react come presence, flow, and true connection.

Models as well as followers in dance have their own individual set of skills. During this weekend, models will have an opportunity to explore their own movement, be it as small as breathing or as big as a step.

To get the most out of this class, you will have to...

• Riggers need to know safe single and double-column ties.
• Models should have a positive attitude to movement.

Who's teaching the class?

@Joan von Brook is a presenter, performer, rope bottom, rigger, and co-founder of Subspace studio in Prague, Czech Republic. She has been a shibari addict since 2013. First as a rope bottom, but almost immediately started also tying actively. As a rigger, she is mostly influenced by Soptik and Nicolas Arnoys. As a bottom, she greatly benefits from her experience with challenging ties, especially with Naka ryu, Yoroi-ryu, and from bottoming for Tifereth.

Her passion for teaching is creating hands-on fun multilevel exercises around the experience of models and riggers. Loves to focus on bottoming both for floor work and suspensions. Has various sports and dancing backgrounds, loves to look at body and mind as an inseparable unit.

Common Q&A

1. Do I need to bring my own rope?

Please bring 4 x 30ft lengths of bondage rope. There will be a limited supply of ropes available to borrow. Please message @Nocturnal_Events beforehand if you need to borrow them. ✨

2. Do I need a rope bottom?

Yes. You will need a rope bottom to practice with. If you are a switch, pair up with your switch-y friends! You learn the most if you could experience both sides!

3. What should I wear?

For Riggers: Anything you feel the most comfortable in. You will feel
warmer than your bottom, so don't put too many layers on!

For bottoms: Tighter clothes are the best. For example: tank tops and yoga pants. If you wear bras, please remember to take them off or wear wireless bras for upper body ties.

4. What else should I bring?

Your water bottle, and pack for you & your partner's aftercare needs. We will have some snacks for refreshment and energy boost.

5. Will I be able to learn to suspend someone?

No. This class will be groundwork focus. The body manipulation and movement skills are applicable to many other types of play/scenes.

Covid stuff

1. Being vaccinated is a must.
2. Mask is optional, but recommended.
3. There will be disinfecting wipes/spray and paper towels, and hand sanitizer.