A poetic journey to and through Barkas’ metaphorical city of Kinbaku. Barkas and Addie guide participants through some of the many meanings with which rope can be imbued. We discuss communication via ropes, movement with ropes, and space in the context of ropes. This journey includes very simple techniques and more elaborate ones alike. Participants will get a deep insight into the philosophy and technique of Barkas’s and Addie’s work. We encourage all levels to participate and not to be afraid of challenges.
All of the parts are 120min long with time to practice the exercises and Q&A. If you wish to purchase only a single class, please click on the class headline:
“Arrival in Ropes” (Saturday, November 7th: 3pm-5pm CET)
A rope scene can be seen as a ‘totally other space’ with its own distinct set of rules, morals, languages. In this first part, we welcome the participants in that space, talk about a conceptual image that illustrates what we could do in a rope scene, and provide possibilities for how to enter a rope scene.
Contents: Preparation, Entrance, and Greeting Shibari
“Movement in the City of Kinbaku” (Saturday, November 7th: 5.30pm-7.30pm CET)
In Barkas’ approach to rope, what one does with rope is not as important as knowing how or why one does it. In the end, the aim is to move each other’s hearts. Thus, it seems almost obvious to make movement a big part of a rope scene. In Barkas’ City of Kinbaku, there are three modes of physical movement with the idea to move one’s partner emotionally.
Contents: Archimedes, Peter Pan, and Elephant.
“The Baroque District” (Saturday, November 7th: 8-10pm CET)
Yukimura said “ropes are there to frame the beauty of the person in ropes.” In this part we will elaborate a frame of ropes that is rather baroque. A rope pattern that suits and accentuates every body type and presentation, with emphasis on making the person in rope feel, and therefore emanate, beauty.
Content: Baroque upper body tie with about 4ish ropes.
“The Archive” (Sunday, November 8th: 3pm-5pm CET)
In everyday life it is almost never permitted to express emotions to the fullest. We usually store them in a box and put them in our personal archive to deal with them ‘later’, knowing that this later will almost never come. A rope scene can facilitate a look into these personal archives, and together with a trusted partner we can open a box or two.
Content: Listening, Pause, Interpretation. With ropes.
“The Red Light District” (Sunday, November 8th: 5.30pm-7.30pm CET)
The possibility of the erotic. In The City of Kinbaku, sexwork is amongst the most respected fields. In this part we visit the red light district where we will explore some floor work that can easily (but not necessarily) be used for practices that transgress into the taboo of the sexual. A special focus on identifying, understanding, honouring, and supporting different facets of vulnerability, to protect psychological safety while exploring these topics.
Content: Yukimura floor work exercises.
“The Amusement Park” (Sunday, November 8th: 8-10pm CET)
Rope scenes are meant to move the hearts of those involved, to express love and emotions through the medium of ropes. The last stop of our city trip, the curiosity cabinet at the amusement park, demonstrates that ropes can be silly, laughing, and awkward. An exploration of the importance of ‘having fun with’ without ‘making fun of’, to allow free expression and release of emotions that are rarely taught but often sought.
Content: A challenge, a souvenir, an exercise that does not leave a single eye dry.
Event Details
Date & Time: November 7th & 8th, 2020, 3pm-10pm CET (Berlin time)
Format: workshop & discussion (virtual)
Audience: LGBTQIA+ & FRIENDS
Language: English, translation into German can be provided
Minimum Knowledge Level: A good understanding of single column ties, experience with basic floor work, the ability to tie an upper body harness. We encourage all levels to participate and not to be afraid of challenges.
What to Bring: if you want to tie along you need a minimum of 8 ropes, safety gear, space, a partner, a hard point
Solo or Partnered: both (one ticket purchase is valid for one pair), you need a partner to tie along but witnessing and observing will also teach you lots!
Class recording: yes, participants will not be recorded. The recordings will be available for 14 days after the class
What else to know
After your successful ticket purchase, you will be sent an email with the Zoom login data for this event.
If you cannot afford this event, please check the ticket option “solidarity” for reduced ticket prices. If that is still too much or they are out of stock, feel free to send us a message via info@karada-house.de.
