This workshop will provide the technical, theoretical, and practical basics to begin to understand vertical bamboo suspension (“Floating Hashira”).
Floating Hashira was originally conceived as a concept by Akechi Kanna (Japan). In this class Pauline Massimo will teach their own rendition and techniques of this concept and will guide participants to find their most unique ways to self-develop in this style of using bamboo, accompanying from basic to more complex fundamentals for all roles: models, riggers & self-tying people.
Because of the dynamics of this intensive one-day workshop, it recommends limited role-switching during the workshop.
If there is any concern about the movement of the bamboo as a single-point suspension, there is a possibility to practice as a fixed hashira in case there is any available in the space, or having the bamboo very close to the ground to avoid spinning.
During the workshop it will not be mandatory to be tied in a Takate Kote if you don’t want to, different possibilities will be offered so that everyone is comfortable and safer.
No harnesses will be shown.
Event Details
Date & Time: August 26th, 2023, 10 am-5 pm CET (1-hour lunch break)
Format: workshop
Audience: LGBTQIA+ & FRIENDS
Language: English
Minimum Knowledge Level:
It is very important to meet the requirements for this workshop to ensure that the group is at a uniform level of practical knowledge.
Know about safety, anatomy of the tied-up body, risks of injuries, accidents, and how to act in each situation.
Have a good understanding of single and double-column ties, and basic and complex frictions. Know how to tie a proper harness suitable for suspensions on the chest and lower part of the body that the tied-up person finds comfortable. Know how to make suspension line locks either in rings or/and bamboo horizontally, and have some experience suspending.
The model must have enough experience (as well suspended) and body awareness. Know how to communicate when something is not right and recognize the signs of a nerve injury and differentiate from the numbness of blood circulation.
Self-tying folks should fulfill all the requirements above in their role.
What to Bring:
It is recommended to have a uniform set of ropes of 7.5 meters or 8 meters and some shorter pieces, if possible.
During the course, you will need approximately
– 1 rope for the suspension line for the floating bamboo (must be new and sturdy and of good quality).
– 3-4 ropes for suspension lines (preferably 1-2 of them should be as new as possible).
– And the number of ropes you usually use to tie 2 harnesses on the body (average 4-6 ropes) and some extra shorter pieces may be needed.
– Your own safety scissors.
Solo or Partnered: partnered
Price: 144 Euros per pair for the entire workshop
What we will teach you
– Risks, injuries, and accidents: how to avoid and/or mitigate them.
– Suspension line locking in vertical bamboo and fixed locks for hashira.
– Demonstrations and exercises with static partial and low suspensions, with static full suspensions and more complex dynamic suspensions.
– Special attention to the anatomy and well-being of the tied-up body.
– Adaptations and creative explorations.
Mandatory Covid-19 rules
If you would like to inform yourself about other safety measures we have in place, please consult our Covid-19 measurements here.
Accessibility Note
The workshop is held in spoken English. German can also be provided. The space, KARA, is on the ground floor but has three steps to enter the house. A ramp for wheelchairs is available at all times. There is also a parking space available right in front of the door if needed. KARA has an accessible bathroom available. There are no thresholds in the entire house. The garden is only partially accessible at the moment. During the workshop, we will sit on the floor. Sitting in a chair can also be provided. Adaptations for physical needs will be shown and can also be provided upon request. If you participate in this workshop and need more assistance please message us at info@karada-house.de beforehand.
Accommodation:
For people coming to this workshop from out of Berlin, we can offer you accommodation in our space (mattress, bed linens, cushions, bathroom, shower, and kitchen) in the common area. If you are interested, please message us at info@karada-house.de
Who is this event for?
LGBTQIA+ describes the full spectrum of non-mainstream sexual orientation and/or gender identity, meaning: lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, non-binary, genderqueer/fluid,
Friends describe people of any and all kinds of gender and sexual identities who are aware and respectful of the necessity, needs, and boundaries of a queer safe(r) space and its marginalized community.
When you consider yourself a friend you show acknowledgment to and are respectful of everyone’s self-expression and do not assume presume or project non-consensual ideas onto others. You actively request and use people’s chosen pronouns. You remain mindful of the fact that Karada House is first and foremost a space for queer people that you are also invited to attend. You have a genuine concern for the well-being of LGBTQIA+ people and remain in awareness of heterosexual and gender-straight privileges.
Friends don’t have to be perfect. None of us are. We request that we all proactively work and strive to be good friends and allies to marginalized people.
