Introduction to Suspension

29jul(jul 29)11:0030(jul 30)18:00Introduction to SuspensionLGBTQIA+ & FRIENDSEvent OverIn-House Event11:00 - 18:00 (30) FacilitatorGestalta (they/them)Categoryshibari

Health Guidelines for this Event

Masks Required
Physical Distance Maintained
Event Area Sanitized

Time

29 (Saturday) 11:00 - 30 (Sunday) 18:00

language

English

Event Details

This weekend workshop is aimed at people who are already experienced with floor work and are looking to begin suspension. We will discuss some of the reasons behind why we do suspension, the different styles and ways to use it, and the feeling of suspension from the perspective of both tying partners. We will look at some of the most important elements in safe suspension, and we will gradually build these elements into a basic suspension.

It is recommended that participants attend with a partner they already have some experience tying with, and have practiced a suspendable upper body harness together (of any variety that both partners are happy with). Gestalta will take some time at the beginning of the class to review everyone’s harness individually, make small suggestions for improvement if needed, and will also explain what to look for in judging whether or not a harness is suspendable.

 

Event Details

Date & Time:  July 29th & 30th, 2023, 11am -6pm (1-hour lunch break)

Format: in-house workshop

Audience:  LGBTQIA+ & FRIENDS

Language: English

Minimum Knowledge Level:

• Ability to tie a suspendable upper body harness that both partners are comfortable with.

• Basic awareness of anatomy in ropes (for example nerves and circulation)

• Single column tie, and basic frictions (e.g. half hitch)

• Experience with tying on the floor, including rope handling, placement and tension

What to Bring:  minimum of 8 ropes of 7,5 – 8 meters in length, plus some short pieces if you have, food and snacks for your day, comfortable clothing (something you would do movement in), questions, and an open mind

Solo or Partnered:  Partnered, price is per pair

 

What we will teach/do

• Reviewing harnesses for safety

• Attaching suspension lines

• Locking suspension lines safely and efficiently

• Different types of suspension equipment and how to change your technique accordingly.

• Suspension line management

• Clear and effective communication with your partner

• Moving and lifting your partner’s body

• The uses of hip harnesses

• Thinking a step ahead

• How to get down

 

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 describes 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 acknowledgement 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 pro-actively work and strive to be good friends and allies to marginalized people.

Facilitator

Gestalta (they/them)

My approach to shibari has evolved as the result of over a decade of practice on both sides of the ropes and a broad range of influences that I appropriate, mix and develop in my own practice. This has shaped my teaching style into one that seeks to reflect the experience of both tying partners on a deep level. I have a strong belief that shibari should not be prescriptive and encourage students to explore it as a flexible set of tools; adapting each tie to the body of the tied partner, and to their needs and desires within each individual situation. My teaching process aims to enable this by giving students a framework of the fundamental principles behind shibari; including safety efficiency and fluency, but also body awareness, communication, and conscious consideration of their own experiences and motivations.

I absorbed most of my technical rigging style a natural process of observation and experience from inside the ropes of the people I was tied by as a model. In this respect, I have been lucky to have had a broad range of influences.

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