Fundamentals 2: Choreography and Notation

Fundamentals is a series within the Queerope Berlin 2024 conference that goes back to the basics and way beyond. Andrea Rimon will re-define what the fundamentals of rope are and offer classes suited for beginners as well as anyone who wants to go back to a beginner mindset and/or approach the beginnings again in a completely new way.

What does it mean to think of tying fundamentals outside of just learning frictions, patterns, and general BDSM social mores? This class series will be an exploration of what it means to build a queer trying practice that takes less for granted. Drawing on techniques taken from physical theater, dance, contact improvisation, and other movement arts, we will think deeply about what it means to think of tying not just as a sexual practice, but as a form of collectively devised experience with ties to art, politics, and the rest of life.

In this class, we’ll work through choreographing a scene around a single relatively simple pattern: aisatsu shibari, or the “greeting tie.” After breaking down the affordances of the pattern (forces, body mechanics, our own associations), pairs or small groups will create and notate short scenes with it. We’ll discuss the value and method of diagramming ties and the value of being able to create repeatable, iterable choreography, even for those who have a practice that does not involve tying for performance and where most scenes are improvised.

Partner: Layal

Format: workshop, discussion

Minimum knowledge level: –

participants: 8

What to bring: ropes, pen and paper

Constellations: all constellations welcome

Accessibility: classes will have a significant portion of discussion, so we are switching from being on the floor to occasionally standing, this class will focus on a standing pattern that involves the arms and being taken off balance.