Rope Play on the Floor: Tying More Positions & Transitions

Fun body positions and transitions between positions aren't just for suspension! They also can be a great way to play with rope on the floor (or on a mat, or on a bed...).

If you've learned a few rope ties and are looking to expand the ways you can combine them to create different body shapes & smoother transitions in rope scenes, then this class is for you!

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn multiple ways to use some basic rope elements (a single-column tie, a chest harness, some frictions & lock-offs) to create a variety of restraint positions. The class breaks down tying a person in different bondage positions so that participants can individualize the tie to and the position to different individual bodies, abilities, limitations, preferences, and sensitivities. Some of the transitions covered include: ebi to gyaku-ebi, stretched out into basket tie into a hogtie, a seated torsion into torsion twisting in the opposite direction, and potentially more! This class teaches participants a tool box of multiple techniques that might appeal to different people's bodies and preferences, and teaches how to to gauge and adjust ropes to the individual person's body and preferences.

Prerequisites: People tying during the hands-on portion of the workshop will need to know the Somerville Bowline Single Column Tie, a square knot, half-hitch, munter hitch, and any type of chest harness with an attachment point in the back. All participants, but especially people being tied, should have body awareness and be able to communicate their needs and limitations to their tying partner.

Materials needed: For participating in the hands-on portion of the workshop, you should have 3-4 ropes, each ~25+ feet in length (but bring more if you’ve got it) and perhaps one shorter length of rope. Rope will also be available for purchase at the venue prior to the workshop.

About the Presenters:

Parker RopeBoi (IG: @parkerropeboi) is a queer, non-binary rope performer and educator who has been presenting workshops and rope performances across North America and Europe. since 2009. Known for their daredevil self-suspension performances, Parker is also a versatile rope top who enjoys tying others and sharing their passion for rope. As an educator, Parker enjoys breaking down complex scenes and into teachable skills and techniques. Parker respects and appreciates that all bodies are different and that there are no “one-size-fits-all” techniques. Parker strives to foster an inclusive, affirming environment for adults of all bodies, histories, and identifications to learn and enjoy rope. Parker offers workshops and private lessons for levels from novice to advanced. Parker lives in New York City and hosts the monthly Queer Rope Social event at WOW Cafe Theater.

Jakob is a non-binary rope switch who enjoys rope of all sorts, playful and painful and otherwise. They enjoy being in rope for many reasons, two being that it helps them feel connected to their body and focused on something. They also enjoy using rope to create exciting, meaningful and creative situations for others to experience. Jakob is especially excited about combining rope with partnered movement arts including dance, contact improvisation, and acroyoga.

General Information

All attendees must be over the age of 18 years old. All attendees must agree to follow the event policies.

Tickets:

Standard tickets are $25 per person.

We offer reduced price ($12) tickets for low-income and underrepresented folks.

If you cannot afford the $12 reduced price ticket, please email ropeboi@gmail.com

Supporter tickets ( available at the $35, $50, or $100 level) enable us to offer these reduced price tickets to workshops and to expand our offerings to include more advanced and varied workshop topics. If you are able to show your support in this way, we greatly appreciate your purchase of a supporter level ticket.

All ticketholders receive equal access to the workshop regardless of ticket type purchased.

Workshop Location:

WOW Cafe Theater

59-61 E. 4th Street #6 (4th Floor)

New York, NY, 10003

Do I need a partner?

To fully participate in the hands-on portions of the workshop, attendees will need a rope partner. Attendees are welcome to attend with a specific rope partner, to attempt to pair up with someone at the workshop (no guarantees!), or to just observe during the hands-on sections. If you are seeking a partner for the workshop, please post in the partner finding thread in the WOW Cafe Theater group on Fetlife.

Is this workshop just for queer people?

This workshop is NOT just for queer people! There is separate event at this space called Queer Rope Social, which is just for queer people, but this shibari workshop is open to anyone who is 18+ and meets the criteria for the workshop.

Schedule:

Doors open at 2:45pm (please arrive before 3:00pm to check in and get settled in the space)

Workshop 3pm-5pm

COVID Policies:

All in-person attendees must be up-to-date on their COVID vaccines, meaning the original vaccine course plus a booster if you are eligible to receive a booster.

In-person attendees must wear N95, KN95, or KF95 masks (we will have N95 masks available for purchase at the door at wholesale cost of $1 each if you do not bring your own N95/KN95/KF95 mask; supplies limited). You may temporarily take off your mask to eat or drink, but keep your mask on unless you are actively drinking/eating. Presenters of the workshop may remove their masks during some portions of teaching for accessibility or demonstration purposes.

If you test positive for COVID or you are exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID, or if you're experiencing COVID-like symptoms on the day of the workshop, please request a refund through the Eventbrite platform prior to the workshop and do not attend the workshop.

Accessibility notice

The space is located on the 4th floor of a building that has an elevator. There is an ADA-compliant accessible single-stall bathroom inside the workshop space. There is also a non-accessible single-stall bathroom. The floors inside the space are marley flooring (smooth dance studio flooring), except for one small carpeted area that will not be used by attendees only by volunteers.

Participants are asked remove their shoes in the space during the workshop.

Questions about the workshop, venue, policies, or accessibility? Contact ropeboi@gmail.com