Pay-what-you-can Class

[To buy multiple tickets, you'll need to buy them one at a time]. 

This class's donations will go towards "Live Through This": https://livethroughthis.co.uk/

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They're back!

Formerly known as 'Community Classes', after a few years hiatus, we are bringing these back in a newer, better format. These classes are donations based with all profits (yes ALL profits) going to local charities in the Peckham and Southwark areas dedicated to uplifting local communities.

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What's on offer this month?

Futomomos for everyone!

Futomomos are one of the most versatile ties in shibari, as they can be used for just basic constraint, sex play, floorwork, self-tying and even suspension. They are also one of the ties that can start very simple and can be picked up easily and then evolve into more elaborate ties, both aesthetically and functionally.

You will learn a few different futomomos, from simple ones to more elaborate ones, each providing a different take on how they work and how they can adapt to different bodies and situations.

While the class is designed with beginners in mind, the various futomomos shown are also something you could add to your own existing rope practice. We are also going to provide open tying time which will allow you to explore further and ask questions to the teachers. Keep in mind this is however not a suspension class.

This class will cover:

• Single column tie to make sure everyone can follow, and a challenge for more advanced people

• About 3-5 futomomo variations (depending on the skill level of the class)

• Open practice time with teacher support.

This class is open to people that come already paired up, as well as individuals. It will be possible to pair up on the day or to self-tie as preferred.

Total time: about 2h with breaks.

About the teachers

Giulia

Giulia (she/her) is a biologist that enjoys challenging herself on both sides of the rope. As a rigger she’s a scientist in nature, enjoying the technical aspects while pursuing a geometrical and symmetrical aesthetic in her practice. As a model she’s an explorer: she likes to push her limits with people that make her feel cared for and supported.

Her teaching practice borrows from both sides to provide an education that is clear and simple to understand, helping people to reach their own happy place within rope. She is attentive to the different needs of people in rope, and believes that everyone should be able to be in rope. She understands how not everyone can be extroverted and confident. She strives to create a learning environment that is well suited for shy people and people that are building their own confidence in rope.

Kaoru

Kaoru Neve (she/her) has been practicing shibari since 2016 on a journey of self-discovery and connection. What started as a way to open up to her kinky side, later gave her a language to express technique, feelings, creativity, and intimacy. For her, the charm of rope is its potential to open to a multitude of experiences: the intimate moment between two or more people; the aesthetic expression of a photo; the research of elegant techniques; the highlight of the natural beauty of bodies; the meditative moment of subspace; the immersive experience of a performer; the connection of a community; the silly laughter between friends; the exploration of boundaries; the discovery of a new body; the personal journey of self-discovery, and beyond.

This is what she is passionate about in her teachings: not a dogmatic perspective, but an opening of possibilities. She cares about the personal ‘why’, and she uses her skills in education and psychology to support everyone. She gives particular care to the learning approach of the student and how she can support the individual style and growth, allowing it to blossom with awareness.

Kaoru brings to rope an aesthetic sense based on the principle of “form follows function”. Her style is very curiosity driven: the deconstruction and exploration of techniques is a way to lay a safe foundation that allows her to try more things and find different paths to keep her journey going. Ultimately, she has found in rope a powerful way to connect to others — individuals and community — and she wants to spread that joy.

What charity will we be supporting this month?

This class's donations will go towards "Live Through This"

https://livethroughthis.co.uk/

How does this class work?

Same as any other class. You'll book donation ticket online and turn up on the day. You can attend solo or with a partner, and we'll provide everything else, rope included. We will announce in advance the topic of the class, and what charity donations are going to every session.

Who are these classes for?

Everyone. The aim is to provide a space for quality rope education for everyone, including those financial barriers who may find our pricier classes out of budget. You'll get top notch classes with local teachers, at more accessible price ranges (literally what you can afford since it's donations based).

Should you still come even if you can afford our regular workshops?

Yes! Not only will your donation go to a good cause, but you'll be helping new folk to learn. If you're more experienced, we will ask you to help out newcomers and foster peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

What is the format like?

The classes will be educational, but also have a strong social component, and since we encourage more experienced folk to also attend and participate, these classes will also have a strong peer-to-peer learning component. The first hour will be dedicated to absolute basics for those who are completely new, and then after that we will move on to specific topic or technique - always suitable for all levels.

Who teaches these classes?

Local teachers, old and new. The teachers leading the classes will be donating their time and expertise, sometimes these will be well seasoned teachers, and other times we will provide opportunities for new and budding teachers to lead a class. Our aim is to provide a stepping-stone for greater diversity of folk to teach rope in a friendly and relaxed environment.

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For our Covid-19 policy please see here.