About the event

“Though she be but little, she is fierce!” Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream

Are you a smaller rope top struggling to create beautiful and safe shibari ties on larger rope bottoms? Join us for this intermediate level class, where we will share tips and techniques specifically designed for smaller riggers. We will explore different ways of using body manipulation, weight distribution, and angles to achieve stunning floorwork and partial suspensions, while minimizing the risk of injury.

This class will cover advice for floorwork and for suspension, from the perspective of a top who is significantly smaller than their bottom. Petite Pretzel draws on both from her rope journey and from her experience in Krav Maga (an Israeli martial art) to give advice on confidently tying a rope bottom who is taller and heavier than their rigger.

In this class, you will learn:

• How to use your body and leverage to create tension and movement

• Techniques for reducing friction in uplines

• How to adapt traditional ties for smaller bodies

• Ways to communicate effectively with your rope bottom, and build trust and connection

• Tips for managing your energy and avoiding burnout during longer sessions

• We will also discuss safety considerations for suspension, including weight limits, rope placement, and emergency procedures.

Join us and discover how being a smaller rigger can be an advantage, as you develop your own unique style and creativity.

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About the facilitator

Petite Pretzel is a rope switch from New York. She teaches shibari at Anatomie Studio London, where she has worked since 2019. She has performed live in the UK for Edinburgh Rope Showcase, Drawn to Rope London, Rabbithole Club, and Fox&Badge; as well as abroad for Athens Shibari. Her commercial rigging includes credits for music videos, fashion photography and full-length film. She lives in Bethnal Green with her cat, who loves ropes just as much as she does.

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What to wear

Please come dressed in comfortable clothing that allows for freedom of movement.

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Prerequisites:

Please note that this class is for intermediate level rope tops who understand basic safety principles. Riggers should be:

• Confident with single and double column tie

• Able to tie a suspendable chest harness

• Able to tie a suspendable lower body harness

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Image credit: Top @petite_pretzel;  bottom @kinknamepending; @phoenixflightrope; photo by @fkybeest

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For our Code of Conduct see here.

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Need financial help to access this course? Please click here.