Predicaments with Fred Hatt and Anna Bones (intermediate and above)

Doors open: 6:30PM

Predicaments are Fred’s favourite form of rope play. Endurance, impossible choices, and playing with a bottom’s headspace are the key ingredients in the equation.

That said, predicaments can be difficult to execute well without a solid understanding of the body and an extreme level of attention to detail and body cues. In this style of play, rigger and model are often working against each other rather than with each other, which makes it important to recognise the ways in which a model might “cheat” or “escape” the desired predicament. It is also a form of play that can be demanding for the rigger, as it requires heightened responsibility, constant attention to both the model and the ropes in order to remain safe.

In this class, Fred will introduce his key principles for achieving true predicaments in rope scenes, giving participants a clear starting point for exploring this style of play. Anna will explain the ways in which as bottoms the body and mind intuitively finds balance and sweet spots which “defeat” the predicament. She will (regretfully) explain what riggers should be looking out for to read their partners.

The aim with predicaments, as Fred likes to execute them, is not “rest and restore,” but rather strain and endure, intentionally avoiding floaty, endorphin-heavy states in favour of adrenaline, presence and endurance. Think shaking bodies, beads of sweat, strained faces — and, ultimately, relief and catharsis post-scene.

There may be hair ties, crotch ropes, and neck ropes used during demos. You are welcome to adapt these elements as you see fit.

The class will be a mix of demos, discussion, and practical tying.

Pre-requisites
Riggers: A basic understanding of suspension line lock-offs and a solid upper-body harness suitable for suspension (ideally a TK).
Models: A good understanding of their own bodies, including awareness of relevant nerves, and the ability to communicate clearly with their rigger about any concerns or sensations during a tie.

About the educators:
Fred (he/him) has been tying for well over 14 years. An ex-academic with a passion for rope technique, his rope journey has been shaped both by his Japanese teachers and by various European innovators, resulting in a somewhat “fusion” style. He enjoys leaning into the more classical aspects of the practice — including traditional shapes and ties — while keeping things modern, practical, and functional.

While his focus is primarily on the local community at Anatomie, Fred’s love of rope has taken him and Anna around the world to perform and teach. He has also created rope work for various international publications, including fashion magazines and music videos.

For a more complete portfolio, please visit: www.bonesandrope.com

In the classroom, as well as on stage, Fred offers a modern and down-to-earth approach to tying, informed by his nerdy, sadistic inclinations and a deep love for S&M-flavoured scenes.

Anna Bones (she/her) discovered rope, with her now-husband Fred Hatt, in 2013 and has been in love with it ever since. Rope quickly escalated from a side hobby to a full-time job, culminating in the opening of Anatomie Studio - which she runs with Fred Hatt - since 2015. Anna has taught and performed with her partner all over the world, but her favourite place is still her local hub, where welcoming and teaching beginners is her main passion. From self-tying, bottoming and rigging, Anna loves it all, although she finds being tied the greatest joy of all.

Anna enjoys learning from different teachers and about different Shibari styles, so when she teaches she can cover a range of techniques and approaches. Regardless of motivation or dynamic, she believes rope can be a great tool for self discovery and for building trust and intimacy within healthy partnerships.

Tickets are non-refundable, as once they’re sold we often have a waiting list and are happy to help contact those guests to assist with reselling where possible🎟️💛. For our regularly occurring classes, we’re also very happy to rebook your ticket for a different date when needed 📅✨