ROPE JAM STUDIO

Our studio is proudly LGBTQIA+, FLINTA+ and BiPOC supporter and ally, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all bodies and identities.

FLEUR DE LIZ X ROPEJAM STUDIO

SELF-TIE & SELF-SUSPENSION FOUNDATIONS

Movement /// Structure /// Suspension

Monday 16 November 2026 /// 7:00 PM–11:00 PM

A four-hour movement, self-tie and self-suspension workshop exploring foundational rope techniques and their application to suspension.

This workshop brings together self-tying, movement and body awareness.

We will begin by reviewing essential rope structures and examining how they behave when applied to our own bodies. Participants will work through single and double-column ties, the Somerville Bowline, Mermaid, chest harnesses and a suspension-suitable hip harness.

We will then explore how these structures can be connected to rings and bamboo, building progressively towards supported or independent self-suspension.

The emphasis is not only on completing each tie.

We will investigate how the harness sits on the individual body, how placement and tension change under load, and how to maintain awareness of movement, balance, circulation and vulnerable nerve pathways throughout the process.

The workshop concludes with a short supported self-tie and suspension practice jam, creating space to revisit the material and explore the techniques covered with Fleur’s guidance.

WE WILL EXPLORE

• Single Column Ties for self-tying
• Double Column Ties
• Somerville Bowline
• Mermaid structures
• Chest-harness foundations
• Suspension-suitable hip-harness foundations
• Adapting rope placements to the individual body
• Rope tension and load distribution
• Connecting harnesses to rings and bamboo
• Supported self-suspension
• Independent self-suspension for appropriately experienced participants
• Body awareness while loading a tie
• Movement, balance and orientation
• Entering and leaving suspension progressively
• Guided self-tie and suspension practice

FROM STRUCTURE TO SUSPENSION

A harness that feels comfortable on the floor may behave differently when it is loaded.

Rope may move, pressure may become concentrated and the relationship between the harness and the body may change as weight is transferred.

We will learn to observe these changes rather than assuming that a familiar tie will behave in a familiar way.

Participants will explore how to progress gradually, test each structure and decide whether to remain on the floor, introduce partial load or move towards suspension.

Independent and full self-suspension are optional progressions for participants with suitable experience. They are not the objective for every person attending.

BY THE END OF THE WORKSHOP

Participants should be better able to:

• Apply foundational rope structures to their own body
• Tie a Somerville Bowline
• Develop Mermaid, chest and hip-harness structures for self-tying
• Understand how a harness changes when load is introduced
• Connect suitable structures to rings and bamboo
• Introduce partial suspension progressively
• Monitor tension, placement and physical changes
• Make more informed decisions about loading a tie
• Enter and leave suspension with greater awareness
• Continue practising the material independently

SKILL LEVEL & PREREQUISITES

Beginner / Intermediate.

This is not a complete introduction to rope.

To participate successfully, you must already:

• Be able to tie a secure Single Column Tie
• Be able to tie a secure Double Column Tie
• Be familiar with Mermaid and Futomomo ties
• Understand basic rope tension and body checks
• Be able to recognise and communicate physical changes
• Be willing to stop or reduce an exercise when necessary

Previous self-tying experience is recommended.

Participants without previous suspension experience will work through supported, low-level and partial-suspension options.

Independent or full self-suspension will only be available to participants with the appropriate existing experience and at the facilitator’s discretion.

ATTENDANCE

👤 Solo attendance: Welcome

🪢 Format: Self-tying and self-suspension

👥 Partner attendance: Welcome, but not required

💡 Suitable for: Advanced beginners and intermediate self-tiers

This workshop is designed around tying and suspending your own body.

You do not need to attend with a partner.

Participants remain responsible for choosing progressions