Floating Hashira & Asymmetric Ties with Pauline Massimo
- Hosted by VoxBody Studio
- Oakland, CA -
A long time in the planning, we are thrilled to finally announce a weekend with Pauline Massimo (Brazil/Spain)!!!
Join us May 11&12 for a two-day intensive workshop focused on Floating Hashira and Asymmetric Ties.
Pauline will introduce the topic of "floating hashira" from the most basic to the most complex components. Participants will also be challenged to work with a variety of asymmetric harnesses and shape construction, aiming to level-up hands-on experience and creative expression when combining the two components.
Both topics in this workshop defy classic Japanese rope bondage and play with the infusion of western bondage, contemporary Shibari and with the atypical uses of bamboo as a suspension point and element of rope play.
Pauline will explain the most important ways to lock off the bamboo with their technique, go over the common tech issues with this practice, and how we can mitigate injuries and accidents by understanding better how the body and the bamboo works together. They will also demo exercises to provide some inspiration for participants, but their main focus will be working with each tying pair on helping them to find their own style with the technique and approach shown. While creating an environment for exploration and experimentation, participants will be encouraged to adapt their own style, needs, limitations and interests with Pauline’s guidance and help. The intention is full suspension but it’s also suitable for partials.
Workshop mainly focused on pairs, switching is allowed between different days.
Materials needed:
* Usual amount of ropes each participant requires to: tie an upper and lower body harness, strong newer ropes for each harness' upline, 2-3 ropes for single/double column ties and their uplines.
* ADDITIONAL ROPE NEEDED for Floating Hashira: approximately 6 lengths, depending if you want to play with levels. 1-2 new strong ropes for the bamboo anchoring, 1-2 uplines for the bamboo anchoring/ability to play with levels, 1-2 ropes for anchor points on bamboo.
* Minimum of 1 carabiner or ring. (More carabiners are welcome depending on participants interests, carabiners must be with a high strength rating. If you want the ability to play with levels on both sides of the bamboo, you will need at least 2 carabiners)
* Participants must have a cutting tool on them while tying.
* Additional: Additional newer ropes or reinforced ropes for the pulling system is welcome to participants who are interested in this use.
* Comfy clothing that you will be using for yoga or movement class that allows you to move freely. Covering the skin to avoid possible deep rope burns is recommendable for participants who struggle with this.
Prerequisites:
* Tying participants should be well-experienced doing suspensions; a plus if you are experienced with bamboo (besides ring/carabiners) for some exercises but not fully necessary.
* Those tying need to execute and understand well how to tie a single and double column tie, basic frictions (ex: counter tension, half hitch, etc), and complex frictions (any X-friction, half moon or L friction, Infinite or figure-8 type), and a good handle on tension.
* Everyone must have a good understanding of basic anatomy safety, identification and mitigation techniques for nerve injuries.
* Tying pairs should have some previous experience doing suspension together.
* This workshop is not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo or easily get dizzy. Nevertheless, the exercises can be easily adapted to be less dizzy and nauseous if necessary.
More details for the weekend:
* Doors will open at 9:30am each day. Please plan travel time to arrive and be settled in before start time of 10am.
* Coffee and tea will be available for attendees throughout both days, as well as light snacks. There is a fridge to store your food and a microwave (please note: no stove/oven).
* We will take an hour lunch break midday.
* Food nearby: Arthur Mac's is on our block. Mellana Cafe is four blocks away. Temescal neighborhood and all its restaurants, bars and cafes is a short drive.
* We recommend that you are well hydrated, nourished and rested for the weekend! Weekend intensives can be a LOT on the body and mind. Take care of yourselves; it's not unheard of for people to lose steam on day 2.
About the presenter: Pauline Massimo (they/them) is an interdisciplinary artist and educator from Brazil based in Barcelona, Spain.
With more than 11 years of professional experience in the art field from painting, dance, performance art, photography and Shibari to event curator, space holder, educator, community building and art direction in those few past years.
Currently merging their art investigation and curating events through their art studio Espacio Nos in Barcelona, being the founder and director of the space, they combine this facet with other works as a independent artist and educator for other spaces or projects in Spain and internationally.
Pauline's artistic process explores improvisation and experimentation around interdisciplinary arts with a constant research involving the nature, humanity, violence, and radical politics. Their art works are presented in different formats but mainly as live art performance, paintings and photography at different scales. They are also hired for external projects, where they work closely with other artists and production managers to build personalized pieces.
As an educator, Pauline focuses more on a non-dogmatic study and analysis of different art forms, centering the personal process of each individual. Being motivated about the interdisciplinary aspects that some art forms can occur and the impact of intersectionality in the social and political spectrum, they offer workshops, group and private classes, coaching, consulting, personal experience sessions and talks that vary between multiple topics and for all levels of experience or understanding base.
Find more about Pauline here https://www.paulinemassimo.com/ and look for their rope work in Shakira's music video Copa Vacía