Hua Hua: Power Dynamics & Objectification

Shibari is never just about restraining the person in ropes, it can also be an act of presenting them. Topping is an act of taking care of the person, from keeping them safe from injury, taking care of the way they look in your ropes but also how to give them the support so that they can let go and surrender to the experience. This aspect of care and responsibility is where the power dynamic can manifest. In this workshop we will be exploring how to approach power through the act of objectifying the person in ropes.

In the first part of the workshop we will be exploring how the rope bottom can serve as an art piece for the top to sculpt, shape and showcase. The aim for this part of the workshop is to expand our definition of aesthetics in Shibari as a way of exploring the beauty of the individual in your ropes. Drawing on the dynamic of artist and muse, the exercises in the class focus on how to use rope to highlight/fetishise certain features, what aesthetics give you both pleasure and how gaze can impact the model's experience. 

The second part of the workshop will focus on how to play with objectification in a more dehumanizing manner. Human furniture has always been a popular fetish within BDSM especially in connection with bondage. However this fetish is often depicted with highly gendered (specifically feminine) shapes, which can contribute to body dysmorphia and gender inequality. In this workshop we will explore how to transform them from human to furniture through a playful and collaborative dynamic. This part of the class will involve discussion of power play, headspace, ergonomics and how to communicate in the style of play. After the demonstration students will make their own furniture and explore how to modify the demonstrated tie to make the most of their partner's assets. 

Prerequisites:

All participants will need basic knowledge of single/double column tie and simple frictions to attend this workshop.

It is recommended to attend this with a partner that you are familiar with already.

$260 RSVP for a tying pair

As with other international guests, the process to register has 2 steps: a deposit to RSVP your ticket and a CASH BALANCE which you will need to bring on the day of the event. All details in the confirmation email.

If the event is sold out, you can sign up for a WAITLIST HERE

CANCELLATION POLICY: you can reschedule once or ask for a refund up to 48 hours before the event. A processing fee of 5% will be subtracted from all refunds. No refunds will be issued with less than 48 hours notice.