Sun Sept 26
6-9pm
An Introduction to Shibari: Rope Bondage with Valentine Amartey
Shibari literally means to tie.
In 18th Century Japan rope was used as a form of punishment; different types of binding and different colors of rope were used to identify the kind of crime the prisoner had committed and the social class he belonged to. During World War II, the Japanese learned the concepts of the West and legacy of the Marquis de Sade. These were added to the ancient art, and the art form we know today as Shibari came into being.
Today we see Japanese bondage (Kinbaku/Shibari) used for sexual bonding, personal release, and as an artistic expression of beauty.
This workshop is designed for anyone interested in exploring the concept of power exchange with rope, and how this plays out physically in the bedroom. The class will consist of a tutorial of three basic ties and how they can be used singularly or in conjunction with each other to create an erotically charged rope scene.
Learn how to tie elegantly with controlled measured technique.
Participants will be encouraged to tie and be tied in turn to get a fully rounded experience of this ancient art form.
Shibari, at its core, is about the centered control of oneself and ones partner. It can be an incredibly erotic and sensual experience for all concerned, is a rewarding way to add to your sexual skills, and the information learned here can be carried through to many real life situations.
Materials to bring to class:
1. An open mind.
2. Safety shears.
3. 100ft of rope cut accordingly:
2 10ft lengths
2 25ft lengths
2 15ft lengths
Note: people attending as a couple can use the same 100ft of rope
Rope:
You can buy rope at most stores that sell bondage gear. You can also buy rope that is used for clothing lines from a hardware store - it comes in 100ft coils and is relatively inexpensive and easy to work with.
Most people prefer to use hemp, cotton or nylon rope.
Fee
$75/person
$130/couple
Registration Deadline: Sept 25
Our online registration will be available soon! Until then, please call SHAG at 347.721.3302 to register or register online at http://shibari.eventbrite.com.
Please see our WORKSHOPS POLICY here.
Bio
Valentine Amartey is a costume/knitwear designer working in the fashion industry at couture level. He became interested in rope bondage during a project he was working on for a dance troupe, and decided to take a few classes and learn more about the Japanese art form called Shibari.
Amartey has studied under Tyutumi, a bondage enthusiast who received advanced training in Japanese-style bondage from Midori. Amartey gained a great deal of knowledge from these workshops, and aside from the obvious visual beauty, he also learned how to carry this art into his private life.
Amartey does not claim to be a master or an expert in this field - merely an artist who would love to share what he has learned with others.
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