Mermaid Transitions
The mermaid is a classic semenawa (rope of torments) shape with many variations. The experience of being tied in this position varies quite a lot, depending on adjustments and intention...It can feel relatively gentle, or intensely demanding. This course will explore the mermaid position in detail, and how to adapt our bondage to our partner and to our intentions during a session. We'll explore a sequence of transitions while maintaining the idea of progression in semenawa - with a focus on how to push each position before evolving to the next. This will also be an opportunity to discuss the concept of ‘letting go’ as a rope bottom. What do we need to trust our rigger to torment us? How does their behavior contribute to our ability to surrender to our reactions and emotions?
Pre-requisites:
Riggers must know how to tie a proper TK (any style) and be comfortable tying in suspension.
Models must be used to suspension.
Communication being a central element in shibari it is always preferable to come with a partner with whom you already practice in order to allow a good experience.
It's important to have already discussed the framework of your practice (desires, intentions, limits, ways of managing consent).
Your Instructors:
Bänana and Soft Armor met in Los Angeles last March, and have been taking every opportunity to meet in order to discover more about each other and develop their communication in ropes. They are excited to open their practice to you for sharing and discussion.
BÄNANA : (she) Bänana, a ten-year bondage enthusiast, found her passion in shibari in 2017, drawn to its raw and authentic nature. As she has always been fascinated by the expression of emotions, shibari, and more specifically semenawa has opened up a new path of exploration for her. She began to follow Docvale’s teaching in November 2018, later partnering with him to co- manage Atelier Simonet in Paris until summer 2023. Bänana considers that in order to tie well, we must understand each of our technical choices rather than learning the instructions by heart. She gives to her students a solid grounding so they can feel free while tying and put these technical abilities at the service of the relationship with their partners. Being in ropes is also something to be apprehended. Not that you have to behave in any particular way. On the contrary, every tied-up person has to find the way that pleases him or her. It's also a long journey full of questions and emotions, and it seems important to Bänana that all this is taken into account during her courses. Bänana's courses are so often highly interactive, with the idea that everyone should have a place to ask questions and express their experiences and feedback in order to grow together in this practice. Bänana organizes regular events at La Cabäne, a small shibari venue she runs in Paris. She also travels internationally to share her passion!
SOFT ARMOR : ( they ) Fern found rope in 2022 and felt immediately at home in the intimacy, aesthetics, and explorations in body-trust that is possible in rope. They are new to rope and ‘bottoming’, but not to life; as a rope model, they love to nerd out about how the connections and containers we create in rope feels like ‘aftercare’ for vanilla life. Fern is based in NY but also travels and ties in LA, Paris, Berlin and beyond.
RSVP $85 for a tying pair
$45 deposit, $40 cash balance
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. If you would like a refund, please email us at temple.nyc.bushwick@gmail.com , and we will take care of it with you. A processing fee of 5% will be subtracted from all refunds. No refunds will be issued with less than 48 hours notice of cancellation.
Payment processing note: You will see a charge to “Porter Cycles” when paying for all our events!