ABOUT

### For whom?

This workshop is intended for tying couples who are tying at an intermediate to advanced level, are looking to diversify their rope sessions and enjoy both the creative and technical aspects of rope bondage. Switching is allowed as long as both parties fulfill the requirements mentioned below. This workshop will include partial and full suspension techniques, but all exercises can be adjusted to be practiced on the floor as well.

### Workshop Content

In this workshop we will challenge both our conscious and unconscious fixations to facilitate a more creative and (often) more rewarding approach to our rope practices. We will show various techniques and tricks we developed in our tying style to stimulate our own originality as well as discuss examples that would actively constrain creativity. This topic will focus less on the “why?” and more on the “why (the fuck) not‽”. Expect a fun workshop with a high density of information, room for exploration and a focus on safer tying. Throughout the workshop the following topics will be covered: 

#### Loop-techniques

We will explore a category of advanced rope handling tricks developed by Haag. These loop-techniques encourage more dynamic/movement based tying or speed tying, but are also used to diversify the rope application of your existing harnesses and therefore their tying experience.

For models, looptricks can necessitate getting used to a way of keeping their footing/balance while moving which can facilitate more enjoyment of the ebb and flow of getting tied with looptricks. We will give modeling tips on anticipatory movement to match the rigger’s pace and on how to facilitate the flow of the tying session.There will be suggestions on exploring the sensations and emotions these loop-techniques can provide.

#### Challenging our habits

We will discuss the Mere Exposure Effect and Fixedness problems to gain a better understanding of how to break our existing habits as tops and bottoms. Through non-linear rope sessions, a more action-versus-result oriented tying style and informal deviance, we can facilitate uniqueness in our individual sessions. 

#### Taming a Chimera 

During the workshop we will show ways of constructing new ties and reviewing old ties through segmented-versus-assembled pattern construction. Often people combine tying techniques, shapes and patterns without a deeper understanding of their possible outcomes. We will elaborate on the distinctions between anatomical safety, structural integrity and functional applicability of ties and how tying couples can collaborate on creating safer creative sessions.

Prerequisites:

good rope handling and tension management

Time: 2x 6h

Ropes: 8-10pieces

Cost: 420.- per Couple

Haag (he/they) is a professional rope bondage teacher and runs the Ellipsis Rope Events Foundation based in Rotterdam (NL). He has hosted many rope events varying from international workshops, performances, demonstrations and rope jams for more than a decade. Haag is passionate about photography, community work and teaching, and his tying style is focused on safety, knowledge/experience-based improvisation, high paced tying, dynamic movement, and creativity. He has a very technical approach to rope which is complemented by his dance background, psychology studies and various hobbies that incorporate fine motor skills.

Pendragon (she/they) has been rope bottoming since 2018, tying with Haag since 2019, teaching since 2020 and volunteering at Ellipsis Rope Events in Rotterdam since 2023. In ropes she enjoys experiencing passionate yet conflicting feelings, physical/emotional challenges and power dynamics, be it playful or dark. As a rope bottom, she benefits from her emotional and physical awareness, and, with her background is literature, enjoys writing stories in ropes whenever so inspired. She values integrity, authenticity and solidarity in rope bottoming, and these values are reflected in workshop settings where relevant. Having been a teacher in a previous life, she enjoys sharing her experiences and seeing people immediately feel skillful and joyful.