Ceci Ferox

Workshops

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Workshops content can be modified to fit your needs. New combinations of exercises around specific themes, like tension or communication, is also possible and recommended for shorter workshops. Here are some examples on past classes.

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Frictions & fundamentals series

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Frictions & fundamentals part 1: getting started (suitable for beginners)

 

In this workshop you will learn the very basics of tying. We will go through how to make a larkshead and how to use the rope and rope tension in a way where we can communicate intention efficiently. We will also look at basics of body mechanics, safety and negotiation. The content includes an introduction to the single column tie.

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Participant requirements:

• No prior knowledge needed.

• No physical requirements for participants.

• Exercises are done in pairs, you can either register together or find a partner at the workshop.

 

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Frictions & fundamentals part 2: tying on the floor (suitable for beginners)

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Frictions make the safety and functionality of any tie. In this workshop we will dive deeper into the frictions for tying on the floor so we can efficiently communicate with our partner. We will practice using counter tension, the direction changer/half hitch and munter hitch. The content also includes two knots for the single column tie and discussing the functional properties of each. We will continue to learn proper rope handling technique.

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Participant requirements:

• You can make some kind of single column tie or larkshead.

• No physical requirements for participants. 

• Exercises are done in pairs, you can either register together or find a partner at the workshop.

 

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Frictions & fundamentals part 3: suspension (intermediate)

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Frictions are the building blocks of any tie, be it a pattern or just freestyle. They make the structure and safety of a tie. In this workshop we will learn the basic frictions used for suspension worthy structures (munter hitch variations, X-friction, L-friction, half moon) and suspension lines (flag friction, half hitch, the yuki knot, slip knot).

 

We can also practice suspending from a bamboo and alternative suspension line frictions depending on the participants' level and interest. The workshop includes fundamentals of suspension safety. 

 

It is possible to stay on the floor or only do partial suspension in this workshop. 

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Participant requirements:

• Solid understanding of the fundamentals for the floor (single and double column ties, ladder, half hitch, munter hitch).

• Understanding of own and partner's limits and capability to make informed, negotiated decisions.

• No physical requirements for participants.

• Exercises are done in pairs, please find a partner in advance.

 

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Frictions & fundamentals part 4: chaotic suspension (advanced)

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Tying without patterns is a good way to learn about tension, frictions and placement of rope. Freestyling, going back to basics and breaking rules will help you understand the material you are working with. It will also free your mind for play. Unpredictability might help access deeper levels of connection.

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In this workshop we will go through different drills that will help your creativity and communication. We will look at, touch and test the rope to understand cause and effect. We use single and double column ties, frictions and suspension lines to create ties for everybody and every body.

 

You should take an active and attentive mind with you - tested and tried patterns are always safer than free flow, and this has to be taken into consideration. We will discuss safety concerns in the workshop.

 

Participant requirements:

• Good understanding of the fundamentals of tying on the floor and doing suspensions (single & double column tie, ladder, half hitch, munter hitch, X-friction, L-friction, half moon and suspension line frictions and locks).

• Knowledge on nerve impingement and basic suspension safety.

• Understanding of own and partner's limits and capability to make informed, negotiated decisions.

• This should not be your first suspension workshop, but it is possible to stay in semi suspensions and close to the floor if you're unsure of your skill level. 

• No physical requirements for participants.

• Exercises are done in pairs, please find a partner in advance.

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Other workshops

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Beginners & patterns

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Beginner workshop (suitable for beginners)

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What is rope all about? Is it the feeling of being captured or the touch of rope on skin? Is it estethics and beauty? Or emotion and connection, a way to create a bubble? Is shibari about nerding out on ties and the rope we make them with?

 

Come to this workshop to find out what rope is for YOU. We will discuss communication and safety, try out some basic techniques, and most important of all, have lots of fun with rope! Exercises are done in pairs, but you can register as a single and find a tying partner at the workshop.

 

Requirements: No previous experience of ropes needed. Wear something comfortable that you can move in.

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Content includes:

• Negotiation and safety

• Connection and communication exercises

• Rope handling exercises

• Larkshead

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​Futomomos (intermediate)

In this workshop, we will get familiar with futomomos. How do they work and how do we tie them? We will learn three different takes on tying the leg so the heel touches the butt: fast futomomo, hishi futomomo and the agura tie. You will also have a chance to test the ties in suspension. It is possible to self-tie in this workshop.

Requirements for participants: Solid knowledge of a single column tie, basic knowledge on frictions. People getting tied should be able to bend their knees for longer periods of time.

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Contents include:

• Basic futomomo & fast futomomo

• Hishi futomomo

• Agura tie

• Suspension line basics & safety

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The hishi pattern (intermediate)

 

The hishi or hoshi (diamond) pattern is quite pretty, but also functional. It doesn't divide the body with vertical lines, but diagonally which can make the tie feel more fexible and divides the pressure of the ropes more evenly on the whole tie.

 

In this workshop we will learn two hishi variations by tying upper body harnesses. If we have time, we will look at how to apply what we have learned on other parts of the body.

 

Participant requirements: This is a good continualtion workshop for people who have attended the frictions workshop as we will work with the direction changer, munter hitch, and half moon friction. Also others who know these frictions can attend the workshop. One of the ties is a box tie, so it would be good if the people getting tied would be able to get their hands into the box tie position.

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Contents include:

• Reviewing frictions

• Hishi chest harness

• Hishi TK

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Suspension

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Hands free suspensions (intermediate)

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Suspensions often rely on a tie that fixes the hands in one position. In this workshop we will explore suspensions, where the hands can be moved into different positions. This is a good workshop for people who are ready to move into practicing suspensions as the ties are not as hard on the nerves. We will also look at suspension line technique.

 

Requirements: solid understanding of a single column tie, frictions and some chest harness.

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Contents include:

• Suspension safety

• Chest harness

• Suspension line basics

• Full or semi-suspension

• Side suspension

• Face down suspension

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Single column tie self suspensions (intermediate)

 

It's like masturbation, but with tying.

 

Self suspension is a very dynamic artform. Not only can you transition by moving the ropes, but you also transition by moving your body in the ropes. You can create interesting shapes and sensations, explore how moving affects your center of gravity, your weight in the ropes, and sense even small differences in your tying immediately. You can explore where ropes feel good or bad, and where they feel bad in a good way. You find which parts of your body are strong.

 

In this workshop, we will use single column ties in different ways to explore suspending ourself.

 

Participant requirements: Solid understanding of the single column tie learned at peer rope or in a workshop (we will not spend time on teaching it), basic rope handling skills, experience with suspension line management. You don't need a partner for this workshop, but we will work as pairs.

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Contents include:

• Self suspension safety

• Suspension line basics

• Chest harness

• Creativity!

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Other

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The Grotesque Lab

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The hypothesis of this lab is that our relationship to beauty is problematic. We don't usually allow ourself to be ugly or grotesque, and if we are, we try to explain it as a different way to be beautiful. The Grotesque Lab is focused on making space to share our uglies, and facing our own and other's grotesqueness and vulnerability in a neutral and understanding way.

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CW: the content of this lab can be triggering and it needs a quiet, peaceful space. Returning to the world can be difficult, which should be reflected on choices on activities after the lab. Scheduling self-care after the lab is highly recommended.

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Contents may include:

• Solo work on finding our uglies

• Solo or group work for displaying our grotesqueness

• Sharing our experiences in discussion

• Documenting our uglies

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Find your own bottoming journey

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This is a workshop for bottoms to learn more about different styles of bottoming so they can embark on a journey of self-discovery. The goal is to get to know better your motivations, desires and communication style. 

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Contents may include:

• Bottoming styles and stereotypes

• Activity and passivity in the body and mind

• Body movement, tension, relaxation and resistance

• Sound and communication

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Impact play and rope (multi-level)

Teachers: Afton, Ceci & Nana

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This workshop is about impact play and ties that goes with it. We will look at how to use your body and the rope as implements for impact play in a safe and pleasurable way for all parties involved. We will also go through three ties that go well with impact play. This is a multi-level workshop that you can attend in pairs or bigger constellations.

 

CW: The workshop will include punching and kicking (not mandatory for participants).

 

Requirements: solid understanding of a single column tie, basic knowledge on frictions.

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Contents include:

• Impact play safety and negotiation

• Basics on different kinds of pain

• Suspension & floor ties for impact play

• Deep, thuddy impact with body and/or implements

• Surface, stingy impact with body and/or implements

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More than two (multi-level)
 

Shibari is almost always done in couples, and sometimes we want to mix it up a little! Playing in a group makes opportunities for new kindss of dynamics and play. In this workshop we will guide you through different drills and exercises to get your creativity flowing. We will explore the world of group play in a safe and fun way.

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You can sign up as singles, couples, triplets, quadruplets or whatever you want! Be prepared to tie with new people in this workshop. Switching is encouraged but not mandatory.

 

Requirements for participants: solid communication skills, basic skills with rope (single column tie, rope handling and frictions).

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Contents include:

• Negotiation for group scenes

• Different roles in group play

• Exercises for finding a good dynamic in a small group

• Big group play exercises

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Picture by C. Palermo