Intro to Suspension Part 3: Shapes & Transitions with Blue Spruce Kinbaku

The third class in our suspension series!

Join @ethaerial (https://fetlife.com/ethaerial), @katabound (https://fetlife.com/katabound), and @BondageCupcakes (https://fetlife.com/BondageCupcakes) in a 2.5 hour workshop that will have you putting together what we've learned so far about uplines and building better harnesses. In other words: let's make some shapes!

In this class, we will explore two partial-suspension sequences that will explore the following foundational aspects of rope suspension:
    ▪    basic body handling of the rope bottom while tying on the floor,
    ▪    partner communication and check-ins,
    ▪    planning and attaching that first upline
    ▪    assessing the harness's response to loading
    ▪    managing multiple uplines safely
    ▪    importance of body positioning and spatial awareness in transitions
    ▪    recognizing and managing risks in real time.
We will also discuss how aspects of the position being tied can affect safety and sustainability, as well as curating the intended experience for the bottom:
    ▪    vertical, horizontal, and inverted positions
    ▪    spine straight vs. in torsion
    ▪    compression vs. elongation
    ▪    partial vs. full suspension.
NOTE: This class is for partnered suspension, and is NOT suitable for self suspenders. However, partners may switch roles halfway through, if desired.

PREREQUISITES: MUST HAVE TAKEN PART 1 and 2 of our Intro to Suspension series, or have instructor permission based on demonstrated ability to tie a safe upline and a suspendable chest harness.

Rope tops should come prepared to tie a:
    ▪    Chest harness (either arms in or out) from memory that works for you and your rope bottom, and is suspendable from the back
    ▪    Futomomo that can be comfortably sustained by your rope bottom (a pattern will be shown if you're not confident about your own design),
    ▪    Mermaid harness for the lower body that can be comfortably sustained by your rope bottom (a pattern will be shown for this as well).
Rope bottoms should come prepared to maintain active body awareness and be willing to communicate/give constructive feedback to their rope top for any adjustments needed and what their experience in each shape is.

We also recommend tops bring a standard rope suspension kit of 6+ ropes (7-8 meters each) for the body, 2 or more suspension rated ropes for uplines (such as posh/hempex, good quality nylon, or fresh larger-diameter hemp or jute), a single point suspension ring / rig / carabiners (your preference) - and a safety cutting tool.

Blue Spruce Kinbaku is a Minneapolis based group founded to promote and celebrate Shibari, the highly stylized and initimate Japanese art of erotic rope bondage. We offer expert workshops and a supportive community to educate practitioners in a professional, risk aware environment.