Deepdive on Torsions: understanding the spine in suspension with Anoxia and Kasm

Get nerdy about anatomy, and learn about the biomechanics of torsion. This class will cover how to get in and out of torsions, how to prepare and protect your body, and offer some hands-on exercises to understand torsions more deeply. We’ll explore how factors like height, harness, body position, and load point affect the torsions we can create. This class is a combination of lecture, demo, and hands on tying.

Class Pre-reqs:

For folks tying:

• Must be able to tie a suspendable upper-body harness (ideally in a timely manner)
• Must be able to tie a suspendable thighs-together structure (can be a simple double-column, or a mermaid/willow tie, etc etc)
• Must be able to tie a suspendable single column tie
• Must know top and bottom lock-offs for uplines on a single point
• Must be able to assess and solve for nerve issues in your choice of harnesses
• Must be able to communicate with your tying partner in suspension

For folks being tied:

• Must be experienced in rope suspension
• Must be able to sustain multiple 20-30 minute sequences
• Must be able to safely twist in your spine to both sides
• Must be able to assess risk of muscle strain or injury in your body
• Must be able to assess and solve for nerve issues in your choice of harnesses
• Must be able to communicate with your tying partner in suspension

Pre-reqs are non-negotiable, and students who do not demonstrate proficiency in the required tied structures will be asked not to suspend.

Class Materials:

• Ropes for your suspendable upper and lower body ties (likely 3-8 ropes)
• Ropes for your uplines (at least 3)
• Rigging materials for single-point suspension (this can be a ring, rigging plate, carabiners, etc)
• Safety shears or another appropriate cutting tool 
• Anything else you might want for class (water, blanket, snacks, note taking tools)