Studio Series: 401
Our in-house curriculum – the Studio Series – runs on four tracks: Shibari 102 (formerly Ground), 201 (formerly Containers), 301 (formerly Preflight), and 401 (formerly Flight).
401 classes are for tying pairs who are already working in full suspension.
We won’t be teaching upline mechanics, but we will dig deep into the structure, sensation, and scene-building potential of suspension forms.
Expect hands-on time, conceptual depth, and plenty of room to explore.
Topics run on a six-month rotation and are taught twice a month:
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM on the first Saturday of the month
• 4:00 – 6:00 PM on the fourth Sunday of the month.
Prerequisites:
Students should be very familiar with: building and loading suspension-worthy harnesses;
creating, attaching, and managing uplines; working with hardpoints in a partial-suspension
Supplies:
At least ten pieces of 8 m/30 ft. lengths of rope, at least two of which are suitable for upline use –
either a synthetic (like POSH) or natural fiber rope that is in excellent condition (no breaks or highstranding).
We have climbing straps, carabiners, and bamboo for use during class, but you’re also welcome to bring your own.
401 Class Topics:
Upright Suspensions:
M Shape & Running Person
Two iconic shapes. Infinite variations.
This class is a deep dive into two iconic upright suspension forms: the M Shape and the Running Person. We’ll explore why these poses have become staples in rope, what makes them so compelling to both tops and bottoms, and how to riff on their structure to meet your scene goals.
Hashira
From parks to sidewalks, trees to lampposts, hashira techniques make the world your playground.
But hashira – suspending from a pole or upright post – adds meaningful complexity and risk to suspension. While we’re used to functioning on the ground and in the air, this form of play offers another “gravity” to anchor (and torment) our partners.In this workshop, you’ll learn how to set a point for hashira suspension, adapt common harnesses, and navigate the unique considerations of tying to (and around) vertical structures.
Inversions
Inversion is more than a flip – it’s a test of skill, and stamina.
Expect focused instruction on structural requirements, harness selection, and suspension line management, as well as in-air techniques for communication, adjustment, and scene pacing. We’ll also cover what makes inversions both exciting and risky – and how to handle that risk with care, clarity, and intention. Whether your goal is intensity, exposure, or just a new way to play, this class offers the tools to go there.
Side Suspensions
Float, twist, or strain – side suspensions open a world of possibilities.
This workshop explores the structural, anatomical, and aesthetic considerations of placing the body sideways in suspension. We’ll work through adaptations for different harnesses and body types, safety concerns unique to side suspension, and methods for balancing comfort with intensity.
Torsion in flight
Twist, turn, and torque – welcome to the world of torsions.
Torsion is the rotation of body parts in different directions relative to one another. In this workshop we’ll explore how to apply this twisty, challenging effect in suspension. Expect hands-on focus on structure, harness choice, communication, and the in-air techniques to wring every last drop out of a tie.
This class isn’t an exploration of static recipes – it’s about adaption and problem-solving in motion.
Dynamic Suspension & Transitions
What if the journey is the whole point?
Transitions aren’t just how we get from one shape to another – they’re where so much of the magic happens. In this class, we’ll break down our approach to dynamic transitions: how to build them, how to survive them, and how to use them to deepen connection and expression in suspension.
From shifting weight in the air to managing tension between uplines, we’ll explore techniques for moving smoothly and safely between shapes – without losing sight of your partner (or your purpose).