She was the very first instructor we ever booked.
Welcoming Erato Bänana back feels both like a homecoming and a celebration of how far we’ve all come. We’ve changed ticket platforms, migrated websites, and done a whole lot of rope since her first visit in March of 2024. At the time, booking her felt like a big swing – and then we sold out! This time around feels a little less risky – but no less exciting.
Bänana plays with objectification, minimalism, and semenawa in ways that are both thought-provoking and delightful. On her last visit, she said something that I still quote regularly: “technique is only useful if it allows us to connect.”
Join us for a weekend exploring technique in service of connection, from objectification to bespoke ties to playful (and torturous) predicaments.
Weekend Pass — $700
Save $100 on registering for all three workshops at their a la carte prices.
Weekend passes include access for two (one tying pair) to our entire weekend with Banana. Purchase this if you want the full arc:
conceptual depth on Friday, technical expansion on Saturday, and delicious torment on Sunday.
Instructor Bio:
Bänana, a ten-year bondage enthusiast, found her passion in shibari, drawn to its raw and authentic nature. As she’s always been fascinated by the expression of emotion, shibari has opened up a new path of exploration to her.
She began to follow Docvale’s teaching in 2018, later partnering with him to co-manage Atelier Simonet until summer 2023.
Bänana emphasizes understanding the reasons behind each technique, rather than rote learning. She believes in using these skills to enhance the connection with partners. With experience as both a rigger and a model, she is dedicated to teaching both roles, providing tools for a rewarding rope experience.
She instructs both in French and English.
COMMITMENT & VALUES
As a shibari teacher, I am committed to ensuring that every person feels comfortable taking classes with me. Shibari is a practice that involves both body and mind, it therefore requires the safest framework possible, both physically and psychologically.
Respect & Inclusivity
The legacy of numerous systemic injustices in our society requires each of us to work on ourselves to eliminate internalized discriminatory behaviors. Practicing Shibari is an opportunity to educate ourselves as best we can and to examine our privileges and specificities, and I appreciate working with individuals who share the same concerns for inclusivity. This includes aspects such as gender, sexuality, body morphology, skin color, religion, physical and mental health, lifestyle, and wealth…
Physical & Psychological safety
During my classes, I feel responsible for sharing as much information as possible regarding physical safety and the risks associated with the practice. I also want to have very open and direct discussions about consent and respecting the boundaries of one’s partners to help students who may need guidance in maintaining a healthy shibari practice.
Cultural Context & Origins of shibari
Shibari is a practice originating from Japan and is part of the underground BDSM culture. Today, the ways of practicing shibari vary widely around the world, which enriches our practices. Nonetheless, it is important for me to gather information, especially from those involved in the shibari community in Japan, about its social and cultural significance. This helps prevent the perpetuation of stereotypes that could hurt Japanese people. Since the practice is still relatively young, many misconceptions exist about its history, and I consider it crucial as a teacher to acquire as much knowledge as possible in order to share it accurately.