Teaching
I teach at Brighton Rope, privately, and as a guest teacher. If you are interested in hiring me to teach for a group of people, or to do a talk at an event, please see the list of available classes, and email me for rates or to book.
I also offer private tuition, both in person and online. I can travel to you (with costs covered), or host in Brighton (UK).
Rates on a sliding scale from £50-£200 for 2.5 hour classes. This is on a pay-what-you-can basis. Email me to discuss alternative payment methods (eg. skill/labour exchange, payment plans). When I teach with a co-teacher, there is an additional cost for their rates.
Intensive all-day or weekend classes are also available. private classes are catered towards your needs and level of experience.
Want to experience being tied, but not interested in learning how to tie? I offer tying sessions at the same rate as my classes. These sessions are an opportunity for you to feel what it is like to be tied, and are subject to negotiation. I do not incorporate any genital play into these sessions.
![Quartz tying Mishkin from Bird Eats Baby [band name].](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/03514f_2e5007f4e10b4b05aeda921b67a0c9cd~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_341,h_339,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/2022-06-23-20-22-30-956.jpg)
Biography
I have been practicing rope bondage for about 8 years (tying for 6 years). I still switch in rope. I also have a background working in theatre and mental health. I'm working towards a better understanding of myself, towards prioritising my needs and my health, and towards a neuro-affirming life. I'm centring community, advocacy, love and healing, and cultivating a slow and low demand life, and working to de-centre colonialism, capitalism, shame and neurotypical norms.
My primary rope practitioner inspirations are Addie Tahl, Georg Barkas and DJfet, and I've also learnt from JW, Laced Lines, Phoenix Flight, Pauline Massimo and Tamandua (amongst others). I've learnt more from the people I've tied with than from any other teachers. I support the #InRopesToo movement.
Outside of rope, I'm inspired by the work of Betty Martin, Judith Herman, Bessel van der Kolk, Purple Ella, ALOK, Sarah Kane, Annie Sprinkle, Judith Butler, Moony Maroon, Dr Asher Larmie, Dr Wenn Lawson and Ana Bott.
My current philosophy: Try not to do things you have to endure - consent only to things you can actively enjoy
Philosophy
My philosophy of rope is heavily influenced by Barkas & Addie, whom I've learnt from several times. Barkas' book, "Archaeology of Personalities", discusses an 'interview' metaphor of rope bondage.
Following from the idea of a rope scene as an interview, I endeavour to focus as much of my attention as possible, during a scene, on the person I'm tying. In a society in which women are seen exclusively as sexual objects, men are seen according to what they can do, and non-binary people aren't seen at all, it is vital to me that the rope-scene space is radically different; a space in which the tied person is seen fully, non-judgementally, with unconditional positive regard: free from expectation or obligation.
When this space can be created, then play is possible. Johann Huizinga theorised that self-aware play is what separates humans from animals. I am put in mind, when tying, of his words:
“Our point of departure must be the conception of an almost childlike play-sense expressing itself in various play-forms, some serious, some playful, but all rooted in ritual and productive of culture by allowing the innate human need of rhythm, harmony, change, alternation, contrast and climax, etc., to unfold in full richness.”
― Johan Huizinga, Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture
Using theories on play, ritual and sacred space, combined with a trauma-informed, neuro-affirmative approach, I believe that rope can transcend ordinary life, entering a sacred 'play-space', or as I call it: a 'rope-space'.
Here, true communion and the constant flow of question and answer are joined to unconditional positive regard, the curiosity of play and the sacred ritual of worship. Here is where the magic lies, where, in one symbiotic moment in time, I can dance with my partner from instinct to instinct, following and leading, seeing and being seen, finding healing and harmony in touch, movement and sharing.
