Photo: Kaya Küppers, Model: Lokka, Rope: Lokka

 

This is the first part (Basics) in my selftying series. The week after this (8 + 9 November) I’ll be giving the second part (Structures) in Groningen --> see this event <3

 

Why selftying?

Selftying offers a valuable way to explore rope without needing to rely on a partner, as well as a chance to connect with one’s own body and emotions. Learning opportunities for those without a tying partner, or those who prefer to work solo, are still limited. This workshop aims to help fill that gap.

 

Teacher

@Lokka (she/her) is a growing teacher and has been the main host of the @AlmeerseRopeJam since October 2021. As a rope switch and selftyer, she began by teaching solely from the model’s side, and is now expanding into the role of teaching rigger and selftyer. Her style is mostly improvised, supported by a strong technical foundation. While she primarily selfties for practical reasons, her approach also touches on its emotional depth.

 

In selftying, Lokka enjoys challenging herself with shapes that seem impossible to achieve alone, and finding ways to make them work anyways. She explores the capabilities of her body and mind, often discovering creative tricks she might not have considered when tying with a partner.

 

When tying with a partner, her focus is on the connection, not the rope. Rope becomes a shared language, a medium through which something intimate and magical can unfold. She ties with someone because she wants to spend time with them, the rope sort of happens to be there and with it, ***together*** they create magic. Whether standing as a model or being closer to the floor as a rigger, she enjoys the dynamics that floorwork brings her.  

 

Location

The location is yet to be determined as Lokka is currently in between venues (if that’s a thing). It will be in Hilversum center, maximum 15 minutes walk from the station.

 

For whom

This workshop is suitable for those who are completely new to rope, as well as for those looking to move beyond recreating harnesses found online. Whether the interest is in self-tying, rigging, or modelling, the material is relevant across all roles.

 

The focus lies on the interplay between body and rope, exploring how they move, respond, and shape each other. Much of what is covered can be applied in partnered tying as well. Even those already familiar with the basics can expect to discover new insights and deepen their practice.

 

Requirements

-            Awareness of your own physical abilities and emotional boundaries;

-            Physical ability to wrap rope around your own upper and lower body in a seated position;

-            3x 8m of rope – preferably jute or hemp (you can buy jute @Ellipsis ropes at the event as well – €50 per 3x 8m – **let me know in advance**);

-            Comfortable clothing (preferably close-fitting).

 

If you have any doubts or questions about whether or not you meet the requirements, please feel free to send a message to @Lokka.

 

Schedule

-            11:00 Doors open

-            11:30 Start tuition

-            2x 30 minutes break (roughly 13:30 – 14:00 and 15:30 – 16:00)

-            17:30 End tuition

 

At 11:30 the tuition actually starts, so be on time. If for whatever reason you’ve been delayed, send a message to @Lokka before 11:30 so that she can take this into account.

 

Content

You can take the skills obtained from this workshop and apply them to tying with others as well, but the content will be focused on selftying. Amongst other things, we will dive into:

-            How to build your own scene

-            Single column tie

-            Safety

-            Frictions

-            A lot of rope handling

-            Exercises specifically for selftying

 

A blindfold will be (a small) part of this workshop, as I believe that as a selftyer you need to be able to do a lot without being able to see what you’re doing. If you are not comfortable with this, you don’t have to. However, most people have better focus and are more in the moment. Besides that, learning new things while only being able to feel instead of see, brings out a whole different dimension. Thus it’s highly recommend participating with a blindfold, but obviously no-one is forced.

 

By the end of this workshop you will have a solid base to return to for basic practice. You will be able to have a fun session with yourself or a partner without needing a lot of technical skills.

 

The workshop will be taught in English unless all participants speak Dutch.

 

Tickets

There are 12 tickets available for this workshop, priced at €60 per person. If the price is (one of) the reason(s) to not come, please let me know so that we can find a solution together.

 

Tickets are available here from Wednesday 8 October at 19:00. Please fill in your fetlife nickname or send me a message with the name you booked a ticket with.

 

If for whatever reason you cannot come anymore, there is no refund policy and finding a new ticket holder is your own responsibility. Once you’ve found a new ticket holder, let me know, so the guestlist can be adjusted.

 

Food/drinks

There will be coffee and tea available and some (vegan) cookies. Feel free to bring your own. There is no lunch provided, but you can bring your own to eat in the 2x 30min long breaks.

 

Rules

The same rules apply for this event as during the @AlmeerseRopeJam. By attending this event you agree to these rules.

 

Find this event and more rope events @RopeEventsNL <3