Workshops: Part, day or weekend
More than skin deep: the beauty of suffering
Tell me more: Is beauty only skin deep? Explore the many shades of semenawa in this challenging course
Description: Is the concept of “beauty” truly only skin-deep?
In this workshop we explore for answers, taking ourselves on a voyage of discovery where we present and uncover different facets of beauty, and what these mean to us in our rope journeys. We will investigate our experiences of the concept of “beauty” in the context of semenawa (endurance rope, with elements of suffering). We will examine how to evoke these thoughts in our ropes and consider how these concepts and experiences can both deepen our understanding of ourselves and our relationships with others.
We will create a space where we can be both vulnerable and curious, and invite participants to reflect on their journey and self-discovery throughout the day/s.
Pre-requisites: This is an advanced course. Participants should be able to tie a safe and stable gote (or adaptive alternate chest harness), have control of uplines and be able to tie a secure lock-off.
There will be time for reflection on the concept of semenawa, which implies that participants will need to be able to consider their own journeys – this may evoke some vulnerability which we will endeavour to hold space for.
Participant Development
What will I learn?
Agenda
We begin with a short history and theoretical discussion of semenawa to ensure a stable foundation.
During the various ties thereafter we invite participants to consider the many facets of “beauty” that they experience.
Please bring
Suitable clothing, safety shears
Minimum 6 lengths of rope (6-10m each, as needed), preferably 8 lengths of rope
Minimum 2 carabiners
Hardpoint such as ring, or suspension sling + carabiner
Stick or similar if within your dynamic
Cloth gag, cloth blindfold, etc, if within your dynamic
Teaching method
We will begin each tie with a demonstration including alternatives that can be used, depending on the comfort and experience levels of the tying partners.
Each demonstration will include open-ended options for participants to add and develop in accordance with their own boundaries, intentions and profiles.
During all ties, we will encourage you to look for alternative solutions and guide you if needed.
We will support you at all times.
Learning outcomes
A deeper awareness of the construction of the patterns explored, including the theory and practicalities. More profound understanding of the ties from both sides of the rope
Emotional and physical learning
Safety, consent & communication
Keen to learn?
For dates and booking: