Patterns, schmatterns…let’s talk about the reasoning behind different transition choices, and build your ability to create unique sequences! This class is intended for folks who are just starting to work through transitions in suspension, and is self- or partnered-suspension friendly. To begin, Shay will bring the class along on the process to collaboratively create a demonstration transition sequence, discussing the “decision points” and pros and cons of different selections. Participants will then tie (or be tied in, or both) a suspension-worthy chest and leg ladder harness—Shay will quickly guide you through tying a leg harness, or you can tie your personal favorite. Within an outline, participants will choose their own adventures, utilizing these harnesses for partial and full suspension sequences.

Teaching Assistant: Miss DC

Format: suspension tie-along

Prerequisites: Intermediate, Intermediate suspension. Tying attendees should know basics of upline management, risk and body awareness for suspension, and experience with arms-free chest harnesses. Folks of all skill levels are also welcome to attend and “audit” the content.

Materials: Tying attendees need a basic suspension kit. At least 4 x ~30′ and 2 x ~15′ pieces of rope for harnesses, 2 x ~30′ pieces for uplines (rated rope recommended), climbing-rated carabiners x 3-6, safety cutting tool.

Lower body harnesses are foundational for many suspensions…or make great handles for bedroom bondage! After a discussion of basics like wrap placement and risk awareness, Shay will survey the class and attendees will vote for the ties they most want to learn. Based on popular demand (and perhaps a bit of cajoling to choose her favorites), ties covered may include a swiss seat, drum harness, woven hip harness, three-column-tie hip harness, gunslinger, mermaid tie, leg ladder harness, futomomo, and the elegantly named Butt Rainbow Thigh Tie of Doom.

All the ties shown in this class are suspension-worthy; Shay will demonstrate attaching hangers and using them for suspension, and participants with adequate experience can get airborne as well. Attendees are also welcome to come and stick with floorwork, as the majority of the class will focus on the harnesses themselves. Self-tyers welcome. Teaching Assistant: Miss DC

Prerequisites: Intermediate skill level – This class is appropriate for folks from an intermediate floor work level to experienced suspension.  To tie along with the harnesses, experience with non-collapsing single-column ties and basic risk and body awareness for bondage is required. To suspend in class, upline management skills and experience is required.

Format: tie-along (auditors of all skill levels welcome)

Materials: For harnesses, 2 x ~30′ and 2 x ~15′ lengths, nylon/jute/hemp/cotton are all OK. 6mm diameter preferred, 5mm or 8mm also acceptable. For suspension (optional), your basic suspension kit (including at least one ~30′ upline). Safety cutting tool.

Upper body harnesses are foundational for many suspensions…as well as being lovely for decorative floorwork, or great handles for bedroom bondage! After a discussion of basics like wrap placement and risk awareness, Shay will survey the class and attendees will vote for the ties they most want to learn. Based on popular demand (and perhaps a bit of cajoling to choose her favorites), ties covered may include a basic shinju-style chest harness with weaving variations (including “heart harness” and binder-like modifications), figure-8 chest harness, and a hishi-style (diamond) chest harness.

All the ties shown in this class are suspension-worthy; Shay will demonstrate attaching hangers and using them for suspension, and participants with adequate experience can practice this as well. Attendees are also welcome to come and stick with floorwork, as the majority of the class will focus on the harnesses themselves. Self-tyers welcome, but note that the harnesses shown are difficult self-ties that require creating frictions and hitches behind your back. Variations for different body shapes, and to focus on minimizing (or emphasizing) chest tissue, will be discussed.

Teaching Assistant: Miss DC