“Evolving & Deepening Transitions” explores Gestalta’s style of tying through the lens of transitions—not just as movement between shapes, but as a core expressive element in rope itself.
Transitioning—moving a tied body fluidly from one shape to another—has always been central to my personal style of rope. There’s a common misconception that transitions are purely performative—a kind of “circus rope” reserved for stage work. And while I do use them extensively in performance, transitions are equally at the heart of how I tie in play. They offer a way of creating narrative within a scene—shaping experience through movement—not just for visual effect, but to build emotional depth and physical connection.
This workshop is designed for intermediate or advanced participants who already possess a developed skill set on both sides of the rope, who are comfortable with basic suspension work but wish to expand the breadth of their practice, and understand Gestalta’s approach on a deeper level.
Together we will work with structures that demand nuance in transitions—such as strappados, bamboo-on-body ties, and agura—developing a deeper understanding of how to use each form for dynamic movement, and intense opportunities for play. Exercises will be adapted to fit the needs and level of the group.
Gestalta will share subtle adjustments and refinements they have honed over years of practice to make classic ties both stable and adaptable for transition work, without losing their aesthetic strength.
Pre-Requisites
Riggers should be confident in their ability to efficiently & fluidly tie common suspension harnesses (such as takate kote, futomomo, etc.), must be experienced in managing multiple suspension lines, be able to safely attach and lock off suspension lines under load, and have experience with techniques for lifting/lowering their models which they know work well for them.
Models should have experience of being suspended in common harnesses, possess body awareness around nerve safety and circulation, understand the difference between discomfort and unsustainable or unsafe sensations, and be able to clearly communicate their needs within rope.
Notes
Switching is not possible at this workshop.
Although teacher demonstrations will include ties such as TK, strappado, ‘crucifixion’ harnesses etc., we understand that not all models are comfortable in all ties. You are invited and encouraged to use alternatives, and to modify the exercises to better fit your needs.
About the Presenter:
Gestalta
they/them
Gestalta is the owner of Daruma and teaches regularly at the studio.
Their approach to shibari has evolved from 16 years of practice on both sides of the ropes, and a diverse range of influences which they appropriate, blend and develop in their own practice. As a teacher, they strive to reflect the experience of both tying partners on a deep level.
Embracing the inherent flexibility of the art is fundamental to their style; rather than prescribing rigid techniques they have a strong belief that shibari should be approached as a versatile set of tools. They encourage their students to explore and adapt each tie to the individual body of their partner, tailoring it to their specific needs and desires in any given situation. To facilitate this process, they provide a comprehensive framework rooted in fundamental principles such as safety, efficiency, and fluency and moreover, they emphasise the significance of body awareness, effective communication, and the conscious consideration of personal experiences and motivations.
Their technical style has naturally evolved through keen observation and firsthand experience. Previously, they had the privilege of working professionally as a shibari model, offering them the opportunity to be tied by accomplished practitioners from Japan and Europe. These encounters have enriched their knowledge and repertoire with invaluable techniques and insights, and also gives them a deeply empathetic understanding of what the people they tie experience in ropes.
Presently, their focus centres on the exploration of movement both with and within ropes. This ongoing research fuels their passion for pushing the boundaries of shibari and continuously expanding their understanding of its possibilities.
Saara Rei
Saara Rei is a multidisciplinary performance artist, Kinbaku practitioner, and workshop facilitator with a professional background in music, dance, education, and public speaking. Performing since early childhood as a dancer and classical musician, Saara has always viewed the stage as a space for honest collaboration between performers and audience. Her artistic voice blends the surreal, the provocative, and the emotionally raw, often exploring the absurd and the dissonant to evoke deep reflection.
Since 2014, Saara has been immersed in Japanese-inspired rope bondage, both as a rigger as well as a highly experienced rope bottom. For her, rope is a form of embodied truth - an intimate exchange where vulnerability cannot hide. As an experienced rope bottom, she has collaborated with some of the most respected riggers in the international Kinbaku community, shaping her approach to both performance and teaching. She is a co-founder of Embodied in Rope, an in-depth educational project and curriculum designed specifically for rope bottoms. Alongside fellow co-founders Anna Noctuelle and Natasha Nawataneko, they also host the podcast Model Behaviour together, offering nuanced conversations about rope from the model’s perspective, backed by over 40 years of combined experience in the scene.
With a strong grounding in power dynamics, sadomasochism, and emotional exploration, Saara’s work embraces hierarchy, intensity, and the healing potential of intentional suffering. Her workshops invite participants to engage with pain, fear, shame, and vulnerability as pathways to presence and transformation. Through this lens, she teaches how suffering - when chosen and understood - can be a profound teacher, guiding us into the immediacy of the present moment.
Holding a Ph.D. in mathematics, Saara blends academic rigor with embodied wisdom. Her teaching style is grounded, playful, and infused with humor, creating a space that is both light and deep—welcoming exploration, complexity, and growth. She considers herself a student of Felix Ruckert and the Schwelle7 community. And with that, she hopes to carry on the spirit of space she was once part of, sharing the lessons she has learned and the perspectives she has gained during her time spent there.
Picture by Carnivore