EVENT DESCRIPTION
Hip harnesses are a common component of rope suspension and can be incorporated into ground-based ties. This class is for tying pairs and self-tiers who are new to or want to deepen their understanding of hip harnesses. We will discuss different styles of hip harnesses and ways we can tailor them to our bodies and needs. Students will be guided through tying a simple hip harness and have time to explore modifications with guidance and feedback. The goal of this class is to provide a foundation that students can apply to learning, tying, and adapting hip harnesses to suit their needs, on both sides of the rope.
This event will be held at a venue in Union Square, Somerville, MA. Please note that this is a different location than our other Somerville venue.
PRE-REQUISITES
- The person tying should have familiarity with rope bondage safety basics, the ability to tie a non-collapsible single column tie (e.g. Somerville bowline), and an understanding of forward and reverse tension.
- The person being tied should have familiarity with rope bondage safety basics, and the ability to assess and communicate needs in rope.
- Self-tiers should be comfortable with all of the above.
Please note, the above skills will NOT be taught in this class (single column, reverse tension, forward tension). You should only take this class if you are comfortable with the pre-requisites listed.
WHAT TO BRING
- Each person planning to tie should bring at least three 25-30 ft long ropes (5-6mm). Ropes can be your preferred material (example: jute, hemp, nylon, posh, etc.)
- ALWAYS bring your emergency cutting tool.
- A few blankets and mats will be available to sit on, but feel free to bring your own mat or blanket.
SCHEDULE
- 1:00pm – Doors Open
- 1:15 – 1:30pm – Consent workshop (required for all)
- 1:30 – 3:00pm – Rope class
- 3:00 – 3:30 – Open practice
VENUE & ACCESSIBILITY
The venue is located in Union Square in Somerville, MA. Exact location will be given to confirmed ticket holders.
- The class space is on the second floor of the building. There is NO elevator access – you must walk up one flight of stairs.
- The studio is shoe-free. Shoes must be removed before entering the studio space. There are multiple shoe racks right outside the studio door.
TRANSPORTATION
- There is public parking in Union Square, some metered, some not metered, including spots on Somerville Ave and Bow St. Parking is free after 8pm and on all Sundays and holidays. You can use Park Mobile to pay for parking on your phone.
- The D line of the Green Line will get you to Union Square. Local bus routes that drop you within <5 minutes walking include the 85, 86, 91, and CT2.
TICKETS & PAYMENT OPTIONS
Payments will be processed through Eventbrite with sliding scale pricing. All tickets provide the same entry (1 person per ticket) to the event. Pricing is access-based, not “pay what you want”. If you benefit from systemic privilege, please consider paying more.
If you would like to attend but finances or paying through Eventbrite is a barrier for you, please email us at [email protected]. Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.
If you would like to make a contribution to SBC to support our instructors, operations, and future events, please select the Donation ticket. Please note that donation tickets do not provide admittance to the event and are not tax deductible.
DRESS CODE
Dress code is flexible at this venue, after the building officially closes. You must always wear a minimum of underwear (bottoms) while in the event space. You must be street legal when elsewhere in the building, so please be prepared to cover up when entering the building and leaving the event space to visit the bathroom. Please note – this is not a play space.
REFUND POLICY
We are able to issue refunds, upon request, if we are able to fill your spot at the event. We will also consider issuing refunds in cases with extenuating circumstances. We are always happy to accept unused tickets as donations. If you are unable to attend due to event details that are publicly available (such as venue details, transportation, waiver requirement, or vetting requirements), we do not consider this an extenuating circumstance and reserve the right to adhere to our refund policy.
If you are unable to attend for any reason, please email us at [email protected] so we can open a spot on the waitlist for another kinkster. No refunds will be issued within 24 hours of the event.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Please review our Code of Conduct before arriving at the class. A consent workshop will take place at the beginning of class. If you have not attended SBC’s consent workshop previously, you MUST be present for the consent workshop portion of the class. All attendees will be required to sign a waiver and our code of conduct before taking part in any SBC class or event.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Attendees of all events are encouraged to be fully vaccinated and boosted. We also encourage folks to practice regular at home testing before events to ensure you are COVID negative. Attendees are required to STAY HOME from any event, and notify organizers of their absence, if they are feeling at all ill.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Qatherine (she/her) is a Boston-based rope lover and passionate self-suspender. With a background in ballet and aerial circus arts, Qatherine seeks to explore the sensations and physicality of rope, and has a deep, unabiding love of inversions. In self-suspension, Qatherine enjoys dynamic movement and pushing her body, as well as adapting traditionally partnered suspension sequences to solo acts. Outside of the rope community, Qatherine satisfies her cravings for airtime through aerial silks and corde lisse.