Non Verbal Communication with NIKO (France)

We are so pleased to welcome NIKO (France) for this Sunday afternoon class exploring non verbal communication and movement!

We will explore how two people can move together in a space, relying on verbal and, most importantly, non-verbal cues. In the context of a physical practice, speech is often set aside in favor of gestures, contact, and silent movements. These exchanges generate physical and emotional reactions, creating a play of connection and letting go, where one can choose to lead while the other allows themselves to be guided.

Like a ceramic artisan shaping their clay, we seek to connect with a human being in all their uniqueness: each person has their own way of listening, reacting, feeling, and expressing emotions. It is through this non-verbal vocabulary that we learn to build mutual understanding and synchronize with each other to move in harmony.

In silence, in rhythm, with music, in pairs or in groups, a series of mini-exercises will help enrich this shared vocabulary. We will explore breath awareness, mirroring, the space between us, touch, and the dynamics of lead and follow, which evolves according to rhythm and attentive listening to each person’s particularities.

Launched four years ago, this workshop has grown and evolved over time. This new version incorporates contributions from movement and body professionals (dancers, actors, psychomotor therapists) as well as feedback from my partners and participants who have explored it with me.

The lead and follow principle has evolved over the past year into a new approach that prioritizes connection, listening, and the exchange of control.

We will also explore the body’s biomechanics to understand how to guide and move our partner through space effortlessly. Through tonic-emotional dialogue, we will discover how, even without the use of ropes, it is possible to evoke sensations of helplessness and vulnerability.

Prerequisites

1. Single and double column tie
2. Basic frictions
3. partners should have prior experience working together. A foundation of trust is essential for the emotional aspects of the practice.

Required Equipment

1. 1 rope of approximately 8 meters (jute or hemp) – diameter 5 to 6 mm
2. A tenugui or a piece of fabric to cover the partner’s eyes
3. Safety scissors
4. Just wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely

During some mini-exercises, there will be opportunities to switch partners and work with other pairs or small groups. That said, choosing to stay with your partner is absolutely fine—your comfort and boundaries always come first.

Movement is a key part of the workshop, and we will be using elements of dance and body awareness.

If you don’t know how to dance, or if dancing makes you feel uncomfortable - this workshop is also for you. It’s designed to meet you exactly where you are, and to help you explore movement and connection in a gentle, supportive way.

Partial nudity & toplessness are not permitted during the workshop.

About the presenter:

NIKO (he/him), also known as NiKOKBK, is a French rope artist with over six years of experience. His practice emphasizes intention, presence, and an effective way of tying with connection, moving beyond fixed styles. For the past five years, he has collaborated with his partner, Raph (they/them), whose influence led him to integrate yoga and contemporary dance into his art.

NIKO also explores video as a medium to authentically express his aesthetic and challenge traditional notions of authority in rope. He focuses on non-verbal communication, believing that the rope scene begins long before the first wrap—in the silent dialogue between bodies.

Find NIKO on IG @niko_kinbaku.