Power & Objectification with hua hua

What a fascinating topic to wrap up our residency with hua hua (Shanghai/London)! Find all her VoxBody event offerings on the calendar here OCT 11-19.

Shibari is never just about restraining, it can be a way of presenting the model. Topping is an act of care; taking care of safety, headspace and also aesthetics so that the bottom can let go and surrender to the experience. This aspect of care and responsibility is where the power dynamic can manifest. In this workshop we will be exploring how to approach power through the act of objectification.

In the first part of the workshop we will be exploring how the rope bottom can serve as an art piece for the top to sculpt, shape and showcase. The aim for this part of the workshop is to expand our definition of aesthetics in Shibari as a way of exploring their unique beauty and features. Drawing on the dynamic of artist and muse, the exercises in the class focus on how to use rope to highlight/fetishise certain features, what aesthetics give you both pleasure and how gaze can impact the model's experience.

The second part of the workshop will focus on how to play with objectification in a more dehumanizing manner, by binding them into human furniture. In this exercise we will explore how to transform them from human to furniture through a playful and collaborative dynamic. This part of the class will involve discussion of power play through acts of service, how to keep the bottom in headspace and communicate in the style of play, as well as ergonomics of a human chair. After the demonstration students will make their own furniture and explore how to modify the demonstrated tie to make the most of their partner's assets.

Prerequisites:

* Riggers will need proficient knowledge of single/double column tie and frictions to attend this workshop.

* Bottoms should have an invested interest in objectification.

* Attend this class with a partner that you are familiar with already, with an established baseline of trust and interest in the topic.

* hua hua specifically asks that attending pairs do NOT switch for this event.

Materials:

1. 8-12 ropes, suspension gear. Every attending pair will have access to a bamboo suspension point.
2. Gags/blindfold/ other familiar small tools welcome.

GETTING HERE

REFUND POLICY - Please note that for events with visiting presenters the refund window is one month prior to event date. If you need to cancel within the month, we will be able to issue a refund only if your ticket gets claimed. Thank you for your understanding!

About the presenter:

hua hua is a Shibari artist, Dominatrix and founder of Borderline Productions, currently based in London. She began the first public Shibari classes in Shanghai in 2017 and facilitated numerous events around China. hua hua left China in 2022 to access a wider community, and has taught in numerous countries across the globe. She runs a Patreon page where she brings together an international community and provides global access to resources about Shibari. She believes that Shibari is a place to explore our inner most desires with authenticity and mindfulness. To her, ropes can create bonds beyond cultural, linguistic or social barriers. Her teaching style is more holistic than systematic, focusing on a slow pacing to encourage a more intentional practice and appreciation of small details.Beyond teaching, she is passionate about developing Shibari culture through her project Borderline Productions. Working primarily with film, her work is often drawn from her personal journey navigating the world of Kink and life as a Dominatrix. She frequently collaborates with artists from other fields such as fashion, dance and experimental theatre to explore intersectionality between BDSM and other subcultures.

Find her on IG @hua.borderline and @borderline.shibari