"Sensual" to us means that the sensuality is given priority. Instead of tying up somebody mechanically and without a connection at all, it is central to sensual rigging that there is non-verbal communication, careful touching and a balance between letting go and leading. At the same time it does not need to have anything to do with SM, since it can also just be comfortable and relaxing.
It is probably best to explain it based on couple dancing, e.g. the very popular Argentine tango. Leading and letting oneself be led are essential to this type of dance. Those essentials can also be found in rigging, although you experience them much more intensely. This is your chance to let go completely during the act and return to reality thoroughly relaxed afterwards.
Another analogy for sensual shibari is yoga for two, if you will. Dealing consciously both with your own body and the the body of a partner. It can be very meditative if the active partner puts in some effort and skill. This can lead the passive part to reach a sort of "trance" (more commonly called the "subspace") very quickly. What they experience in the subspace is an intense feeling of psychological liberty as a reactive response to the physical embrace of the ropes.
Many people have forgotten how good it can feel to be able to "play" like children, to touch each other in a platonic and innocent way. So if they actually manage to overcome their initial fears, oftentimes they are very surprised by the effects of such a rope dance experience. Trusting someone else and letting go completely for a short period of time can be very elevating. It can also ground and calm you in a way you never thought possible. Part of our mission is also to share these positive experiences, make you aware of your own and your partner's body and help make everyone feel happier and more rooted in life.
Share experiences, interact with respect, and stay open minded.
"Safe, Sane, Consensual" are three basic rules of all social interaction. This very much affects all kind of relations in everyday life.
People can have a very narrow minded perception about how girls and guys "connect". They see it also very binary - most likely due to experiences in the past - and expect it to be either "friends without touching" or "sexual relationship". But in fact there is a huge zone in between, depending on the connection together. It is and should be totally fine, that people can touch each other as friends. Massaging, dancing together are some of those things. Respecting the "borders" and having "good intentions" are key. Porting this to our dance with the ropes, it means that with the right intentions and communication this can work as a hobby, between friends just as much as between couples.
Interested about learning it? We do some open workshops, but you can also reach out for our monthly gatherings/sessions.
SensualRopes.de
| Berlin 2024