with Gestalta & Saara Rei

Note: This workshop is NOT suitable for beginners. Please ensure that you have read the workshop prerequisites in detail.

“Falling Into Form: Foundations of Fluid Transitions” is the first in a series of workshops exploring 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.

We’ll explore how this approach to tying shifts the headspace of both model and rigger—how movement brings a different quality to pain and acceptance, a different rhythm, and a different way of being present together.

I also believe that the skills I developed in order to perform transitions—fluid handling, efficient technique, quick decision-making, body awareness, and attunement to my partner—have made me a stronger rigger across all styles of rope, including those grounded in stillness and suffering, such as semenawa. These abilities don’t just serve dynamic movement; they refine every aspect of rope.

In this first workshop, we’ll focus on simple transitions as a way to explore the foundational skills needed to perform them well. I’ll share the methods I developed as a self-taught rigger and refined through choreographing performances. This material will act as a springboard for more complex sequences in later workshops in the series.

Please note that switching is not possible at this workshop.

• About the Teachers

  Gestalta is the owner of Daruma and teaches regularly at the studio.

  Their approach to shibari has evolved from 18 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 is a workshop facilitator and performance artist with a background in music, dance, education, and public speaking. Saara's work generally centres around the exploration of suffering, both physical and emotional. Through their kink practice, Saara has come to understand that suffering comes from the comparison of what has been or could be to the present moment. And with that, Saara enjoys teaching about how to use suffering as a path to presence and enjoyment in life.

• Workshop Prerequisites

  All participants must have prior experience with suspension.

  Riggers should be confident in using standard suspension harnesses (such as a Takate Kote, futomomo, etc.) and must be able to safely attach and lock off suspension lines under load.

  Models should have experience being suspended in common harnesses, possess body awareness around nerve safety and circulation, and be able to communicate the difference between discomfort and unsustainable or unsafe sensations.

  Please note: Teacher demonstrations will use TK-based suspensions. If your tying partner is unable to comfortably sustain a TK for extended periods, we ask that you arrive with a prepared alternative suspension harness (such as a hands-in-front variant) that can be used in a similar way.