Questions, answered

An evolving document

Everything we get asked most: coming alone, what to wear, how to find us, tickets and refunds, how the classes fit together. If your question is not here, write to us.

01

The basics

What the space is, and what to expect the first time.

  • Daruma is a Berlin-based shibari space that offers classes and community events, and aims to foster a high level of technical skill in an approachable learning atmosphere.

    The space is owned by a queer person, but is not exclusively a queer space. We welcome and celebrate individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We want to create an inclusive environment where people feel respected and valued. We do not tolerate any misogynistic, racist, queerphobic, ableist or classist language or behaviours in this space.

  • Rope jams differ a little from place to place, but broadly, they're an open space for tying and for the rope community to spend time together.

    At Daruma, our rope jam takes place every Thursday evening.

    Some people arrive with tying plans already in place with a specific person. Others come alone - sometimes to self-tie, sometimes open to finding someone to tie with spontaneously, and sometimes just to spend time in the space. It's completely fine to come to the jam and not tie. Some people are there because they feel sociable, others just want to watch.

    More details about Daruma’s regular weekly Rope Jam can be found here.

  • For many classes and the rope jam, it’s possible to come alone, but some classes do require participants to come with a partner. See the specific class page for detailed information.

    The Daruma Discussion Telegram group is intended for anything related to Daruma events, including looking for tying partners, but please note this isn’t a general meetup group, but rather limited to those who are looking for people to partner up with for events at Daruma. If you are meeting a new person for the first time within the space and you would like someone to periodically “check in” with you to make sure everything is going ok and that you are feeling safe, please get in contact to let us know.

  • For classes and workshops, wear comfortable and flexible clothing suitable for movement and sitting on the floor. Jeans, belts and underwired bras aren’t recommended, and very loose or bulky clothes can sometimes be difficult to tie over. Something to keep warm can be nice to have before and after tying. The studio is a shoe-free space—so bringing some cosy socks could be nice, especially during winter months.

    Clothing for jams and parties can be more of a mix. Some people may choose to dress simply and comfortably, others might prefer to dress up a bit, whilst there are some who prefer lingerie or very minimal clothing. All of these are welcome; none are expected or required. Please check the details relating to the specific event you are coming to.

    Some people like to bring a notebook to take notes during classes; this is optional. It’s okay to have waterbottles or beverages in the studio space, and tea / teacups are available; please be careful to avoid spills.

    If you don’t have your own rope, studio rope can be borrowed for beginner classes or jams (for floor tying only). Participants must bring their own rope and other equipment for more advanced classes or any type of suspension. Rope is also available at Daruma for purchase. A couple pairs of rope shears are available as backups, but in general, shears are an important part of your rope kit as you build it.

    Yoga mats are available. Should you want something extra such as a blanket or cushion, please bring one.

  • Hand-treated jute shibari rope is available in our rope shop. It’s also possible to purchase onsite and pay with cash.

    Please contact us in advance to ensure rope is available before you come by!

  • No.

    The space is only open during scheduled events, or by appointment.

Accessibility & getting here

02

Stairs, facilities, transport, timing — and our studio dog.

  • Daruma is accessible by public transport:

    • 100m (2 minute walk) from U Grenzallee (U7)

    • 600m (9 minute walk) from S + U Neukolln (S2 / S41 / S42 / S45 / S46 / S47 / U7; station has elevators).

    • Bus 171 / N7 from right outside the door.

    Bike parking is available in the courtyard.

  • Our full address, along with detailed instructions for finding the space, are emailed to you automatically as soon as you sign up for an event, or after you’ve made an appointment with us. The address is contained in the booking confirmation email.

    We don't publish our location because we’re not open to drop ins. Visits are by booking and appointment only.

    If you've booked and you haven’t received a confirmation email we’d love it if you could check your spam folder before sending us a message.

    We find that the most common reason for emails not arriving is a typo in the email address, which is easy for us to fix!

  • The Rope Jam opens at 7pm, it is not possible to arrive before.

    For most other events, you can arrive up to 15 minutes early, but it is not generally possible to arrive earlier than this unless you have made a prior arrangement to do so. Ringing the doorbell more than 15 minutes before your event is due to start will often disturb a previous event, so please be mindful of this.

    There may be exceptions for some events, but please do check the specific class or workshop page for details.

    If you are running late, please contact us to let us know so we can tell you how to arrive without disturbing the event.

  • Daruma is up one flight of stairs (13 steps). The building does not have an elevator.

    There is one small step inside the space.

    We have an all-gender toilet with two standard-width stalls and one shower (the shower stall is one step up from floor level). This also doubles as the changing area as needed. Tap water is available in the kitchen, as well as hot water, tea, coffee, and soft drinks. The kitchen has a microwave and a dishwasher.

    Classes often include sitting on the floor. Yoga mats, blankets, meditation cushions and futons are available, but should you want something extra please bring one.

    If you have questions or accessibility needs that aren’t covered here, or need support to access the space, please send us a message via the Contact form.

  • In the spirit of taking care of one another, please don’t come to the studio if you are sick, have symptoms, or know you’ve had a Covid exposure in the last few days, (please see below for further information on refunds.)

    We don’t require masks or testing for the majority of events at this time, though you are more than welcome to wear a mask. Events that are an exception to this will notify participants separately.

    In the event you test positive after visiting the space, please contact us so that we can notify other participants.

  • The studio has a small dog, Anya, who is often onsite—she is friendly, loves cuddles, can make a great emotional support animal, and is generally very good at staying in the corner during classes, although sometimes she does get a little stressed by the number of people at larger events, so we ask that when she’s chilling out in her house, you don’t interact with her (including through eye contact).

    If you have any questions – or want to know whether Anya will be at a specific event you are planning to attend – feel free to get in contact.

Tickets

03

Sliding scale, waiting lists, and what happens when life intervenes.

  • Daruma uses sliding scale pricing to reduce barriers to participation.

    Low income tickets are priced a bit lower than regular tickets, and are intended for those who experience financial barriers to participation. A limited number of these spots are available, so please do use this option mindfully. We don’t ask for proof of low income.

    Supporter tickets are priced a bit higher than regular tickets. The more supporter tickets are booked for a specific event, the more low income tickets can then be made available. If this option works for your budget, know that you are helping to enable wider participation in classes and events.

    (Not sure if one of these ticket types makes sense for you? One resource on sliding scale examples is here.)

  • Specific event pages will note other possible methods of payment, like via bank transfer or with cash onsite.

  • Please register through the website, even if it’s only shortly before the class or jam.

    People who are not registered may be turned away if the event is full.

  • Yes! Every event page has the option to add yourself to the waiting list as soon as the event sells out. If a ticket becomes available, everyone on the waiting list will get an automated email at the same time.
    For events that are repeated, people on the waitlist will receive an email about the next event before tickets go on sale.

  • Important: If you need to cancel an event, you must email us at hello@daruma.berlin. Cancellations cannot be processed automatically through the website.

    Weekend Intensives / Guest Teachers:
    Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds for these classes. When we bring teachers from abroad, we need to ensure that we can cover both their travel and teaching fees, so we need to be sure about attendance. However, we can try to help you sell your ticket if you can’t attend.

    Study Group  / Class Passes:
    Tickets cannot be refunded, but you can transfer your ticket to another week. Each study group ticket can only be transferred once. 

    If you have further questions, please reach out. We know life can be unpredictable and we’ll do our best to try to help you find a solution.

  • Simply put, it doesn’t.

    When a spot becomes available, it’s given to a new participant on a first come, first served basis. One minute is the shortest time our booking system lets us set between sending out emails to people on the waiting list (if we could set it to 0 minutes, we would!) It doesn’t mean you only have one minute to react.

    We don’t choose a longer time between emails, because the vast majority of cancellations we get happen due to illness on the same day the event is taking place, and leaving a long gap between sending out emails would invariably mean that no one gets the notification in time.

Class & Session Content

04

How the teaching works, and which classes are right for you.

  • Most class or workshop pages will have a specific list of prerequisites that you should feel comfortable with in order to engage with the session material. We have a guide to different levels, which we hope will be helpful.

    If you don’t yet have the relevant skills for that, check our our regular weekly program to take a class at your current level, or join us for a The Rope Jam—beginners and curious newcomers are warmly welcomed.

  • No. Gestalta draws on a fusion of different styles, and has a strong focus on developing body awareness (of your own body/the body you are tying), understanding the mechanics of the body in rope, and adapting your ties to fit your partner in order to create the best possible experience.

    Guest teachers may have a particular style or focus of their own.

  • The Regular Program consists of a set of classes that build on one another, plus the regular Rope Jam. Whether your interest lies in floorwork, suspension or both, the curriculum is designed to support participants as they progress from beginner to intermediate and more advanced levels.

    The Elements (Step 1) class is intended for absolute beginners. Each class session focuses on one element (e.g. nodomes, hojo cuffs, etc.), and topics rotate in sequence every 8 to 10 weeks. It’s possible to join at any time. It’s not necessary to come with a partner if you’re willing to switch with others in the class.

    The Floorwork class serves as a Step 2 following Elements, for beginner to intermediate learners. Each class session has a focus (selected by Gestalta, or sometimes with the participation of the group), and may include patterns (e.g. specific harnesses), body movement and handling, positions for floor tying, etc. Floorwork is not necessarily considered a progression into suspension, but rather a practice in and of itself. It’s not necessary to come with a partner if you’re willing to switch with others in the class.

    For those interested in suspension, the Introduction to Suspension weekend workshop, taught several times per year, offers a foundation. This intensive format gives participants a solid overview of essential topics (uplines, line management, safety, communication) before they move to the drop-in suspension classes, which assume this prior knowledge. This workshop, or equivalent experience, is considered the prerequisite for Suspension Fundamentals. This workshop is taught for pairs.

    Suspension Fundamentals: Study Group meets twice monthly to work on specific suspension positions in depth. Each month retains the same focus (e.g. side suspensions, or variations on a classic shape). While it is possible to join for the second session of the month without having attended the first, it’s strongly suggested to join the first session as the two will often build on one another. It’s not necessary to come with a partner if you’re willing to switch with others in the class.

    Gestalta’s Study Group meets twice monthly, for intermediate to advanced learners focused on suspension. Each session will have a focus—a specific tie, element, or principle—for deep exploration. This study group must be attended in pairs.

    The Rope Jam is open time for practice, tying, and socialising, without a formal instruction or program, suitable for participants of all levels.

    In addition to the regular program, additional workshops and intensives are offered by Gestalta and visiting instructors on special topics such as self-suspension, hashira and more. Please see individual event pages for specific details and prerequisites.

  • To create the most conducive learning environment, we ask that participants silence their phones and generally keep them tucked away during classes, workshops and jams. If necessary, calls are best taken out in the stairwell in front of the studio space, or outside.

    Photos are only possible with the explicit permission of the person/people being photographed.

    Explicit permission also includes how the photo will be used (e.g. posted on social media, shared via chats, etc). Keep other people completely out of the frame.

    Please ask teachers at the beginning of each class if they are comfortable with being photographed whilst teaching, and remember that consent to being photographed does not automatically imply consent to being filmed.

  • Bottoming in rope (being tied) is in itself a skill and requires learning and practice. It is our belief that you cannot really teach tying effectively without teaching bottoming at the same time, and therefore the majority of classes at Daruma discuss and develop skills important for both roles. We are able to do this because most of our in-house teachers are also very experienced in rope bottoming.

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This page grows every time someone asks something we hadn't thought to write down.

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