A study of hip harnesses and their components
Level: Intermediate
Workshop style: Lecture, demo, and hands-on
The hips are the center of gravity of most bodies. Whether you want to pull someone towards you, or suspend them in the air, hip harnesses are an effective way of controlling and bearing a large portion of someone’s weight.
The goal of this workshop is to empower bottoms and tops to work together to customize hip harnesses (or create new ones) so that they work better for the bottom’s body and for the intended play. We achieve this goal by sharing the framework and terminology that can be used to collaboratively work on that task.
We will examine the fundamental components of many hip harnesses and how they affect the way a specific harness feels and behaves.
In this class we will explore concepts essential to constructing a hip harness that suits the bottom:
Hip anatomy
Characteristics of good hip harnesses
Primary load-bearing components
Distributing load across various components
Good and bad directions of applying force on a harness
There are many hip harnesses out there. Most bottoms have some favorites, depending on their body and the harness application. We will examine several hip harnesses through the lens of the above concepts and learn to mix and match what they offer to design custom harnesses.
Note: This is not a suspension workshop. There will be no hardpoints.
Prerequisites
Working knowledge of
single column ties
hitches and frictions
Inline cuffs (e.g., hojo cuff)
Existing experience in tying bondage harnesses of any type.
What to bring
3-5 pieces of 7-8 meter 5-6mm natural fibre rope.
1-2 pieces of 3-4 meter 5-6mm natural fibre rope (optional).
Waiver and physical government ID required
You will need to sign this waiver at the venue.
We will need to check a physical government ID to verify that you are at least 18 years old and that your legal name matches that on the waiver.
Arrival time and door policy
Please arrive 30 minutes before the workshop start time to finish the check-in process before the workshop starts. Attendee admittance will stop and the venue door will be locked as soon as the workshop starts.
Venue policy
No street shoes: This venue has a wooden floor. In order to protect the floor, street shoes may not be worn inside the building. Bare feet, socks, or dance shoes/soft soled shoes that are not worn outside are allowed. If you would like to wear indoor shoes, they need to be inspected by the instructors before you put them on.
No animals: Humans are the only lifeform allowed in the venue. Animals are not allowed. This includes pets, service animals, and emotional support animals.
Attendee policy
Anyone 18 years old or older is welcome. However, the instructors reserve the right to ask any attendee to leave at any time or disallow attendees from practicing, without stating a reason. By purchasing a ticket to this workshop, you are agreeing to comply with instructions from the workshop teachers.
To participate in the hands-on practice portions of this workshop, you need to buy a duo ticket and come to the workshop with a practice partner. If you do not come to the workshop with a practice partner, you will be able to listen to the lecture portions of the workshop but you will not be able to participate in hands-on practice with a partner.
Covid policy and workshop cancellation
Masks are optional. We strongly encourage attendees to take a covid test before the workshop. Instructors will take tests the morning of the workshop. If any of the instructors test positive, the workshop will be cancelled and tickets will be refunded.
This is a long workshop
This workshop is 4 hours long. There will be two 10-minute breaks. Please plan accordingly. Bring water to drink.
Accessibility
The venue is not fully ADA accessible. There is one step into the building and a second step to access the restroom.
Refund policy
Tickets are not refundable. However, if you’d like to transfer your tickets to someone else, please contact us at least 72 hours before the class start time.
For any questions, please contact us. Please include “Hip Harnesses 9/2024” in the subject field.