Shibari 101: Rope, Consent & Connection

Saturday 28 November 2026
2:00–5:00 pm
The Breath Bar, Geelong

Curious about Shibari, but not quite sure where to begin?

Shibari 101: Rope, Consent & Connection is a practical three-hour introduction to Japanese rope bondage with Jess from Peer Rope Melbourne, one of Melbourne's leading Shibari schools.

Designed for complete beginners, the workshop introduces some of the history and influences behind Shibari, the foundations of consent and rope safety and three practical ties you can learn, practise and begin exploring for yourself.

Along the way, you’ll also explore something that makes rope much more interesting than simply learning knots: how rope can create connection, sensation, communication and play between people.

No previous rope experience is required.

You can attend with someone or come solo and practise self-tying.

What you'll explore

Across the afternoon, Jess will guide you through:

• The history and influences of Shibari and Japanese rope bondage

• Consent, communication and safer rope practice

• How rope can be used to explore intimacy and connection

• Basic principles for handling and working with rope

• Three different rope ties to learn and practise

• How to begin exploring rope with greater confidence and awareness

The focus is on building a solid foundation rather than rushing into complicated techniques.

You’ll have time to practise, ask questions and understand not just how a tie works, but why it is constructed that way.

Is this workshop for me?

This workshop is designed for people who are new to Shibari or have only experimented with rope casually and want a stronger foundation.

You might be curious about:

• Exploring rope as a form of sensation, communication or play

• Introducing rope into your relationship or bedroom

• Exploring a new form of intimacy and connection

• Learning basic Shibari techniques properly

• Understanding rope safety and consent

• Trying something new without needing to already be part of the kink or rope community

The workshop welcomes all identities, genders and sexual orientations.

You don't need to be particularly flexible, experienced or confident with rope to attend.

Coming solo?

You can absolutely attend the workshop alone and decide whether you want to self-tie or be paired with someone.

Even though we’ll do our best to pair everyone who would like a partner, we can’t guarantee a match for every solo participant. Please book knowing that you may practise some or all of the exercises through self-tying.

What to wear

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily, similar to what you might wear to yoga, dance or a movement class.

Avoid clothing or accessories that significantly restrict movement.

What to expect

This is a hands-on learning workshop combining demonstration, explanation and practical rope work.

Jess's teaching approach goes beyond simply copying a sequence of knots. You'll be encouraged to understand the reasoning behind each technique, including safety, structure, communication and the experience of both the person tying and the person being tied.

There will be time to practise the techniques during the session and ask questions as you go.

Meet your facilitator

Jess - Peer Rope Melbourne

Jess (she/they) began learning rope in Brisbane in 2015, exploring Shibari from both the rigger and model sides.

She began teaching with Peer Rope Melbourne in March 2022 and took over ownership of the rope school in December 2025.

Jess draws on knowledge from a range of Japanese rope bondage styles, which informs her own approach to teaching and facilitation.

Rather than teaching rope purely as a sequence of techniques, Jess focuses on the why behind the practice: safety, technical structure, communication, connection and the experience of the person being tied.

Her teaching style encourages a 360-degree learning experience, including workshopping ideas, model-led learning and attention to the somatic experience of rope.

Outside of Shibari, Jess is a registered psychotherapist and trauma-trained practitioner who works with Dance Movement Therapy and body-based approaches through Somatic Experience Studio (@somaticexperiencestudio).

You can find Jess on Instagram at @starlove.shibari and Peer Rope Melbourne at @peerropemelbourne.

Curious about rope? This is a good place to start.

Event details

Date: Saturday 28 November 2026
Time: 2:00–5:00 pm
Venue: The Breath Bar, Geelong
Experience required: None
Attend: Solo or with someone
What to wear: Comfortable yoga, dance or movement-friendly clothing
Who is welcome: All identities, genders and sexual orientations

Questions before booking?

If you're unsure whether the workshop is right for you, you're welcome to contact Love & Play at nina@loveandplay.co before booking.

You don't need to know anything about Shibari beforehand.