Shibari 101: Rope, Consent & Connection

An introduction to Japanese rope bondage

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

Curious about rope? There's more to Shibari than learning a few knots.

Shibari is a Japanese rope practice that brings together technique, sensation, communication and connection.

It can be playful, intimate, creative or simply an interesting new skill to explore.

But where do you actually begin?

Join Jess from Peer Rope Melbourne for a hands-on, three-hour introduction to Shibari, designed for complete beginners and anyone curious about exploring rope with greater confidence.

You'll learn three practical ties, explore the foundations of rope safety and consent, and discover how rope can create opportunities for connection, communication and play.

Whether you're interested in exploring rope with a partner, curious about its possibilities or simply keen to try something different, this is a great place to start.

Come solo or with someone. No previous experience needed.

WHAT YOU'LL EXPLORE

Across the afternoon, Jess will guide you through:

• The story behind Shibari: Its history, Japanese influences and different approaches to rope.

• Rope safety and consent: Understanding boundaries, communication and safer ways to practise.

• The art of connection: How rope can create opportunities to explore sensation, intimacy, trust and play.

• Getting comfortable with rope: Basic handling techniques and the principles behind a well-constructed tie.

• Three practical ties: Learn, practise and begin exploring techniques you can build on.

• Finding your own approach: Discover what interests you and how to continue exploring with greater confidence and awareness.

This isn't about rushing into complicated patterns or memorising knots.

You'll have time to practise, ask questions and understand not just how a tie works, but why it works.

And perhaps discover something unexpected about the way you like to connect along the way.

WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR?

This workshop is for people who are new to Shibari or have experimented with rope and would like to build a stronger foundation.

You might be interested in:

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

• Introducing something new into your intimate life

• Discovering different ways to connect with a partner

• Learning practical Shibari techniques

• Understanding rope safety, boundaries and consent

• Trying something a little outside your usual comfort zone

You don't need to be flexible, experienced or already part of the rope or kink community.

All genders, sexual orientations and identities are welcome.

COMING SOLO?

Absolutely. You don't need to bring a partner.

You can explore self-tying or choose to work with another participant where a suitable pairing is available.

We'll do our best to accommodate people who'd like to practise with a partner, but pairings can't be guaranteed.

Please come prepared for the possibility of practising some or all of the techniques through self-tying.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This is an interactive workshop combining demonstrations, discussion and hands-on rope practice.

Jess will guide the group through each technique, explaining the principles behind it and giving you time to experiment and ask questions.

The focus is on learning at a comfortable pace, developing good habits and understanding the experience of both the person tying and the person being tied.

You'll also explore how communication, attention and mutual choice shape the experience.

Whether you come with someone or on your own, the afternoon is an opportunity to learn something new in a welcoming, curious environment.

WHAT TO WEAR

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move, sit and stretch easily.

Think yoga, dance or movement-class clothing.

Avoid outfits or accessories that significantly restrict movement.

Meet your facilitator

Jess - Peer Rope Melbourne

Jess (she/they) has been exploring Shibari since 2015, beginning her rope journey in Brisbane and developing experience from both the rigger and model perspectives.

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

Her practice draws on a range of Japanese rope bondage styles, with a particular interest in the relationship between technique, communication, connection and the experience of the person being tied.

Jess's teaching goes beyond simply following a sequence of knots. She encourages students to understand the reasoning behind each technique, explore different perspectives and develop awareness of how rope feels and functions.

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

Find Jess online:

Instagram: @starlove.shibari
Peer Rope Melbourne: @peerropemelbourne
Somatic Experience Studio: @somaticexperiencestudio

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Saturday 28 November 2026
Time: 2:00–5:00 pm AEDT
Venue: The Breath Bar, Geelong
Experience required: None
Attending: Solo, with a friend or with a partner
Clothing: Comfortable, movement-friendly clothing

QUESTIONS BEFORE BOOKING?

Wondering whether this workshop is right for you, especially if you're coming solo or have never worked with rope before?

You're welcome to email nina@loveandplay.co with any questions.

A little curiosity, a few lengths of rope and three hours to explore something new.

TICKETS, REFUNDS & TRANSFERS

Tickets are refundable up to 14 days before the event.

If your plans change closer to the event, you may transfer your ticket to another person or request that its value be applied to a later eligible Love & Play event, subject to availability and applicable transfer conditions.

Requests must be received before the event begins. Late arrival or non-attendance does not qualify for a refund or transfer under the event's change-of-plans policy.

If Love & Play cancels or reschedules the event, ticket holders will be contacted directly about the available options.