I’m nervous. I always get nervous. It’s dark and the music thumps. People chatter but I can’t see the crowd through the spotlights. He puts his hands on my hips and the world falls quiet. He stands behind me, kisses my neck and pulls me into him, hands behind my back. He catches my wrists in his ropes. He binds me and I know I’m safe. Safe, close, warm. My nerves are settled, my mind at ease. I’m lifted off into flight. We kiss and I float. I dangle from the ceiling. My body twists and contorts. Dancing. Keep me up, keep me up.

Before I’m ready he brings me back down to the ground. I rest in his lap and he holds me. I feel calm and proud but spent. We cuddle and the audience claps. I’m reminded that we’re not the only ones in the room. I blush as we shuffle off the stage. We love to perform. Shibari is our art and we are proud to share it with the world.

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OFTEN REFERRED TO as Shibari (Japanese for ‘to tie’), Japanese rope is an ancient art form and a beautiful way for couples to discover a deep level of physical and emotional intimacy. Like dancers, Shibari practitioners learn to work together to create beautiful physical forms and express deep sensuality. For the past two years I have been involved with the Sydney Rope Dojo and have taught and performed with my partner Dave in Japan, Sydney and around Australia.

Rope is a part of my sexuality and I love the intimacy of it. Too often sex is represented in a one-dimensional way that reflects mainstream pornography; the connection between the people involved is often irrelevant, while touch and sensuality are overlooked.

For me, rope is a sensual, connective form of intimacy, a tool to convey feeling. In rope the connection is physical: the rope is an extension of my partner’s body. Sometimes it’s gentle, slow and intimate. Other times it’s rougher and challenging and I am pushed to the edge of my limits. My partner ties me with pride, passion and humility and guides me on a journey. I feel cared for. I put my trust in him and in return he takes me to a place within my mind that’s still and peaceful. I often describe my personal experience in rope as meditative. Although, much like the experience of sexuality is diverse, so is rope.

The Sydney Rope Dojo is a place where people can come and take classes in Shibari – picture yoga crossed with a macramé class. I love being involved with the Dojo because we provide a safe space for people to come and try something new, and explore themselves and their partners on a deeper level.

I spend a lot of time during classes watching couples share beautiful moments together: loving smiles and warm embraces. Students are taught rope handling skills, rope safety, risk minimisation and injury prevention skills which allows them to embark on their own journey with their partner in a relaxed environment.

The Sydney Rope Dojo is currently preparing for the Sydney Rope Festival, which will be held from 4-6 October. The festival celebrates the intrinsic beauty, feel and structure of Japanese erotic rope art, with a series of workshops, presentations and performances targeted at people of all levels of proficiency. The festival features some of the world’s most creative, skilled and reputable rope artists and welcomes beginners right through to advanced students.

Emma Kate is a student, Japanophile, performance artist, bondage bunny and amateur rope top, with an inquisitive mind for the wicked.

Images courtesy of the Syndey Rope Dojo