Group & Private Classes
Shag Presents: Shibari
SHAG is bringing Shibari back with Brooklyn's SEXIEST Hotel: The William Vale, to offer the infamous Shibari Classes led by Valentine Amartey - who has been Shag’s loyal & trusted expert for over 10 years.
Experience the Art of Shibari one of two ways; attending a group class or booking a room at the hotel & purchasing a private in-room add-on.
GROUP CLASS
SHAG's Shibari Group Classes are open to hotel guests & non-guests as well. Please note that each attendee must have a partner & there is a maximum of 30 people per session. Each class lasts between 2 to 2.5 hours.
Regular Group Classes | $425 per couple
Sunday, October 8 | 1pm
Venue: Franklin West Room at The William Vale
PRIVATE IN-ROOM CLASSES
SHAG's private in-room Shibari experience is for hotel guests only. The private in-room classes are offered once a month, on Saturdays from 4 to 6pm or 7 to 9pm.
For the Private Class, you MUST book a room at The William Vale & then go to SHAG’s website to purchase the PRIVATE Shibari Class. After you buy your ticket(s) on the SHAG website, we will attach the class to your reservation at The William Vale.
Private classes allow 2 - 20 people per lesson depending on which room is booked - if you are interested in adding more people to your lesson, please let us know when you send us The William Vale booking email. There will be an additional charge of $675/pair. Please note that each attendee must have a partner.
**NOTE: There are capacity restrictions for multi-person Private Classes. Book your room according to how many people you wish to attend your Private Class:
Standard Room - 2 people max
Double Room - up to 6 people max
Suite - up to 6 people max
Vale Garden Residence - up to 20 people max
Ticket prices are $675 per couple
ROPE REQUIREMENT
All pairs must have an approved rope kit - you can either bring your own (as long as the rope meets our guidelines of 2x15ft pieces and 2x30ft pieces) or you can purchase online at SHAG. We strongly suggest adding a pair of safety shears, which can help get you out of sticky situations.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Payment is requested in advance, and is non-refundable. There is one reschedule allowed, but must be made within a week's notice of the date of the class and will incur a 20% Rescheduling Fee. Please note that our classes are intentionally kept small and intimate, so we count on our attendees to arrive on time. No-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled.
ABOUT SHIBARI
Shibari is a Japanese term that means “to tie.” It was originally known as Hojo-jutsu, the Japanese martial art of restraining that was used by Samurai in Japan during the 1400s-1700s. Techniques & form evolved and by the late 1800s and early 1900s, the erotic Kinbaku practice emerged, taking on more artistic and spiritual dimensions to become what is now known as Shibari.
The aesthetics of Shibari involve the creation of geometric patterns and shapes with rope, to form sensual contrasts with skin and the natural curves of the human form. The relationship between the person who ties the rope (the “rigger”), and the one being restrained is akin to that of an artist and the canvas -- the rope is both paint and brush. The arrangement of the ropes and knots explores and accentuates the sensuality of both vulnerability as well as strength. More skilled practitioners understand the placement of knots to stimulate pressure points on the body, controlling the flow of energy to produce different states of arousal and pleasure. The complex dynamics of power exchange are capable of creating powerful physiological and psychological experiences, as a component of BDSM play and general sexual enhancement.
ABOUT the CLASS
“Intro to Shibari” is an intensive workshop, approximately two hours long, designed for people who are interested in exploring the concept of power exchange with rope and how this plays out physically in the bedroom. The lessons are designed for couples to learn how to tie one another, in order that both participants receive a well-rounded understanding and experience of this ancient art form.
The class will consist of a tutorial of three basic ties and how they can be used singularly or in conjunction with each other to create an erotically charged rope scene. You’ll learn how to tie elegantly, with a controlled and measured technique. Prior Shibari experience is not required. We also offer an Intermediate Shibari Workshop, customized on an individual basis, as well as Group Shibari Lessons.
ABOUT VALENTINE AMARTEY
Valentine has been teaching SHAG's Shibari classes for over 10 years. With a background in costume and knitwear design, he began making costumes for various downtown performance artists back in the late '90's. During one of these assignments, he was asked to make costumes for a performance that called for rope looks for an underground ballet/burlesque troupe. He discovered the art of Shibari and immediately incorporated the art form into his design work.
After this initial dive into the art form, Valentine took the time to study Shibari with Tyutumi, who received his basic training from Mistress Midori. After years of practice, he was ready to share this knowledge with people of all levels.
“Shibari is a discipline that involves the control of rope, your partner, and ultimately yourself — this I find to be greatly appealing. I’m drawn to the fine balance between something that was designed for punishment and something that is visually stunning. The combination of brutality and beauty is endlessly fascinating to me."
Valentine’s credits to date include providing looks for pop stars such as Shakira, Lady Gaga and Brooke Candy, designing for the Calvin Klein Collection and teaching a BFA knitwear course at The New School.
