Esinem & Nina Russ – Suspension techniques: Part VI
Description Of Suspension techniques: Part VI
In Part VI, Nina introduces an impressive suspension with a 360 degree transition which she developed for a performance. In the example, she will guide you through a step-by-step tutorial of the core suspension,which simplifies it and makes it more accessible to both riggers and models. As some people, especially those with bad backs, could find the intermediate bridge position difficult to maintain, you will learn how to minimise this and offer an alternative by moving rapidly to an inversion.
This tutorial builds on the skills taught earlier in the series and assumes you have practiced simple suspensions. As it incorporates Nina’s hip-harness as the main load-bearing component, you should already be fully competent with this tie and will find the other ‘ingredients’ very familiar from earlier tutorials. This means that it is surprisingly easy to learn and presents a low risk of nerve injury, whilst being extremely impressive, particularly when ‘accessorised’ by tying hair or adding further constriction.
To allow you to adapt the tie to your partner and situation, to make it your own, you’ll be shown different variations and enhancements in a video of a live performance with our commentary.Of course, the elements shown in the performance can just as well be used for play and it is easy to see how the overall principles learned can be applied to creatively modify this suspension.
About Esinem & Nina Russ
About Esinem
Esinem is a shibari artist who has regularly appeared at UK and international events such as Pride, Torture Garden, Erotica, Rubber Ball, Wasteland, Boundcon, Nuit Demonia and recently represented the UK at Japan’s first international kinbaku event, Toubaku. He is also known for his teaching both in the UK and internationally and was co-organiser of the London Festival of the Art of Japanese Bondage and BOUND, Europe’s premier monthly shibari event.
Over the last few years, he has been improving his skills in Japan with the help some of their best known and respected kinbakushi, Arisue Go, Osada Steve, Kinoko Hajime, Kazami Ranki and, grand master of newaza, Yukimura Haruki. Whilst drawing from classical methods, his style is distinctive and epitomizes the art of communicating with rope, often departing from the typical serenity of shibari shows and flying in the face of tradition to produce some striking and unusual performances.
In addition, he has worked on various videos, e.g. Primal Scream’s 2013, artistic collaborations and photo shoots both on and off camera. He has been involved in projects providing inspiration for Tom Ford’s 2013 collection and, Raqib Shaw, an acclaimed artist who has exhibited at the Tate, Metropolitan and White Cube galleries.
He contributed to Rope, Bondage & Power, edited by Lee Harrington and is currently involved with a number of documentaries on kinbaku. He is also author of the first English language tutorial DVDs: ‘Japanese Rope Bondage: Tying people, not parcels’.
About Nina Russ
Nina Russ is a London based, shibari performer, rope artist and educator. She became student of Esinem in 2011 and their collaboration gave birth to BOUND shibari night (2012) and ShibariClasses (2015). She had also the fortune to participate at workshops with different Japanese shibari masters, like: Kazami Ranki, Yukimura Haruki, Kinoko Hajime.
She has performed internationally, most notably at the London Festival of the Art of Japanese Rope Bondage and RopeFest in St.Petersburg. In addition, she participates in numerous artistic, fashion collaborations and local performances. Her passion for rope has lead her on a route of discovery of concepts, philosophy, aesthetics and benefits behind this Japanese discipline.
She sees shibari as an art form which creates deep connection between the participants and also aids personal development. Due to its martial arts roots, it brings self-discipline, efficiency, effectiveness and, thus, growth in confidence and awareness. She believes these skills allow a greater focus on the most important aspects: you, your partner and your shared experience.