Summer classes!

I have a fair number of workshops that I am teaching this summer. One is tonight. I know, I'm a slacker about this whole promotion thing sometimes. I got caught up researching the 5 senses again, and of course I found new information. Jim and I are in a low level battle about how much geeky info I get to include in the workshop.

Here's the current line up and I hope to see you tonight!  

Below are the full class descriptions. Please feel free to email me any questions you may have about the classes. Thank you for your interest in learning more about the body so you can have more fun with it!

Using All the Senses in Play, co-taught with Jim Duvall - TONIGHT 7/21 at the CSPC! Doors open at 6:30pm, 7pm start.

Paradise Unbound 2011 - August 9th through 14th. I'll be teaching Triage for Pick-up Play with Jim on Wednesday the 10th, 3-4:30pm and Floating Bliss for Partners on Thursday the 11th, 1-2:30pm.

Graydancer's Ropetastic Unconference Extravaganza - Agust 19th - 21st. I'll be organizing this event and since attendance means that you are participating in knowledge sharing, I am counting this as a teaching event for me. I have some ideas about analyzing/assessing/adapting physical limitations that don't work well as classes, but will probably work great in an open space situation like an un-conference.

Libido Events in Vancouver, BC on August 27th will host 2 classes Anatomy for Impact Play and Anatomy for Edge Play with the Head & Neck. Details such as times are still to be determined.

Using the Senses in Play with Sophia Sky & Jim Duvall
CSPC, in the Annex. 1608 15th Ave. W. Seattle, WA 98119
Cost: $20. per person
Time: 7:00-9:00pm (Doors open at 6:30pm)

Sensation play is often thought of as gentle or introductory play with blindfolds and bunny floggers. Utilizing all 5 senses can enhance any type, level or intensity of play and gives a richer texture to any scene. Knowing the anatomy and physiology of all the structures associated with touch, taste, smell, sight and sound will give you an advantage when selecting which senses to down play or sharpen in keeping with the goal of your scene. From setting the space through after care, tops & bottoms will learn via demos, lecture and exploration numerous ways to increase the depth of their play by manipulating sensory input.

Graydancer's Ropetastic Unconference Extravaganza
A GRUE is an un-conference - a gathering that is participant driven and self-organizing. Rather than impose an outside agenda on the attendees, the schedule is generated through a fast-moving group exercise facilitated by Gray. The group creates a day filled with a variety of subjects, some of which deal with rope and some of which stretch far beyond. Gender theory? Power dynamics? Scene design? STD awareness? Kinky spirituality? Cyber-security for perverts? All of these topics and many more have been covered in past GRUEs.
The one thing that every topic has in common - whether presentations, discussions, hands-on skillshares or laughing explorations into new territory- is passion. Everything that happens at a GRUE is something that an attendee is passionate about. The day is filled with energy, open exploration, unexpected connections, realizations, and discoveries. Like a structured contact improv dance, working within a proven framework every GRUE is different, beautiful, and unique to the needs and abilities of the people there.  
Learn more at the GRUE site.
Be prepared to be surprised. As over two dozen other GRUEs in the U.S. and Canada have proven, the unconference and kink go hand in hand to create something amazing.
The Seattle GRUE will be donating a portion of the profits of this event to the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom and another portion to support independent sex-positive community educators.

Cost: $80 in advance ( http://center.ticketleap.com/grue/ ) or $95 at the door
Schedule:
Friday August 19th, 7-10pm or so: Meet-and-Greet. Location TBA
Saturday August 20th: 9:30am - 6pm GRUE! at the CSPC, Main Space. (Doors open at 8:30am and close promptly at 10am. Lunch is provided on site.)
Saturday Night, 9pm-2am: 2 Play Parties at CSPC, included in GRUE price. (Non-members must fill out consent forms.)
Sunday Morning: 10am-whenever: GRUE pancake brunch at the CSPC, Annex.

Triage for Pick-up Play

Or, how to negotiate & have a successful scene with someone you just met. We will teach you negotiation shortcuts to get you out into the play space faster; how to pick up on body language cues; and physical assessment skills to determine the right scene for 2 strangers to engage in. Basic communication skills will be demonstrated and practiced. Please come prepared to participate in verbal class exercises with strangers.

Floating Bliss for Partners

Learn how to float your partner(s) into bliss!  Being held is a powerful act for all involved that fosters connection, emotional catharsis and relaxation. This techniques incorporates full body skin contact, slow movements and gentle stretching to relax, comfort and bring serenity to your partner and yourself. Learn how to cultivate connection through breathwork and body positioning in an aquatic environment. We will be in the warm pool for the majority of the time. No swimming skills are necessary to be floated. Nudity is encouraged. Due to full body contact, I suggest you attend this class with someone you are familiar with or someone you are comfortable being held by.

The Anatomy of Impact Play

Or, “How to whack on every possible surface of the human body without ending up in the ER.”  As a massage therapist and anatomy geek, Sophia will share her knowledge of the human body and all the various types of impact it is capable of withstanding.

In this class, we will cover:

-the basics of human anatomy

-the inflammatory process

-how various body parts respond to impact

-what can be hit, and what should be avoided

-how to judge how hard you can hit any particular area

-demonstrations with various implements and toys

Please come prepared to engage in discussion, participate in demos and don’t forget to bring your questions. Intended for tops, switches and bottoms of all skill levels, genders and orientations.

Anatomy for Edge Play with the Head and Neck

Our faces and throats are usually the first part of our body that we try to protect. Edgier forms of play such as face slapping and choking gain much of their charge from the psychological aspect of man-handling such a delicate part of the body. Understanding the nature and location of the intricate structures of the head and neck can make your play more enjoyable, whether you are pulling hair or doing breath play.  The knowledge of where these structure are and how to find them will inform your skills so that you can more effectively and safely engage in these activities. 

This class will include lecture and demos that incorporate participation with plenty of time to get your anatomy questions answered.

Wear clothing with a loose neckline.