Steven James: Shibari is a Dance

I made a friend recently who, upon visiting my Instagram account, asked why my rope bunnies weren’t naked. After all, most depictions of bondage online show the models in the nude, right?

Being naked is great since it offers better visibility when you’re watching out for various warning signs, but they’re not a hard requirement. Just like how Shibari doesn’t always have to involve sex.

Since most people discover rope bondage in the sexual or hentai context (thanks, interwebs), it’s no surprise that some people assume Shibari is only practiced a certain way (i.e. while naked or as foreplay, just for lovers, etc.).

There are so many ways you can enjoy rope bondage outside of what the stereotypes can show.

This short documentary about Steven James, a Shibari teacher and artist based in Berlin, shares his thoughts on how Shibari can go beyond one common stereotype—the involvement of sex.

It’s not just about tying someone up and dominating them or allowing someone to tie you up and dominate you. It’s a dance. It’s a Tango.

–Steven James, Shibari teacher, artist,
“Shibari: Short Documentary”

Watch “Shibari: Short Documentary” here!


Note: Both Steven James and his rope partner Virginia Clemm are currently based in Berlin, Germany, and are available for various projects and collaborations.

Email: [email protected]