Are you interested in learning to tie or to see what it's like to be tied, then following a workshop is a perfect starting point. At Butterfly’s you can get acquainted with the basics of rope bondage (shibari) in an easily accessible way. You do not have to have knowledge or experience if you choose a workshop for beginners. And if you already have a lot of knowledge and experience, there are also masterclasses at your level. You work together with your partner while doing guided exercises, under the supervision of a teacher. Very relaxed, in a safe learning environment.

If it seems better to you to get acquainted with bondage and Butterfly in a more private setting, then you’re welcome to choose to take a private lesson first. You will not be the first to do that. You get loads of private tips and tricks, and you can sniff out the atmosphere.

Butterfly's workshops attract people from roughly 20 to 55+ years old. The groups of participants are very mixed in terms of age and gender. The couples are straight, gay or lesbian. Some people have never had a rope, others have been discovering at home for months to years and now want to get a thorough lesson.

The atmosphere is very relaxed; all participants are eager to learn and enthusiastic. The workshops can be compared to dance lessons: we wear sportswear, you get an explanation and then do exercises yourself with your own partner. You learn at your own level and pace, where Butterfly explains, stimulates and provides a space where everyone can feel comfortable.

It’s practical and nice if you have a set of ropes to take with you. But if you don't have one yet, you can also borrow rope for your first workshop. Please indicate this as soon as you register. What kind of ropes you need (and all other practical information), will be stated in a detailed e-mail you will receive as soon as you have registered for a workshop.

Unfortunately, Butterfly cannot help you find a partner. People who do not have a romantic partner with whom they want to take part, but who do want to take lessons, regularly come with a good friend. That is great fun too. Because taking lessons is not necessarily sexual. Of course, you should feel comfortable touching the person who’s joining you.

It is understandable if you find a first introduction to bondage exciting or even a little scary. But please realize that this applies to everyone who takes part in such a workshop. And I usually hear during the break that people actually laugh at their initial insecurity. Because there is a very relaxed atmosphere, and you focus mainly on your own partner, your tension quickly melts away. And if you have additional wishes or doubts, you can always contact Butterfly to share that. Where she can, she will help you.

In any case, if you prefer to take lessons alone as a couple, then that is of course possible. Mail to info@butterflybondage.com if you want to receive all information about private lessons.

Butterfly also finds safety very important. That is why in every workshop she gives attention to the risks involved in the ties she teaches you that day. She also has an eye for the limitations and limits of participants, and she can give you personal advice about what could work for you. Thanks to her training in anatomy, biodynamics and yoga teacher training, Butterfly has ample knowledge to share with you.

However, Butterfly does not think an online explanation about safety is adequate. So if you want to learn about this, you can do so during a group workshop or a special private lesson.

Firstly, because it’s valuable to have an experienced teacher nearby, who’ll not only explain what the technique is (what it looks like), but also why one solution is more convenient or safe than another. So you don't just learn to copy, but you really learn to understand what you do and why you do it.

Secondly, because you immediately receive personal feedback: what are you doing well, what could be better, what should you focus on?

And third, because you can ask questions right away, so you can learn exactly what you find important and interesting.

On the other hand, it is not a bad plan to watch videos or read books yourself, with a practical explanation of knots and ties. That gives you the opportunity to try something out yourself and to lay a foundation (if you have found a good resources).

Butterfly finds it important that not only the rigger (the person tying) learns to tie well and safely, but also that the person being tied (‘bottom’) learns a lot about his / her body, possibilities, limits and communication. So every workshop, masterclass or private lesson pays specific attention to both parties.

In addition, Butterfly's adage is: you learn by understanding, not just copying. So she explains everything clearly, and there is plenty of room for questions.