Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

  • 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.

  • You can read reviews and testimonials from previous workshop participants on this page, or on the independent Hipsy platform.

  • 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.

  • 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, and then getting to play and explore with the techniques yourself, not just copying. So she explains everything clearly, and there is plenty of room for questions.

  • You can find information and recommendations in which rope to buy on this page.

Event Content, Structure and Environment

  • Find all practical info about the workshop on the workshop page of the event. After buying a ticket you will get an email with a pdf will all practical info you need to join the event.

  • If all participants understand Dutch, we teach in Dutch. If one of more people don’t understand Dutch, we teach in English. Als deelnemer mag jij je vragen stellen in de taal waarin jij het meest comfortabel bent, dus je wordt nooit gedwongen om Engels te spreken.

  • 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, cis- or transgender. Some people have never handled 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.

Attending an Event

  • You need to bring a set of 2 to 3 ropes to participate. If you need advice on where to buy these, check out this page. Furthermore, bring comfortable sports cloting to wear and bring a notebook and pen to take notes.

  • We ask participants to wear clothes in which you can easily move, such as sports clothes. No lingerie or sexy outfits.

  • 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.

  • There’s a few workshops and events that are specifically for people who want to join solo. Learning the Shibari basic techniques solo is possible during ‘Solo and Switching Shibari workshop’. Getting to know more people solo is possible during the ‘Shibari Speed Date’. The rest of the workshops are designed for couples only.

  • That depends on the workshop. On the event page you will always find a clear description who it’s suitable for. When in doubt, please email us so we can advise you.

Private Lessons

  • Please read all the information here.

  • You’re welcome to book a private lesson as a complete beginner, but also if you’re more advanced and want to learn specific skills. Butterfly offers lessons all the way up to complicated suspensions.

  • You do need a partner to tie or to get tied by. Learning to tie on your own body is a very different experience, and you’ll miss out on important parts of the learning process. Please find a partner yourself; Butterfly does not offer match-making.

  • Butterfly teaches private lessons Monday-Thursday 11.00-20.30 and Friday 10.00-17.00. Saturday/Sunday she isn't available for privates. If you wish to learn during the weekend, please choose a group workshop (those are always during weekends) 

Relationship Therapy and Individual Therapy

Registration & Cancellation

  • Would you like to participate in an event? Then click on the 'buy a ticket' button at the bottom of the corresponding event page. You will then be redirected to Hipsy to purchase your ticket.

  • You can find all terms and conditions here.

Safety, Health & Accessibility

  • The current location is unfortunately only accessible by stairs (no elevator), so please keep that in mind. Apart from that, anyone with any body is welcome to join the events. Even when you have specific physical limitations or are pregnant. We would advise you to get in touch by sending an email before the event, so the teachers are aware of your situation. We will happily help you out during the workshop. Butterfly has a background in anatomy, yoga teacher training and bodywork.

  • The current location is unfortunately only accessible by stairs (no elevator), so please keep that in mind.

  • 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.

  • Please get in touch via email to inform us about what your needs are. We will happily advise you on what type of events could be a good fit. And we like to think about how we can make the workshops accessible to you as well.

  • All participants use their first name; there is no need to share more information about yourself in the group. Taking photos is allowed for learning purposes, but that photo may include only your own partner and no other participants. This way we keep it a safe space for everyone.

After an event

  • After the workshop, you will receive an email with some additional information and a request to share feedback with us. You can also leave a review on the platform where you buy your ticket. We welcome any and all feedback.

  • It is heartening when you get to know people with whom you click well. It's up to you to ask for their contact information at the end of the event. As an organizer, under no circumstances do we share another participant's contact information with you.