In our culture we rarely have the opportunity to practice eroticism without there being a particular demand or agenda.
In this workshop we will apply yogic principles to erotic practice and sexuality. As yoga brings you face to face with your limits through asana practice, eroticism understood as a yogic practice can also help you to become stronger and more flexible - both physically and psychologically. Eroticism can be understood as a kind of yoga, i.e., as an informed way of learning to arrive at our limits and expand, without causing physical or emotional damage to ourselves or others. Such expansion, we believe, is healthy in a deep sense.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT TO HAPPEN IN THIS CLASS? In a safe and controlled way we will practice arousal patterns through touch, breath, strong and subtle sensations, materials, massage, bodywork, contact improv, Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) and yogic asana. We will do so without being attached to any kind of goal. The overall aim is provide opportunities for you to expand your erotic repertoire as well as your capacities for pleasure.
WHO IS THIS CLASS FOR? This class is open to the curious and the brave of all genders and sexual orientations. There is no age restriction, other than you must be over 18. Some previous experience in tantra, kink or sex-positive workshops is recommended, but not required. What all care is taken, some of the content can be challenging for some people. There is no obligation to take part in anything. All activity is voluntary and consent focussed.
WILL THERE BE NUDITY? For this introductory class there will be optional nudity.
HOW WILL WE PARTNER UP? If you have come with a partner, you can engage exclusively with them. Otherwise everyone will be paired at random with different people during activities and discussions. You do not have to engage with anyone you don’t want to. You can step out of any activity. Intrusive behaviour and rudeness will not be tolerated.
The concept of Erotic Yoga draws its inspiration from the work of Joseph Kramer, Ph.D, the Founder of Sexological Bodywork and the New School of Erotic Touch.
Peter Banki Ph.D is the founder and Director of the Festival and School of Really Good Sex and of the Festival of Death and Dying. Peter is also member of the Philosophy Research Initiative at Western Sydney University, where he has lectured and tutored in the School of Humanities and Languages.
Peter also has an extensive background in Iyengar yoga (he has been practicing since 1999), dance and the martial arts (Capoeira Angola). His somatic and movement practice forms the basis of his work in the 'sex-positive' field. His major teachers have been Annetta Luce, Sue-ellen Kohler and Felix Ruckert.