GROUP DISCUSSION
FACILITATED BY FIRST NATION HOOK KOLLECTIVE (FNHK)

In this workshop, our workshop facilitator explores the expressive potential of body suspension as a dynamic performance art. With decades of experience both on stage and as a practitioner, they offer insights into how suspension artists can deepen the impact of their performances and elevate their practice. Participants will learn ways to harness the body’s vulnerability and power to create transformative, captivating performances. Passionate about suspension as an art form, our facilitator will share her unique perspective on using the suspended body as a creative vessel to communicate, provoke, and inspire.

In this technical workshop, our workshop facilitator delves into the essentials of Bevel Theory and the importance of it’s application in piercing for body suspension. With a focus on precision and safety, he will explore how understanding bevel theory will enhance piercing techniques, minimize tissue trauma and improve the suspendee’s experience. Through practical insights and expert guidance, practitioners will learn how to optimize their approach to piercing for suspension.

CRYPTID CREEK SUSPENSIONS
@CRYPTID.CREEK.SUSPENSIONS

This class is designed for body suspension facilitators to give you the information you might need to make this great hobby/job sustainable and enjoyable through the years. Some of us facilitators are sensitive people and we deal with a lot during our work. It came to the facilitator’s attention that most people who quit suspension did so due to burnout or losing the joy and fulfilment through the practice.

In this class the facilitator will share their experience, understanding and guidance to make your practice sustainable emotionally and energetically.

This lecture is geared toward showing the community's experiences and history as experienced by jason in his travels from 2001-2010 in order to educate and preserve the adolescent era of modern suspensions. The impetus for this talk came when discussing the Ontario SusCon with some of the younger organizers, and it became obvious that there are gaps in the collective understanding of how we got from Fakir Musafar to Suscons.

This class will teach you to appreciate the position of Bio from a deeper point of view and address technical skills for doing bio well. We will also discuss how to approach touch from a trauma-informed mindset, and how to best care for the suspendee.

An in depth look at how to deliver the best and safest possible experience for your suspendees.

TOPICS TO INCLUDE:

• First contact

• Establishing expectations

• Consent negotiation

• Coaching (piercing through post)

• Aftercare

• Future follow-ups

EVERYTHING YOU NEED, WHERE TO FIND IT & HOW TO STORE IT PROPERLY

Are expired gloves safe to use? Is iodine or chlorhexidine better for skin prep? Struggling with limited storage but overstocked on masks while running out of needles? Organizing successful suspension events involves managing numerous consumable supplies. This class will explore the different types of consumables used in suspension and the advantages of various products—from glove materials to skin prep and needles—demystifying the applicable standards. We'll cover best practices for inventory management, including strategic ordering, stock rotation, and handling item expirations, as well as techniques for packing consumables efficiently for event travel. Whether you're an experienced practitioner seeking deeper insights or new to developing your protocols, this class will equip you with the information and techniques to optimize your supply chain and maintain quality.

In this workshop, Alex will guide participants through the intricacies of advanced rigging techniques, sharing valuable insights into executing more complex suspension setups. From his experience and collaborations with suspension practitioners worldwide, Alex will delve into his approach to project planning, from initial concepts and logistical considerations to practical implementation and troubleshooting in real-time. This session is ideal for practitioners looking to refine their skills, gain new perspectives, and learn innovative techniques for bringing complex rigging projects to life.

FROM THE ANCHOR TO THE HOOKS

We are all familiar with the wide range of gear available to us, but which options are truly the best, and for which specific purposes? Here, we will examine our gear, from the ceiling to the floor, evaluating its various applications. More importantly, we will also consider the limitations of each piece of equipment.

Not all gear is suited for every purpose, and in this presentation, we will explore the reasons behind these constraints.

FOR HOOK SUSPENSION PRACTITIONERS

Here we will explore the fundamental components that define the load path within a hook suspension environment. Our workshop facilitator will provide a detailed breakdown of each section, offering a brief analysis to enhance understanding of the system’s behaviour and performance.

A DEEP DIVE ON MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE AND HOW WE APPLY IT TO BODY SUSPENSION

This workshop dives into the fundamentals of mechanical advantage and explores practical applications of pulleys in body suspension. Led by Sylvia, a seasoned suspension practitioner with a professional background in rope access, the session will focus on how pulleys and other mechanical systems can enhance the ease, efficiency, and safety of suspension setups. With a passion for rope and pulley systems, Sylvia aims to equip practitioners with the knowledge needed to improve suspendee comfort and elevate their rigging skills. This workshop is ideal for those looking to expand their technical toolkit and apply advanced rigging concepts in their practice.

In this Beginner – Intermediate level suturing workshop, our facilitators Pat and Alex will guide participants through the fundamentals of safe and effective suturing.

This class introduces practitioners to:

• Different suture types,

• Basic suturing knots,

• Proper instrument handling, and;

• Essential safety techniques.

Each attendee will receive a practice kit to develop their skills during the session and continue practicing afterward.

This hands-on workshop is limited to 30 people.

Space is available on a First Come/First Serve Basis.

COST: $50

PLEASE NOTE: Registered Practitioners will receive the sign-up for the suturing class on February 28th, 2025.

INCLUDES: A suturing kit with reusable silicone practice pad, suture thread, suture needles, scalpel, scalpel blades, forceps, scissors, needle holders, and Adson forceps.

The Suturing Workshop will happen in the Lounge on Saturday, March 29th, from 1:30 - 3:00 PM