Bänana

Bänana (she/her) is a rope switch, shibari instructor and co-manager of Atelier Simonet in Paris.

For about 10 years, says Bänana, she had the funny habit of tying up her partners any way she could with anything she could get her hands on. Soon after starting shibari classes, she realized that her main drive in ropes was the same as in her life – to seek the raw, unfiltered and authentic. Having always been fascinated by the expression of emotion, shibari opened up a new path of exploration for Bänana.

She began to follow Docvale’s teaching in November 2018, after which they also began tying together and, shortly thereafter, they began working together.

Bänana is a precise and demanding instructor regarding bondage technique. She considers that in order to tie well, we must understand the reasons for each of our technical choices rather than simply learning the instructions by heart. Through this understanding of technique, we can put these technical abilities to the service of the relationship with our rope partner(s). That connection is what drives Bänana in her kinbaku.

Having significant experience both as a rigger and a rope model, Bänana is committed to teaching to both riggers and models, giving them the tools to have the most rewarding experience with ropes. During the classes she encourages everyone (especially the models) to share their experience and feedback in order to grow together in this practice.