The fundamental things you need to know in order to safely and happily explore more adventurous forms of touch, intimacy, and sexual expression.
*For the longer more immersive version of this workshop see Adeventurours Touch & Intimacy: 2-day immersion
This workshop was once called 'Kink 101'; it includes the fundamental things you need to know in order to safely and happily explore more adventurous forms of touch, intimacy, and sexual expression. It's about half-half theory and practice, and is surprisingly accessible.
If you’re curious about forms of play and intimacy that are more adventurous, or you’ve already played with some things that might be regarded as kinky or from the world of BDSM but want more of a grounding in how to do it well, then this workshop is for you. It will provide you with the knowledge and attitude you need to pursue your interests safely, at your own pace, while giving you a feel for what is possible. It will present information in a way that is positive, accessible, fun, and empowering.
You don't need any background knowledge or experience in kink or BDSM (but at the same time, people that do have experience also report gaining a lot from this workshop). The subject material is approached with a sense of humor and a deep respect for getting the fundamentals correct first. The workshop will establish:
• A quick look at the types of play and intimacy that are available – what’s possible, what it’s about, and why people like it.
• Safety – what parts of your mind and body are good to play with, and what you should leave alone. We cover information relating to how to negotiate play in a lot of detail, and we touch on how to pick a wickedly good play partner from one to avoid.
• Adventurous play for those in relationships: Plenty of things to sustainably keep play with a long-term partner exciting.
• A discovery of your own pleasure, pain, and limitations, and simple techniques to provide this feedback to a partner.
• Roles and jargon – what does it all mean, and where do you fit in?
• The curve of a typical scene: Negotiation, foreplay, warm-up, peak, cool-down, and after-care.
• How communication is your gateway to a world of adventure.
We'll have an introduction to: Language and concepts; power play; issuing instructions; scene structure; basic rope-work; communication, and negotiating a scene; basic impact play; and safety and safe-words.
Facilitator: Roger Butler
Version: We run three in-person versions:
Adventurous Touch and Intimacy is presented by Roger Butler, who’s been the principal facilitator and driving force behind Curious Creatures for nine years. Their training is in sexuality, facilitation, and counselling, and they’re easily one of Australia’s most prolific sexuality facilitators. Find out more about Rog and the team.
This is one of ~30 workshops offered by Curious Creatures (Australia’s biggest provider in the field). If you’re interested in this event you may want to check out our related in-person workshops: Show Me The Toys (the follow-on to Adventurous Touch and Intimacy), Roleplay Your Way, A Curious Approach to Spanking, and the 'Curiosity' workshop and play-space.
If you’re curious about forms of play and intimacy that are more adventurous, or you’ve already played with some things that might be regarded as kinky or from the world of BDSM but want more of a grounding in how to do it well, then this workshop is for you. It will provide you with the knowledge and attitude you need to pursue your interests safely, at your own pace, while giving you a feel for what is possible. It will present information in a way that is positive, accessible, fun, and empowering.
You don't need any background knowledge or experience in kink or BDSM (but at the same time, people that do have experience also report gaining a lot from this workshop). The subject material is approached with a sense of humor and a deep respect for getting the fundamentals correct first. The workshop will establish:
• A quick look at the types of play and intimacy that are available – what’s possible, what it’s about, and why people like it.
• Safety – what parts of your mind and body are good to play with, and what you should leave alone. We cover information relating to how to negotiate play in a lot of detail, and we touch on how to pick a wickedly good play partner from one to avoid.
• Adventurous play for those in relationships: Plenty of things to sustainably keep play with a long-term partner exciting.
• A discovery of your own pleasure, pain, and limitations, and simple techniques to provide this feedback to a partner.
• Roles and jargon – what does it all mean, and where do you fit in?
• The curve of a typical scene: Negotiation, foreplay, warm-up, peak, cool-down, and after-care.
• How communication is your gateway to a world of adventure.
We'll have an introduction to: Language and concepts; power play; issuing instructions; scene structure; basic rope-work; communication, and negotiating a scene; basic impact play; and safety and safe-words.
Facilitator: Roger Butler
Version: We run three in-person versions:
- Couples (all orientations)
- Singles (M/F pairings)
- Singles (paired with any gender)
Adventurous Touch and Intimacy is presented by Roger Butler, who’s been the principal facilitator and driving force behind Curious Creatures for nine years. Their training is in sexuality, facilitation, and counselling, and they’re easily one of Australia’s most prolific sexuality facilitators. Find out more about Rog and the team.
This is one of ~30 workshops offered by Curious Creatures (Australia’s biggest provider in the field). If you’re interested in this event you may want to check out our related in-person workshops: Show Me The Toys (the follow-on to Adventurous Touch and Intimacy), Roleplay Your Way, A Curious Approach to Spanking, and the 'Curiosity' workshop and play-space.
Tickets
Our 'rounds' of tickets are really simple: they're all the same, except that some of them are cheaper, to encourage you to book in early (because it makes a huge difference to us in terms of planning). Round One tickets are similar to 'early bird' tickets, and make up almost half of all ticket sales. Round Two tickets, slightly more expensive than Round One, also make up almost half of all ticket sales. Round Three tickets are generally only there once we're close to being sold out, but can squeeze in a late-comer or two. If you're feeling generous, you can buy whatever ticket feels right, but in general, folks buy the cheapest ones available. For this workshop, tickets range in price from $155 to $195, per person. Logistics LATE POLICY: Unless otherwise stated, workshops start at the advertised time, and doors will be locked ten minutes later. This is because late arrivals interrupt the dynamic of the group, and will miss crucial safety information. TICKETS ON DOOR?: All workshop tickets must be pre-purchased online, before the event. It is never possible to pay cash at the door; you will be turned away. More info at https://www.curiouscreatures.biz/faq.html |
To book into this workshop...
To book into any Curious Creatures workshop, we have a once-off application process that takes less than five minutes. Once you've done it, we will give you a level of access, and you can then book into as many workshops as you wish at that level of access. You can read more about this application process here. To apply, click here now. The couples version of this workshop requires 'Normal' access or higher. The singles version requires 'Singles' or higher. If you've already applied and received access, you can access the ticket-booking link here: MELBOURNE: Sign up to our newsletter to be notified when new in-person sessions are released (put your location as VIC). |
WHO IS THIS FOR AND NOT FOR...
Version for Singles (M/F pairings):
INTENSITY: Two out of four chillies. Most people experience this workshop as a gentle introduction, some people experience it as challenging (kink can be triggering). WHO FOR: The curious. People who have played a little, and want more information and guidance. People who haven't played with kink, but might like to. Singles who are happy to do defined activities with other singles on a heterosexual basis - meaning, people that identify as ‘women’ will be paired with people that identify as ‘men’. WHO NOT FOR: Probably not for highly experienced players, unless they're just checking out how other folks do things. Single people that don’t identify as ‘men’ or as ‘women’, or that for whatever reason would be more comfortable in the ‘gender blender’ version of this workshop. WHAT EXERCISES / ACTIVITIES?: Verbal sharing of interests, issuing instructions, green / orange / red, simple chest-harness and blindfold, impact play warmup. WILL THERE BE PAIR-WORK? Yes. HOW WILL PAIRING BE DONE? Singles (or couples that want to play with other people) will be paired via a random number system with other singles, where those that identify as ‘men’ will be paired with those that identify as ‘women'. Please note, all exercises can be taken only to the level that's right for you at the time. Also note there is a ‘gender blender’ version of this workshop. CAN YOU WORK EXCLUSIVELY WITH ONE PARTNER? No - attend the couples version instead. NUDITY: Some participants may choose to work with partial nudity for some exercises but this is not an expectation. SEXUAL CONTENT: The workshop is primarily about various forms of sexual expression. COMMITMENT: You may sit out of any activity, or participate only to a level that's right for you. RATIO OF DISCUSSION TO EXPERIENTIAL: About 50/50 percent. BRING: Water bottle, your own snacks. WEAR: Whatever you're comfortable in. There is no dress code. |
Version for Singles (paired with any gender):
INTENSITY: Two out of four chillies. Most people experience this workshop as a gentle introduction, some people experience it as challenging (kink can be triggering). WHO FOR: The curious. People who have played a little, and want more information and guidance. People who haven't played with kink, but might like to. Singles who are happy to do defined partner activities with other singles of any gender. WHO NOT FOR: Probably not for highly experienced players, unless they're just checking out how other folks do things. Single people who are only willing to do partner work with people of a specific gender - you should either find a buddy and come to the couples version, or look for other singles versions of this workshop that may be more to your liking. WHAT EXERCISES / ACTIVITIES?: Verbal sharing of interests, issuing instructions, green / orange / red, simple chest-harness and blindfold, impact play warm up. WILL THERE BE PAIR-WORK? Yes. HOW WILL PAIRING BE DONE? Singles (or couples that want to play with other people) will be paired via a random number system, without regard to gender or anything else. Please note, all exercises can be taken only to the level that's right for you at the time. Also note, there is a ‘hetero’ version of this workshop. CAN YOU WORK EXCLUSIVELY WITH ONE PARTNER? No - attend the couples version instead. NUDITY: Some participants may choose to work with partial nudity for some exercises but this is not an expectation. SEXUAL CONTENT: The workshop is primarily about various forms of sexual expression. COMMITMENT: You may sit out of any activity, or participate only to a level that's right for you. RATIO OF DISCUSSION TO EXPERIENTIAL: About 50/50 percent. BRING: Water bottle, your own snacks. WEAR: Whatever you're comfortable in. There is no dress code. |
Version for Couples (all orientations):
INTENSITY: Two out of four chillies. Most people experience this workshop as a gentle introduction, some people experience it as challenging (kink can be triggering).
WHO FOR: The curious. Couples where one or both parties have played a little, and want more information and guidance. Couples who haven't played with kink, but might like to. Couples of any gender or sexual orientation.
WHO NOT FOR: Probably not for highly experienced players, unless they're just checking out how other folks do things.
WHAT EXERCISES / ACTIVITIES?: Verbal sharing of interests, issuing instructions, green / orange / red, simple chest-harness and blindfold, impact play warm up.
WILL THERE BE PAIR-WORK? Yes.
HOW WILL PAIRING BE DONE? Couples (of any gender or sexual orientation) are welcome, and work exclusively with each other. (Couples that want to play with other people are welcome to attend a Singles version where they will be paired with other singles via a random number system.) Please note, all exercises can be taken only to the level that's right for you at the time.
CAN YOU WORK EXCLUSIVELY WITH ONE PARTNER? Yes, this is how you are paired up in the couples version. If you want to work with multiple people attend a singles version instead.
NUDITY: Some participants may choose to work with partial nudity for some exercises but this is not an expectation.
SEXUAL CONTENT: The workshop is primarily about various forms of sexual expression.
COMMITMENT: You may sit out of any activity, or participate only to a level that's right for you.
RATIO OF DISCUSSION TO EXPERIENTIAL: About 50/50 percent.
BRING: Water bottle, your own snacks.
WEAR: Whatever you're comfortable in. There is no dress code.
INTENSITY: Two out of four chillies. Most people experience this workshop as a gentle introduction, some people experience it as challenging (kink can be triggering).
WHO FOR: The curious. Couples where one or both parties have played a little, and want more information and guidance. Couples who haven't played with kink, but might like to. Couples of any gender or sexual orientation.
WHO NOT FOR: Probably not for highly experienced players, unless they're just checking out how other folks do things.
WHAT EXERCISES / ACTIVITIES?: Verbal sharing of interests, issuing instructions, green / orange / red, simple chest-harness and blindfold, impact play warm up.
WILL THERE BE PAIR-WORK? Yes.
HOW WILL PAIRING BE DONE? Couples (of any gender or sexual orientation) are welcome, and work exclusively with each other. (Couples that want to play with other people are welcome to attend a Singles version where they will be paired with other singles via a random number system.) Please note, all exercises can be taken only to the level that's right for you at the time.
CAN YOU WORK EXCLUSIVELY WITH ONE PARTNER? Yes, this is how you are paired up in the couples version. If you want to work with multiple people attend a singles version instead.
NUDITY: Some participants may choose to work with partial nudity for some exercises but this is not an expectation.
SEXUAL CONTENT: The workshop is primarily about various forms of sexual expression.
COMMITMENT: You may sit out of any activity, or participate only to a level that's right for you.
RATIO OF DISCUSSION TO EXPERIENTIAL: About 50/50 percent.
BRING: Water bottle, your own snacks.
WEAR: Whatever you're comfortable in. There is no dress code.
"Fantastic, fun, informative, and demystifying. Rog provided a very safe and friendly environment to explore and learn. Just the right balance of theory and practice."
•
"I liked everything about the workshop. It opened my eyes and helped lessen my concerns about my interest in Kink. It was a great environment. The facilitators were extremely welcoming and friendly which I felt was important to help ease nerves."
•
"I loved everything about it - no negatives to think of. I can't tell you the last time I had so much fun on a Saturday. I felt very safe and able to ask questions without judgement, really enjoyed being in the space and the other participants were fantastic. Roger really put us at ease and guided us well. I'll be back."
•
"My partner and I had a fantastic workshop. We didn't know if kink would be our thing but this was an easy and intriguing introduction for us and we want to explore more - thanks!"
•
"I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. It not only covered the basics but also provided a better understanding as to why things such as consent can be very enjoyable."
•
"A revelation. It was comfortably confronting, it felt safe, and was inspiring. By doing this workshop my husband and I found ways to talk about things we'd kept locked inside for 30 years of our marriage. I am confident we will be enjoying the benefits of this exploration for the rest of our lives together."
•
"it was really great to learn this stuff properly in a safe, well thought through structured program. i've dabbled with a few partners that i've met through tinder and never felt safe or supported so this i found quite empowering so hopefully i can find some better, more enlightened partners soon to use all my new found knowledge on! I also love how enthusiastic, open, honest and sharing the facilitators are. It really helped everyone get into the spirit of it and let down our [defenses]"
•
"Brilliant in every aspect."
•
"It was amazing. I was nervous coming in feeling really inexperienced. Everything was done so well and felt so inclusive and welcoming. I gained a whole new understanding about what Kink actually is. I loved the examples, the exercises, the teacher and the group. No complaints! Can’t wait to come to more! Have been recommending it to EVERYONE haha"
•
"It was great! I liked the emphasis on consent, information, negotiation, safety, and being respectful of/to your partner. Rog is a wonderful facilitator - sharing their knowledge so freely and helping us all feel so comfortable."
•
"It was a fabulous refresher for myself. I liked Rog's presenting style and the way the group was run. The workshop was very inclusive and there was a lovely vibe in the room."
•
"It was inviting, comfortable and exactly what I needed."
•
"The workshop is light and playful whilst clearly and consciously designed to be a very safe and respectful place that's accessible for beginners but also for those who approach learning with a beginners mind. There is freedom with your level of participation and the activities slowly notch up a gear. The time flew by quickly however I gained so much self erotic awareness and felt so supported by the community scaffold, allowing me to become much more open with my desires- it was truly a transformative experience. I left with tools for life, new connections and plenty of inspiration!"
•
"Excellent! 5 out of 5 star experience."
•
"Workshop was a fantastic introduction to the world of Kink. I really enjoyed learning the communication tools and the practical exercises. Rog was a fantastic, engaging and knowledgeable facilitator."
•
"It was enlightening, it respectfully pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I feel armed with confidence heading in to the world of kink."
•
"Overall really good. I learnt a lot of things that I was hoping to learn about and the atmosphere was very relaxed and comfortable."
•
"Great. Liberating. The personal journey continues. An easy, informative, enjoyable introduction to the subject."
•
"We both thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and got something from it. I thought Rog was the perfect facilitator - knowledgeable, great at opening up discussion and sensitive to the needs of the group."
•
"I liked everything about the workshop. It opened my eyes and helped lessen my concerns about my interest in Kink. It was a great environment. The facilitators were extremely welcoming and friendly which I felt was important to help ease nerves."
•
"I loved everything about it - no negatives to think of. I can't tell you the last time I had so much fun on a Saturday. I felt very safe and able to ask questions without judgement, really enjoyed being in the space and the other participants were fantastic. Roger really put us at ease and guided us well. I'll be back."
•
"My partner and I had a fantastic workshop. We didn't know if kink would be our thing but this was an easy and intriguing introduction for us and we want to explore more - thanks!"
•
"I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. It not only covered the basics but also provided a better understanding as to why things such as consent can be very enjoyable."
•
"A revelation. It was comfortably confronting, it felt safe, and was inspiring. By doing this workshop my husband and I found ways to talk about things we'd kept locked inside for 30 years of our marriage. I am confident we will be enjoying the benefits of this exploration for the rest of our lives together."
•
"it was really great to learn this stuff properly in a safe, well thought through structured program. i've dabbled with a few partners that i've met through tinder and never felt safe or supported so this i found quite empowering so hopefully i can find some better, more enlightened partners soon to use all my new found knowledge on! I also love how enthusiastic, open, honest and sharing the facilitators are. It really helped everyone get into the spirit of it and let down our [defenses]"
•
"Brilliant in every aspect."
•
"It was amazing. I was nervous coming in feeling really inexperienced. Everything was done so well and felt so inclusive and welcoming. I gained a whole new understanding about what Kink actually is. I loved the examples, the exercises, the teacher and the group. No complaints! Can’t wait to come to more! Have been recommending it to EVERYONE haha"
•
"It was great! I liked the emphasis on consent, information, negotiation, safety, and being respectful of/to your partner. Rog is a wonderful facilitator - sharing their knowledge so freely and helping us all feel so comfortable."
•
"It was a fabulous refresher for myself. I liked Rog's presenting style and the way the group was run. The workshop was very inclusive and there was a lovely vibe in the room."
•
"It was inviting, comfortable and exactly what I needed."
•
"The workshop is light and playful whilst clearly and consciously designed to be a very safe and respectful place that's accessible for beginners but also for those who approach learning with a beginners mind. There is freedom with your level of participation and the activities slowly notch up a gear. The time flew by quickly however I gained so much self erotic awareness and felt so supported by the community scaffold, allowing me to become much more open with my desires- it was truly a transformative experience. I left with tools for life, new connections and plenty of inspiration!"
•
"Excellent! 5 out of 5 star experience."
•
"Workshop was a fantastic introduction to the world of Kink. I really enjoyed learning the communication tools and the practical exercises. Rog was a fantastic, engaging and knowledgeable facilitator."
•
"It was enlightening, it respectfully pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I feel armed with confidence heading in to the world of kink."
•
"Overall really good. I learnt a lot of things that I was hoping to learn about and the atmosphere was very relaxed and comfortable."
•
"Great. Liberating. The personal journey continues. An easy, informative, enjoyable introduction to the subject."
•
"We both thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and got something from it. I thought Rog was the perfect facilitator - knowledgeable, great at opening up discussion and sensitive to the needs of the group."