Workshops&Presenters Page

We've reformatted our Educational Program to provide opportunities for learning through watching, listening, practicing and playing!

We've got something for every style of learner at this year's International Ms Leather Weekend.

Looking for a more in-depth learning experience? We've got it!

Looking for a class that will teach you what you want to know? We've got that, too!

Looking for a mentor to help you learn something new in the dungeon? You know it!

Looking for a chance to show off all you already know, and cruise some attendees who are curious to learn more about your skills? Get to class!!

Scroll down to learn more about the offerings of our Educational Program and our Faculty

Friday Intensives

Our Friday sessions will provide an in-depth look at your choice of topics with an entire afternoon of learning and experience planned for you. These classes will go beyond the basic, and will provide ample opportunity for practice and for personalized attention from the instructors.

Cigars and Pipes: Fast, Cheap and Easy (Nayland Blake)

Too often people let themselves be intimidated by the mystique ofcigars and pipes, and lose the chance to bring these sensual objectsinto their play. This class will run through the basics of choosing,preparing and playing with cigars and pipes. Bottoms: learn how toprep cigars and pipes. Tops: learn what to do with them once you havethem lit. It's not hard or expensive to locate good cigars to playwith - learn what to look for. Smoke and ash play will be covered,and some cigars and pipes will be available for hands onexperimentation

King Tut's Kink: Mummification! (Lolita Wolf)

Handcuffs? Leather restraints? Ah, my friend, put away those newfangled toys and come learn a bondage style that has been thousands of years in the making. From quiet meditation to outrageous sensation play, mummification can be used either as an adjunct, or for its own sake. Powerfully effective and absurdly affordable, the mummification style of bondage will make both you and your play partners ecstatic!

Deliciously Seductive: A D/s Intensive (Allie Gatto)

Dominance and submission:what does this evoke in you? Does it excite you? Tantalize you? Scare you? Whether you are currently in a relationship or not this intensive has something for you. Come explore the hot, exciting, soul-moving world of D/s. Gain insight into D/s dynamics and learn how to understand and express what you have to offer. This class gives you a chance to look at D/s relationships and dynamics and to move deeper into your understanding and embodiment of your own dominance and/or submission. We will cover practical issues such as contracting, rewards&punishment, multiple relationships, protocol&rituals. The class will explore how to go more intensely into D/s 'headspace' and ways to make a scene, or a relationship, fly.
PLEASE NOTE: No one will be admitted after the first 30 minutes of this class

Tantra for Perverts (Barbara Carrellas&Dossie Easton)

In this workshop you'll practice the dynamics behind erotic journeys into transcendence and how to make them happen, using Tantric techniques for building and sharing sexual energy. You'll learn how simple techniques such as breath, sensation, and ritual can expand your concept of gender roles, help you transcend fears of intimacy, and enable you to build and share enormous amounts of sexual and spiritual energy and power. You'll learn how to combine the heart-filled, spiritually energizing techniques of Tantra with the intense stimulation and heightened awareness of SM and you'll have the opportunity to find the blend you like best. Participation will be easy and non-genital, somewhat kinky and almost non-threatening. Please bring a mat to sit on and a firm small pillow or zafu. No late admittance.

Saturday Workshops

Saturday will provide an all-day buffet of shorter 90 minute workshops, where you can choose from over a dozen discussion, demonstration, skill-building and practice sessions. From 101 to 'WTF?' and loads in between.

Classes will include:

Anyone Can Shine: Basic Bootblacking Skills for Everyone (Bootdog)

To many, bootblacking seems like some sort of black magic. In reality, the skills and techniques associated with bootblacking are available to everyone. This class will cover the basics of boot and leather care, including cleaning, polishing, and conditioning boots, with a specific focus on the tools and products used in boot and leather care and general techniques of bootblacking. Participants of all experience levels are welcome, and the topics covered will be relevant to both those interested in bootblacking as a craft and those who simply want to care for their own boots and leather. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own boots and polishing equipment. Some equipment will be available to be borrowed and shared during the class. For a recommended equipment list, contact bootdog@gmail.com

Making Your Move (S. Bear Bergman)

Whether we're experienced players or brand-new and exploring, IMsL offers myriad opportunities to meet new people and have new experiences - if we can make our interest known. Come to share strategies and learn new ones for making the first move (shy, bold, or somewhere in between). We'll talk about the differences between approaching tops, bottoms, switches, and people whose proclivities are a mystery to you, give some tips for making your move, discuss different approaches for flirting (and for escalating a flirtation), and tell encouraging flirting stories.

Standing In the Midst of Madness: SM, D/s, and Our Histories of Abuse (slave Alia)

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: being a masochist or a sadist and having a history of abuse or being in relationship with someone who has. In this workshop we will discuss 1) how we can learn to accept that we are drawn to SM and D/s regardless of what baggage we still carry from an abusive past; 2) how our behavior in our SM or D/s relationships might be directly or indirectly related to our victim/survivor "programming;" 3) ways in which one can "reset" the program or at least begin to look at it in a new and constructive light. This workshop is most helpful for survivors of abuse, and it will be especially useful for Tops / Dominants / Masters of either gender who are (or might be) in a D/s relationship with a bottom / submissive /slave who is a survivor of abuse."

The 's' in D/s (tomo)

How do we define submission for ourselves and discover what the submissive inside of us has to offer? What does it take to find that within yourself day after day? How do you handle conflict as a submissive? These are some of the questions we will address in addition to a discussion of topics including power exchange vs authority exchange, how to serve from a powerful place, what do you look for in a Dominant, determining what you have to offer, learning that it is "not about you", that beautiful place of surrender and how to survive a breakup as a submissive. Whether you are brand new or have years of experience, you will benefit from this interactive class and discussion of D/s from a submissive's view. For the purpose of creating a safe space to speak freely, share and grow, this class is limited to those who wish to explore submission.

WATERSPORTS -- Or, How I've Come To Love The Pee (Boymeat)

Remember what your parents told you? Don't play with your pee in the bathroom? Well forget that. Piss play can be dirty, humiliating, and naughty. It can also be warm, wet, and fun. Come and learn how even your recycled water can be perverted. We'll be covering the whats, whys, hows, and safety of it all.

Wham Bam *!&^?%!!@* : A Hands-On Punching, Kicking and Slapping Workshop (Felice and VRod)

This new, dynamic, interactive workshop will give you lots of hands (and feet) -on experiences. Felice and VRod will show a variety of techniques to safely and creatively kick, punch and slap. Then we'll all get down to it. Whether you are small or tall, muscular or not, we will have tips and tricks for getting what you want. Are you a bottom that dreams of taking a good hard punch? A top who has always liked the idea of literally kicking the crap out of someone without a follow-up trip to the hospital? Fantasize about a group take-down? Then this workshop is for you. We'll get you on the road to causing or fine-tuning your own trouble. Open to all levels of experience. Please come with your heart, humor, and your willingness to participate. No partners necessary - we'll make matches if you don't have one.

Con-Sensual Rope Bondage, the Basics (Empress Rhea)

This is a step-by-step hands-on workshop. Rhea will cover safety, types of rope and other materials that can be used, washing, what length to use, some basic knots, simple restraints, and move on to more advanced techniques both decorative and functional. She will provide the rope and a friendly atmosphere to learn and practice. Even if you can't tie your shoelaces before a morning cup of coffee, you'll be amazed at how easy rope is to work with.
Bringing a partner is recommended, but not required. Individuals will be matched up as needed. Please wear comfortable clothing and no perfume or cologne. Be prepared to sit on the floor; bring pillows, etc. Chairs are available for those who need them. No photography will be permitted during the workshop.

The D in D/s: Celebrating our Dom-ness (Daddy Sal, Mick)

Whether you are a Mistress, Master, Ma?am, Sir, Daddy, Mommy, Owner, or justplain Dom, we will look into what the ÎD? in D/s means to each of us. We?llexplore our commonalities and our differences, what works for each of us asDoms as well as what works for the submissives in our lives.Daddy Sal and Master Mick will lead this interactive workshop and inviteyour input and discussion whether you are experienced or new to D/s.

The Joy of Cunt Play - How to Make a Woman Scream

This exciting presentation can help you to discover new ways to stimulate and torture female genitals. Cunt play, also known as genitorture can involve a wide variety of sensations ranging from sheer pleasure to the most exquisite pain. The female genitals can be a playground of endless possibilities for the kinky player regardless of skill level or experience. It's play everyone can participate in - from novices to advanced players. Come hear Olga discuss and demonstrate some of the wide variety of options that this form of play presents.

Protecting Yourself Legally

Members of the SM/leather/fetish communities have always had somelevel of concern regarding the issues of privacy, discretion, andpersonal security. The Radical Right, employers, ex-partners, and othersmay pose threats to these concepts. Many times their motivation comesfrom ignorance, but new motivations like custody of children, andrevenge are also becoming commonplace. This presentation provides tipsfor protecting yourself legally for various circumstances.

Sunday in the Play Space - Make Play Happen!

What better way to spend Sunday afternoon at IMsL than being in the PlaySpace. Maybe you want to try something new? Or you saw something over theweekend that you want learn? Or maybe you are just curious? Our Sundayafternoon was designed for you.
We have experienced instructors waiting to give you a ?hand?s on? experienceas they act as both mentors and yentas to Make Play Happen.

Stations will be available in the Play Spaces with people to help youexplore:

á Bootblacking ? bootdog, Cristo, kd
á Canes - Boymeat
á Genitorture - Olga
á Fisting and Footing ? Allie Gatto
á Play Piercing - Lolita
á Punching, Kicking, Slapping ? Felice Shays&V Rod
á Basic Rope Bondage - Lochai
á Submission and Bottoming ? Sheryl Dee
á Takedowns and Tying the Noncompliant - tomo
á And more!

Come wander through the play spaces and join in the fun. No advance sign uprequired as we Make Play Happen.

Love the Boots You're With ? bootdog, kd&Cristo
It's completely natural to love boots. But how do you express that love?Boots generally don't go for flowers and candy, and buying them a new pairof boots just makes them jealous. Don't worry! There are many ways toexpress your love of boots (not to mention your feelings for the person INthe boots). Here's you chance to develop that expression of love. Come byand learn how to say "I love you" to boots through techniques of boot care,boot worship, and boot licking (yes, there are techniques for that).Everyone is welcome, and every boot is welcome.
kd will walk through the basics of bootblacking with any interestedparticipants. she will show the technical ropes, and then explain the waysthese skills can be used in service, and for play. no question is everconsidered stupid--come and ask how to make those boots and leathers reallygleam, or how to care for a leather article that needs some TLC.

Fisting&Footing - Allie
Come on by and learn about fisting and footing. If fisting or footing aresomething you've tried, or if you never thought you'd be able to do it, comejoin us and learn that you can reach new depths, um, heights, playing withhands and feet! Try out advanced techniques that can take a fisting orfooting scene totally hot! You can also find out about safety and healthissues and get your questions answered If you have a shoe or boot fetish,footing might just be what you've wanted to dream about, but didn't know youcould!

Punching, Kicking, Slapping - Felice&V.rod
Felice and Venae are right here to help you learn or perfect your punching,kicking, body slam, slapping, and group take down methods and techniques.We?ll work with you wherever you?re at ? tops, bottoms, switches, givers,takers, femmes, trans, butches, been around the block or brand new to it all? we?ll help you find the best ways to use your strength and brains to makeyour sex and scenes even more passionate and crazy hot. Show us what youneed and we?ll take it from there.

Speed Bondage ? Lochai
How to choose lengths of rope&how to tie with speed&accuracy which formany bottoms enhances their pleasure. Learn all the techniques that thepros use to make bondage "Pretty" to watch and builds the energy between thetop&bottom

Play Piercing - Lolita
Wanna try needles? This will be hands-on for bottoms, tops and switches. Ofcourse, you will learn about tools, supplies, safety, technique, preparationand aftercare. Bring a partner or come alone and we will match people up.Let?s enjoy the endorphins together!

Genitorture Mentoring - Olga
Olga and her boi blu will be available to mentor and discuss genitorture -the wide variety of ways we can play with female genitals. Genitorture canrange from sensuous play to intense pain. Olga has an extensive collectionof genitorture toys/implements that she will have available for you to seeand get ideas. Olga can help you with techniques and skills whether you area novice or a more experienced player. If you want more information onthings covered in the workshop and how to include them in your play come onby. They are both available to answer your questions from both a top andbottom perspective and give you suggestions.

Takedowns and Tying the Noncompliant - tomo
Takedowns from Jujutsu, a Japanese martial art used for self-defense, willbe modified for safe use by the BDSM practitioner. Once the bottom is takendown, a Hojojutsu tie will be applied to subdue and restrain the bottom.Hojojutsu is a Japanese martial art of securing a prisoner with rope.Hojojutsu ties are designed such that rope attacks air, energy, and bloodpathways. Once the prisoner struggles, increased pain and discomfort willoccur. tomo will assist tops who'd like to learn and practice the techniqueas well as take down the bottoms who'd like to experience it! tomo willhave plenty of rope for folks to practice with.

Presenters