Information for Teachers

Estonian Shibari Festival · Laitse Graniitvilla

Workshops and Festival Format

Each workshop is 2 hours long. The first hour is dedicated to teaching, explanation, and demonstration, while the second hour is for participants to practice independently.

When you are not facilitating your own workshop, you are welcome to participate in workshops led by other teachers. The festival format is open and flexible, similar to international tantra and shibari festivals.

There is no pre-registration for workshops—participants are free to choose whichever session they prefer. If a room reaches full capacity, participants may stay to watch (if space allows) or choose another workshop.

Three workshops will run simultaneously:

  • One in the Fireplace Hall (no suspension points).

  • Two at opposite ends of the Main Hall (suspension points available).

Our goal is to bring together approximately 80 international participants. The main working language of the festival will be English, with translation provided if needed.

Participants will range from complete beginners to experienced practitioners. We will indicate the skill level for each workshop in the schedule—as well as the level of "spiciness" if desired—to help participants find the experience that best suits them.

Olavi Sõna tegemas shibarit

Compensation and Participation

Participation in the festival is free of charge for teachers. This includes accommodation and catering throughout the entire festival.

  • Co-teacher: If you have a co-teacher who is also facilitating a workshop, their participation is also free.

  • Model or Rope Partner: If you bring a personal model or rope partner, we can offer them a 50% discount on their ticket or the opportunity to join as a volunteer (helping with tasks such as translation, serving food, or cleaning).

In addition, we offer a symbolic honorarium for each workshop you teach:

  • €50 per workshop (unless negotiated differently)

Please note that travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided at Laitse Graniitvilla. Teachers and their partners will be accommodated in a shared room with approximately six people in total. For each teacher and their partner, one bed and one floor mattress are provided. Bedding is included for the bed, but you will need to bring your own sleeping gear (sleeping bag, pillow, etc.) for the floor mattress. In other words: one person sleeps in the bed and the other on the mattress, and you can agree between yourselves how to divide the space.

Due to winter conditions and limited capacity, the room is shared with other teachers and their partners. The teachers' room features an open bathroom and WC layout. For general attendees, a spacious floor-sleeping area is provided on the lower level. If you prefer more privacy or comfort, you are welcome to explore nearby accommodation options and local alternatives.

What We Need From You

Please send us the following details:

  • Name and photo(s): Preferred name(s) and photo(s) for all facilitators if teaching together.

  • Workshop title and description: What you will teach, what participants will gain, and why it is interesting.

  • Level and requirements: Is the workshop suitable for beginners, advanced practitioners, or both? Are there prerequisites, or required equipment (e.g., own ropes, partner)?

  • Contact information & social media links.

What to Teach?

Teach something you genuinely enjoy, practice, or have discovered. We love workshops that carry the teacher's personal experience and passion. If you draw upon a specific technique or framework created by another practitioner, we kindly ask that you credit the original creator during your session.

Promotion

We ask that you share at least the following on your social media channels:

  • 1 Feed Post

  • 1 Story

Feel free to present the festival and what you'll be teaching in your own style and voice.

Schedule

Thursday

  • 17:00–19:00 — Workshops (3 parallel sessions)

  • Dinner

  • 21:00 — Opening Ceremony & Performance

Friday & Saturday

  • 10:00–12:00 — Workshops (3 parallel sessions)

  • Lunch

  • 14:00–16:00 — Workshops (3 parallel sessions)

  • 17:00–19:00 — Workshops (3 parallel sessions)

  • Dinner

  • 20:00–23:00 — Performances & Play Party / Jam

Sunday

  • 10:00–12:00 — Workshops (3 parallel sessions)

  • Lunch

  • 14:00–16:00 — Workshops (3 parallel sessions)

  • 17:00 — Closing Ceremony

Olavi Sõna tegemas shibaritOlavi Sõna tegemas shibarit