Box Tie Studio
Portland, ME
Maine's first full-time shibari education studio, established in 2023.
- Jams
- Intensives
- Workshops
- Private lessons
Box Tie Studio
Portland, ME
Maine's first full-time shibari education studio, established in 2023.
More about Box Tie Studio
Box Tie Studio is Portland's only rope studio—for every body, identity, and experience level.
We offer monthly classes for both beginners (no experience needed) to learn foundational skills and for intermediate students to work on specific skills or ties; suspension workshops for advanced practitioners; and open studio hours for unstructured practice. Private lessons are available by appointment. Our instructors bring a combined 20+ years of experience in shibari and Western rope bondage, including suspension rigging, and they love sharing their knowledge with others. Box Tie is queer-owned/operated & LGBTQ+ welcoming. Body positive. Neurodivergent-friendly. Scholarships are available to those in need, no questions asked. Come explore shibari at a studio that truly believes that rope is for everybody.
The Team
Boxti
(they/them)Founder
Cait is a non-binary, AuDHD nurse who has been active in their local southern Maine kink community since late 2014, when they accidentally discovered the art of shibari. They were instantly entranced by rope’s seemingly endless versatility and possibilities, and fascinated by its unique effects on the body. Their passions for rope, medicine, and helping others have combined over the years into a love for rope education, especially regarding health, safety, body positivity, and bottoming.
Griffin
(he/him)Founder
Griffin discovered rope in early 2015. Excited by the seemingly endless amount of information there was to learn, he has been practicing every day since. He now has over 11 years of experience tying, bottoming, and self-tying, and over 10 years of experience teaching and performing. His goals as an educator are to give people the tools they need to practice shibari as safely as possible, give back to his community, and provide an inclusive space for everyone to make connections.
Accessibility
The studio is on the second floor and unfortunately, there is no elevator access.
Physical space
- Accessible parking nearby
- Lowered suspension points
- Seating with backrests
Sensory experience
- Breaks encouraged
- Clear reporting or support pathways shared
- Low-scent environment
- Neurodiversity-affirming
- Trauma-informed
- Quiet or low-stimulus area available
Financial accessibility
- Sliding scale or reduced-cost options
- Community or scholarship spots
- Loaner ropes available
- Work trade or volunteer discounts
Community Safety
We take community safety seriously. While studios operate independently, we uphold clear expectations around consent, accountability, and care.
If something feels off, you can use our reporting system. All concerns are reviewed thoughtfully.
