Embodied Flow
Community Listing

Embodied Flow

Shanghai

Embodied Flow is an International and queer-led rope community. Hosted by Gandalf. it is a safe(r) space for exploring bodies, care, and intimacies via Kinbaku and its intersecting art forms.

ENG, MAN

SuspensionTrans-affirmingPOC-ownedFloor workBeginner-friendlyQueer-ownedCommunicationFat-affirming
  • Workshops
  • Private lessons
  • Jams
  • Intensives
  • Live drawing
  • Performances
  • Online sessions

More about Embodied Flow

Embodied Flow (E-Flow) is an International and queer-led rope community. It is a safe(r) space for exploring bodies, care, and intimacies via Kinbaku and its intersecting art forms.

Organised by queer and neurodiverse folks, E-Flow community is welcoming, introvert-friendly, and inclusive. We offer group workshops, weekly jams, private lessons and sessions (taught and offered by Gandalf), as well as guest events featuring instructors from around the globe.

In addition to teaching and practicing various styles of Japanese-inspired rope bondage, we also host a variety of community events. These include but not limited to academic talks, dance and theatre workshops, poetry writing, handcraft, retreats etc.

The Team

  • Gandalf

    Gandalf

    (they/them)

    Founder, teacher, organiser

    Gandalf is a professional Kinbaku artist and educator. They were trained as a cognitive scientist before becoming a full-time rope artist and the organiser of Embodied Flow. Working also as a theatre maker, Gandalf's teaching combines traditional Kinbaku with insights from both performing arts and cognitive sciences. They believe practicing rope is fundamentally a practice in "being together", and their curriculum places special emphasis on care, communication, and collaboration.

  • Ida

    Ida

    (she/her)

    Prop master, facilitator

    As the prop master and alchemist of E-Flow, Ida turns her knowledge of tools and crafts into memorable experiences. She also takes great care of everyone in the space, offering support, technical know-how, and snarky comments (on your side) . While not bound by The Binding of Isaac, she is often bound by Gandalf as their teaching partner.

  • Moss & Zel

    Moss & Zel

    (she/her)

    facilitator, designer, researcher

    Moss is an experienced facilitator at E-Flow and teaches a variety of handcraft workshops, often infused with her deep knowledge of sports and design. In addition to being a facilitator at E-Flow, Zel is well-versed in design and modern art. Her taste and knowledge in things both popular and theoretical makes her a great researcher. Moss and Zel met at E-Flow and they have since been appearing together. They love each other very much.

  • Zoey (Zhao Zhao)

    Zoey (Zhao Zhao)

    (she/her)

    facilitator, idol

    Zoey is a facilitator at E-Flow when she is not busy being a local idol as a member of the boyband CN F-bois. Undoubtedly a queer fashion icon both as Zoey and King Zai'er, she has been captivating her audience with singing and dancing until recently she has also performed her first live rope session. As a facilitator, Zoey helps participants with both style and substance.

Accessibility

The space is located at a historical building in Shanghai. Our events are quiet by default and we take care not to overcrowd the space. Unfortunately the building is not wheelchair accessible.

Sensory experience

  • Breaks encouraged
  • Clear reporting or support pathways shared
  • 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

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.

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