Shay Tiziano
Shay Tiziano (she/her or they/them) is a renowned bondage performer, presenter, producer, and self-suspender known for their innovative, intense performances and friendly, attainable, and risk-awareness-focused approach to kink education. She is the author of Tying & Flying, the first-ever book about self-suspension, Creating Captivating Classes, the first-ever book specifically for kink, sexuality, and relationship educators, and editor of the anthology Soaring & Exploring.
Based in San Francisco, Shay is the stages & entertainment co-lead for the Folsom Street Fair and produces the acclaimed bondage and fetish performance event Twisted Windows. She has performed and curated showcases for events including San Francisco Pride, Seattle Erotic Art Festival, Tethered Together, Ropecraft, New Bohemia NYE at the SF Mint, and Dark Odyssey.
As a curator and show producer, Shay is passionate about showcasing rope acts that elevate the practice as a form of movement art, utilizing theme, connection, and narrative to create captivating and moving performances.
Shay has taught around the US for over a decade; she has given over 100 presentations. She is known for a warm, nerdy approach and classes that are both entertaining (they've been called “better than a Vegas show”) and packed with useful information and applicable skills. Venues and conferences she's presented at include Dark Odyssey (Winter Fire, Surrender, & Fusion), Rome BDSM Conference, Thunder in the Mountains, KinkFest, Northwest Leather Celebration, Westcoast Bound, San Francisco State University, Stanford University, OpenSF, Kinky Kollege, Beyond Leather, the SF Citadel, Mission Control, Center for Sex and Culture, the Exotic Erotic Ball, International Ms Leather, BayCon, COPE, Mischief in May, Folsom Fringe, and Cum & Glitter. They've also been featured on KinkAcademy.com, PassionateU.com, and Kink.com's KinkUniversity.
Signature classes
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Tying & Flying: Beginning Self-Suspension
Self-suspension can be used for dynamic movement, intense sensation, performance, education for partnered bondage, ritual, and more. After discussing general principles and safety considerations specific to self-suspension, participants will tie a chest and hip harness, practice support line skills, and tie through a basic face-up self-suspension, with a possible transition to an inversion.
“The best kink class we've ever taken. Not only an efficient curriculum that got us a ton of key skills—and into the air! (after years of trying to find a good course)—but Shay is such a concise, funny, and effective educator." – BunnyHole
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Flipping Out: 2-Point Dynamic Suspensions
Explore the acrobatics and freedom of movement that rope can offer! This playful & unorthodox rig lends itself well to silly and exhibitionistic scenes…or to nasty predicaments! Shay will discuss the general principles of this type of suspension (sometimes called marionette or puppet suspension), and specific safety concerns. She will then show several variations on a 2-point dynamic suspension.
"Your 2 point suspension class completely changed how I do rope play and suspension. It has become so much more dynamic and fun! Thank you for the inspiration." – Anonymous Ropecraft feedback
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Triangle Suspension
Explore dynamic movement with a minimalistic & playful “circus bondage”-style 3- to 5- point-based rig. This class is hands-on and is self- or partnered-suspension friendly. As the rigging is fairly minimal, a good portion of the class will focus on giving the suspended person time to learn methods for taking full advantage of the freedom & flow offered by this suspension.
“Oh my gosh. THIS! Is what I'm looking for in rope. More funsies things to do with my body! Shay is an incredible teacher, and also super friendly and approachable.” – Anonymous Tethered Together feedback
Testimonials
“Shay’s classes balance extensive preparation and planning with impromptu opportunities. She does an excellent job of teaching while ensuring everyone has a good time and feels a part of the learning process.”
– Jason, Director of Mission Control
“Shay is incredibly dynamic, full of energy and sexy information that they share warmly and memorably. They are professional, efficient, and really pleasant to work with. They will raise the level of any event they participate in.”
– Princess Kali, Founder of Kink Academy
“A lovely combination of depth of knowledge and understanding of communicating with an audience to maximize their learning.”
– Doug B, Co-Creator of SMIRC, The Summer MI Rope Conference
“Shay was highly recommended and indeed made the recommendations pale. Everyone said she was professional, creative, and wonderful to work with. Her classes were fantastic, not just for content but to experience her style. She is professional and a dream for an event producer.”
– Bruce, Director Chicago's Kinky Kollege
Self-Suspension Performance Gallery
Partnered Suspension Performance Gallery
With Angel and Insignia
