' BENT - Workshops

BENT Workshops

Toronto needs somewhere we can play that has rules as liberal as the law will allow. That's what makes us so BENT!

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Workshops

Had your fill of introductory workshops?
BENT's workshop series is designed for people who already have play experience and want to take it to the next level.

Want to suggest a workshop or presenter? Send us your ideas!

January, 2010 - It's More Than Play!
I am very excited to be partnering with Barb (aka SubandProud), who will be hosting this interactive seminar workshop series.

Barb's Bio

Born in August of 1959, to what one may describe as a “normal” 50’s household, and what I would later learn was a structured, role driven D/s home, my basic understanding and learning was gained through emersion in the aspects of the lifestyle outside the bedroom, in a household that included not only my parents but as well the individuals that were actively involved in the management and running of a large and often communal environment.

I spent my pre and early teen years learning the art of decorum, communication, proper behavior, service, manners and etiquette by way of example and guidance of my parents as well achieved a formal educational environment in both Jersey Channel Islands, UK and at Institut Alpin Videmanette in Switzerland, and tenured at a tightly structured private high and medium protocol manor in Hemberg, Switzerland in the mid 1970’s. During this tenure I chose to grow my education and understanding for the D/s and M/s lifestyle, I studied various levels of relationships and roles such as: ancient slave rituals and structure, cultural differences in relationship expectations, the difference between service and servitude.

Having been involved and living both the D/s and M/s life choice for over 30 years, I continue to acquire knowledge and understanding of not only D/s, M/s specific aspects but as well conventional relationships, human interactions and adapted behavior, through formal and informal education processes.

Certified in facilitation and educated in relationship counseling and development, I have been involved in education, mentoring and relationship counseling for 5+ years, beginning when I was released from a extreme and intensely structured and ritualistic 10 year M/s, polyamorous household, where I held the position of arch slave and household administrator.

Through the years of education, learning and practical involvement in the D/s and M/s relationship structures, rules, rituals and expectations, I have come to believe that each relationship, household and individual require distinct and comprehensible parameters to allow the development and nurturing and continued learning to ensure successful and fulfilling relationships with our partners, friends and community.

Workshop Description

Anyone who is involved in any aspect of the alternative lifestyle known as BDSM knows that balancing the “vanilla world” and the “BDSM” world can often be tricky. This series of seminars and workshops has been developed to assist in addressing this balance.

The BDSM life choice requires structure and consistency. The life choice is more than play parties and fun, and this series is directed more to those who want to learn about those things that will help with the added issues that a D/s relationship has over and above those experienced in other types of relationships (what most refer to as “vanilla”).

This series is interactive and participative, and will hopefully help all of us to get a better understanding of what we want for ourselves and our relationships. These are not about learning the rules and structure but rather to help develop those for each individual or relationship.

For detailed overviews of each workshop, click on the title.

MANNERS ETIQUETTE AND PROTOCOL
Sat Jan 16th (1p-4p) code A1 - You missed it!
  and
Sun Feb 7th (2p-5p) code A2

SERVICE

Sun Jan 17th (2p-5p) code B1 - You missed it!
  and
Sat Feb 20th (1p-4p) code B2

POLYAMORY
Sun Jan 24th (2p-5p) code C1
  and
Sat Feb 27th (1p-4p) code C2

SUBMISSION WITHOUT WEAKNESS - DOMINANCE WITHOUT ARROGANCE
Sat Feb 6th (1p-4p) code D1
  and
Sun Feb 21st (2p-5p) code D2

BUT WE’RE IN THE FAMILY WAY
Sat Jan 23rd (1p-4p) code E1
  and
Sun Feb 28th (2p-5p) code E2


ALL IN ONE WEEKEND - All five sections in three days

Fri-Sun, January 29th, 30th & 31st code W1
  Start time Friday night 7pm

Flexibility for Friday night's start time will be available for those travelling long distances.


Location: RENEGADE - 1266 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario. Entrance on Noble, one Block west of Dufferin.

Single Sessions - $25 per person per workshop
All 5 individual sessions - $100 per person per workshop
(beverages and snacks supplied)

All In One Weekend - $100 per person for the whole weekend (beverages, snacks and lunch supplied)

Prepaid, advance registration only to be sent by email to: bent.signup@gmail.com
Each person must register individually.
Please include:

  • Name of person registering (or nickname)
  • Email address where you would like to receive information
  • Name(s), date(s) *and* code(s) of the workshop(s) you wish to attend. This will ensure that you're being registered as you expect!
  • Method of advanced payment (options in order of preference: E-transfer, Bank Deposit, PayPal)
All workshop registration processes MUST be completed by 12:00 p.m. (noon) the previous day. The process takes a few days, so be sure to sign up early!