xplore Berlin 2004

“xplore” 04 presents unusual individuals who play with, work with, and explore the phenomenon of sexuality. Individuals who on their way have developed amazing techniques and rituals.

These forms are as varied as sexuality itself. Some are therapeutic in nature, some emerge from aesthetic intentions, others are spiritual quests or searches for borderline experiences. Most of them just aim for pure pleasure.

Their common ground is playfulness, communication, creativity and expansion beyond the traditional relationship of the couple. They represent a different sexual culture. They are art with body and soul.

„xplore 04“ will host fifteen presenters from all over the planet who will teach short workshops giving insight into their special fields.

„xplore04“ wishes to provide hints, ideas and images and to promote an intelligent, open-minded and playful approach to sex.

But most of all ,xplore 04“ wishes to bring together those who think and love unconventionally. To share and to learn.

Welcome to our playground!

“xplore04” takes place on July, 22-24, 2004 at Dock 11, Kastanienallee 79, Berlin. Dock11 offers not only enough space for the workshops, but also a bar and an outdoor area, providing lots of space for communication and exchange.

The late night play parties will be hosted by the fabulous Darkside Club.

->website xplore 2004

Creative Sexuality
Skin Felix Ruckert / Berlin	Touch Felix Ruckert / Berlin	Partner Yoga Ilka Stoedtner / Berlin
Erotic Massage Sabine Hofmann / Berlin	The Joyful Pelvis Ilka Stoedtner / Berlin	Erotic Toys Sabine Hofmann / Berlin
School of Orgasm for Men Diamond Lotus Institut / Berlin	School of Orgasm 2 Diamond Lotus Institut / Berlin	School of Orgasm 3 Diamond Lotus Institut / Berlin
G-Spot and Female Ejaculation Tristan Taormino / New York	Anal Pleasure 101 Tristan Taormino / New York	Advanced Anal Pleasure Tristan Taormino / New York
Tantric Games for Couples Sabine Hofmann / Berlin	Ethical Sluthood Janet Hardy / San Francisco	Taking Sex to the next Level Tristan Taormino / New York
BDSM
Sensation Play Birgit S. / Berlin	Negotiation of a Scene Birgit S. / Berlin	Pain Processing Janet Hardy / San Francisco
Learning the Ropes Hagen / Berlin	Hot Wax Hagen / Berlin	Sensory Deprivation Hagen / Berlin
Tickling and Bastonade delta® & C.D. / Berlin	Spanking and Caning delta® & C.D. / Berlin	Flagellation delta® & C.D. / Berlin
Japanese Bondage Introduction Matthias T. J. Grimme / Hamburg	Japanese Bondage Demonstration Matthias T. J. Grimme / Hamburg	Edge Play Matthias T. J. Grimme / Hamburg
Play Piercing Paula L. Rosengarthen / Berlin	Breath Control Kathrin Passig / Berlin	Fantasy Role Play Janet Hardy / San Francisco
Spirituality / Ritual / Communication
The Luscious Vulva Maggie Tapert / Zürich	The Orgasmatron – A Masturbation Ritual Maggie Tapert / Zürich	The Sacred Feast Maggie Tapert / Zürich
S/M + Zen: Pain Rudolf	S/M + Zen: Permeability Rudolf	S/M + Zen: Devotion Rudolf
Feet Washing delta® / Berlin	Ritual Encounter of Shiva and Shakti Ilka Stoedtner / Berlin	Tantric BDSM Janet Hardy / San Francisco
Communication between the Subcultures Paula L. Rosengarthen / Berlin	Contemporary Ritual Felix Ruckert / Berlin	xplore04 Panel Discussion
Lectures and Performances
S/M & Feminism Paula L. Rosengarthen / Berlin	The History of S/M Kathrin Passig / Berlin	Flagellation Ritual
xplore panel discussion

Creative Sexuality

Erotic Massage Sabine A. Hofmann Berlin	Erotic Massage, Demonstration This is a ritual full of tnederness and sensual awareness. Developed from Tantra, it is a meditation for the body, mind and soul. Based on respect and care, it offers timeless moments. Hands, feathers and flower leaves, music and perfumes create a flow of intense sensations. Sabine will demonstrate a complete massage session with a volunteer. Watch and be inspired! back Sabine Hofmann
The Joyful Pelvis Ilka Stoedtner Berlin	Sexual arousal and orgasmic functioning are directly linked to the ability of the pelvis to build and to release tension. Special Yoga exercises and several forms of pelvic breathing will be practiced. Breath, voice and movement can be experienced as a unity. All exercises are proven methods to release possible blockages. They simultaneously stimulate your energy, boost the sexual fire and enable you to take responsibility for your own lust. back Ilka Stoedtner
Partner Yoga Ilka Stoedtner Berlin	Partner Yoga stimulates your energy and trains your body through touch and joy. It has a beneficial effect on the internal organs and influences breath, menstruation and orgasmic functioning. Its six basic positions are based on the knowledge of Chinese Medicine and are part of the basic exercises of Advaita-Tantra. back Ilka Stoedtner
Erotic Toys Sabine A. Hofmann Berlin	The most significant technical achievement since the electric lightbulb is certainly the battery powered vibrator, the most popular sex toy of all. It was invented by medical doctors in the 19th century to induce the hysteric paroxysm, an orgas for healing purposes. In the 1920´s it was readily available for household use in every pharmacy. Since that time the climate has changed to one of gloomy fears and disinformation. Sabine would like to open the cuurtain now and bring light into the dark. A tray with lots of handy examples from the large variety of sex toys. Touch them! back Sabine Hofmann
Skin Felix Ruckert Berlin	The skin is our largest sense organ. Quicker and in a way more direct than the eyes, nose or ears, it links us to our environment. Despite its being a unifie structure, the skin is made of many different surfaces. It displays differences in thickness, elasticity and sensitivity and gives us reliable information about push, pull, friction and temperature. The workshop combines the active use of the skin as an instrument of perception with techniques for its manipulation and stimulation. It illustrates its possibilities as means of communication with the environment and with other people. A special focus is pu on the psychological and emotional effects of these different techniques. back Felix Ruckert
Touch Felix Ruckert Berlin	There are thousands of possible ways to touch someone. We can touch to stimulate or to relax, to give or to receive, to prompt or to restrain movement. We can relate to the surface of the body, the muscles, the bones or the organs. Through touch we can lead or follow. We can have either anatomical/technical touch or sensual/emotional touch. Touch provides lots of information that allows for precise communication between individuals. back Felix Ruckert
School of Orgasm 1 (men only!) Saranam (Diamond Lotus Institut) Berlin	Boys don´t cry. Man in our society is a cold success-oriented creature, who experiences sexuality while closing out his emotions. Women often become objects who “do it” to him. Without this “service” many men are unable to xperience desire, and even then their lust might not be very intense. Another typical behaviour of men is to put themselves under pressure to perform, to guarantee their partners orgasm , while putting both of them under stress. Love and lust start with oneself, with the capacity to accept yourself and to love and know your own body and its wishes and needs. The Workshop gives an introduction to themes such as – male role behaviour – the male body, emotinal and physical – virility – what is it? – lust as holistic experience – orgasm – what helps against premature ejaculation – how to lenghten the duration of your erection back Diamond Lotus Institut
School of Orgasm 2 and 3 Diamond Lotus Institut Berlin	In our civilization lust and sex are still under suspicion. In Tantra sexuality is an important and integral part of spiritual life. the exercises in these workshops are borrowed from Trantra. They are challenging because they move towards the core of our non-desire. They are liverating because they teach us humour and emotion. They show that men and women become aroused in different ways. Devatara, Andro and Suriya present the most effective exercises from their tantric and therapeutic work, which are suitable for singles as well as for couples. For all those who would like to experience more joy for themselves and their relationships! back Diamond Lotus Institut
School of Orgasm 3 Diamond Lotus Institut Berlin	In our civilization lust and sex are still under suspicion. In Tantra sexuality is an important and integral part of spiritual life. the exercises in these workshops are borrowed from Trantra. They are challenging because they move towards the core of our non-desire. They are liverating because they teach us humour and emotion. They show that men and women become aroused in different ways. Devatara, Andro and Suriya present the most effective exercises from their tantric and therapeutic work, which are suitable for singles as well as for couples. For all those who would like to experience more joy for themselves and their relationships! back Diamond Lotus Institut
G-Spot and Female Ejaculation Tristan Taormino New York	Wether you don’t know how to find your G-spot or you’re an experienced G-spotter looking for some new techniques, find out all there is to know about G-spot anatomy, how to find your or someone else’s G-spot and orgasmic G-spot sex. Also learn about myths and truths about female ejaculation – what it is and isn’t and tips and techniques to try out at home. back Tristan Taormino
Anal Pleasure 101 Tristan Taormino New York	Tristan introduces you to the world of anal pleasure, covering a wide variety of topics, including: – myths about anal sex – anal anatomy, the G-spot, and the prostate – basic preparation and hygiene – lubes, anal toys, and safer sex – anal penetration for beginners and much more! back/a> Tristan Taormino
Advanced Anal Pleasure Tristan Taormino New York	Are you ready to take the next step in anal pleasure? Now you can rocket your anal sex to the next level with advice from the anal expoert herself! Tristan will discuss many advanced topics, including: – the ins and outs of advanced anal penetration – orgasms through anal penetration – extended butt plug wearing – strap-on anal sex – anal fisting – enemas plus, an extensive Q & A — ask her anything! back Tristan Taormino
Kick it up a notch: Taking Sex to the next Level Tristan Taormino New York	From her popular columns and website to her videos and lecture series, Tristan Taormino has garnered raves for her unabashed straight talk about sex. Now, you can hear it from the sexpert herself! Whether you’ve been in a relationship for six months or six years, Tristan will discuss what happens when the honeymoon is over and real life begins to set in. She’ll cover a variety of topics, including: – let go of the myths of what sex should be like – improve your erotic communication skills – add something new to the mix – explore dirty talk, fantasy, and erotic role playing – try anal pleasure and penetration – utilize sex toys, lubricants, and other erotic accessories This unique, intimate class will be a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can ask questions and openly discuss your sexual issues and goals. back Tristan Taormino
Ethical Sluthood Janet Hardy San Francisco	So you want to have lots of sex, love, and friendship with lots of wonderful people: who wouldn’t? But even the most joyous slut may experience insecurity, loneliness, guilt, and, of course, jealousy. Participants will discuss and complete exercises to explore lifestyles that go beyond the traditional monogamous model. Can you maintain supportive relationships in a world where the only sexual boundaries are the ones you set yourself? How do you feel secure when your partner has a date? What is jealousy, and can it be overcome? Come listen, talk, and learn about how to build the lifestyle you want. back Janet Hardy
Tantric Games for Couples Sabine Hofmann Berlin	…(and other bands of two) To communicate differently, to try something new, to play new games, to taste something exotic! A change of perspective can bring inspiration and surprise. Tantric exercises, elements from massage, visualization and voluptous little games are the ingredients of this workshop. back Sabine Hofmann

BDSM

Sensation Play
Playing with sense and sensibility
Birgit S.
Berlin

This workshop offers insight into the erotic play with sensations – a.k.a “sensation play”.
Sensitivity is the capacity to register changes. Sensation play covers activities which refer to the senses: see, hear, taste, smell, feel – the combination of some of these senses or the deprivation, respecitvely. Whether your hands are the toy of your choice, an ice cube makes you shiver or a walk along the pain threshold is intended: to know, for instance, how the various types of nerve endings in our skin function, can lift our experiences to an exciting high.
The endless, possible variations of stimulation from simple “pervertables” to a fully equipped toy trunk will be our topic as well as the integration of sensation play into different types of set-ups.
This workshop is especially suitable for open-minded non S/M people keen on experimenting as well as those relatively new to S/M. If you feel like trying out and practicing, this might be the workshop for you!

The Luscious Vulva (for women only!) Maggie Tapert Zürich	A brief introduction to the authentic roots of female power. What is the truth about that place that we keep so well hidden? What is the power of the vulva and how can it be unleashed? What do we say when the men are not around to hear us? A closed circle for women who dare to share the truth about that place “down there”. Including a fabulous photo exhibit of the worlds most beautiful vulvas. back Maggie Tapert
The Orgasmatron – A Masturbation Ritual Maggie Tapert Zürich	This is a very hands-on experiential workshop. Entering the sacred inner space through a guided meditation, Maggie Tapert invites participants to connect deeply with themselves and explore the individual sensual and ecstatic response of the physical body. Although we make this journey as a group and witness the sensual sounds of those around us, we are each focused and present essentially with ourselves. Freedom and autonomy are the gifts we receive from this group experience. Blindfolds obligatory! back Maggie Tapert
The Sacred Feast – A Ritual for Men and Women Maggie Tapert Zürich	One of the oldest traditions known to man is the ritual sharing of Bread and Wine. Long before organized religions adopted this tradition as a holy sacrament, people were breaking the bread and passing the chalice to symbolically honor the deep and enduring bond of our shared humanity. In this sacred ritual led by High Priestess, Maggie Tapert, all congress participants are invited to share the bread of life and the wine of our sacred celebration. Come, join us in a conscious experience of the communion of life. back Maggie Tapert
Feet Washing delta® Berlin	Washing feet was a normal part of life in earlier times, because roads were dusty and shoes were expensive. Therefore washing feet was a daily ritual, a sign of respect and esteem for fellow people. It was not only used to clean, but to heal and to care for the feet, which were sore due to long distance walks. Meanwhile the feet washing ritual has disappered from daily life. Nowadays the idea of washing feet often causes amazement or astonishment. He would like to bring new life to this ritual and answer the following questions: – Why are feet so sensitive? – How does the sensation of our feet give an impulse to the rest of the body? – What should I know, if I want to do a feet washing ceremony? Besides the workshop delta RA´i will offer a daily chance to experience a feet washing – either as a recipient or as a spectator. In the backyard during the long break. back delta®
Tantric BDSM Janet Hardy San Francisco	Ever had a scene that lifts you out of mundane reality, setting you free to fly into the realms of bliss? Radical Ecstasy, Janet?s new book with Dossie Easton, an exploration of such scenes and how they occur, will be published this fall. In this innovative workshop, you’ll learn about and explore techniques drawn from yoga, tantra, kink, guided meditation and more, that raise energy to help achieve transcendent states during BDSM. Whether you’re a hard-core skeptic or a dedicated spiritual journeyer, this program will give you new tools for building connection, bliss and heat in your BDSM practice. back Janet Hardy
S/M + Zen: Pain Rudolf Berlin	Conversation Conversation with exercises The interrelations between explorations in S/M and Zen will become concrete through exercises in Pain / Permeability / Devotion. From art comes the technique of “celebration” Pain Rudolf
S/M + Zen: Permeability Rudolf Berlin	Conversation with exercises The interrelations between explorations in S/M and Zen will become concrete through exercises in Pain / Permeability / Devotion. From art comes the technique of “celebration” back Rudolf
S/M + Zen: Devotion Rudolf Berlin	Conversation with exercises The interrelations between explorations in S/M and Zen will become concrete through exercises in Pain / Permeability / Devotion. From art comes the technique of “celebration” back Rudolf
Ritual Encounter of Shiva and Shakti Ilka Stoedtner Berlin	The expressions “Shiva” and “Shakti” stand for the divine inner male and female aspects of every human being. They are diamonds hidden deep inside in daily life and are not touched very often. In order to get in contact with new dimensions the workshop starts with exercises from bioenergetics. The central practice is based on a couple structure. Theere you will have the opportunity to encounter the other sex on a subtle energetic level. Out of this personal, direct encounter you are able to refine your awareness and to get in closer contact with your own emotion and power. back Ilka Stoedtner
Communication between the Subcultures Paula L. Rosengarthen Berlin	Gay Scene, lesbian scene, S/M scene..parallel worlds that seem to exist separately from each other. But there is an exchange going on – whith occurs through specific rules and codes. This workshop explains what they are… Wie, wird in diesem Workshop erläutert. zurück zur Übersicht Biography Paula L. Rosengarthen
Contemporary Ritual Felix Ruckert Berlin	Felix Ruckert believes that performing art always deals with the exhibition of intimacy. Similarly, it is possible for the conscious exhibition of real intimacy to attain the quality of performing art. As a choreographer, Ruckert has became recognized specifically for his interactive creations in which the public is pu into direct physical relation with the dance. In the workshop- through practical examples of his choreography- he will show how intimate action becomes performance. He will employ simple, easy-to-learn exercises and specific tasks which lead to complex pictures in movement through a process of choreographic structuring. Samples of choreographic work will be taken from creations such as HAUTNAH (1995), RING (1999), and SECRET SERVICE (2002). back Felix Ruckert

The History of S/M Kathrin Passig Berlin	S/M has not just existed since the Eighties as the German magazine “Der Spiegel” recently suggested. The oldest Middle European texts that describe sadomasochistic practices in our contemporary understanding date from the 15th century. This lecture describes what has happened since those times and also explores the unusual and often absurd scientific theories regarding sadomasochism which have emerged over the centuries. back Biography Kathrin Passig
S/M and Feminism Paula L. Rosengarthen Berlin	Alice Schwarzer, German radical feminist par excellence, once said that female masochism is “collaboration in the war against the male enemy”. Luckily there is no norm for either feminism or sadomasochism: both are subject to historical changes, both are heterogenous and depend on social and cultural facts. In this lecture, the different historical approaches of both sides will be illuminated and the thin red line where both are possible might be found. back Paula L. Rosengarthen
Flagellation Ritual	Two examples of rituals at the border between S/M play and performing art. To watch and to eventually participate. With Felix Ruckert, delta® and guests. back
explore panel discussion	A place to discuss and exchange. Several small groups with 3-7 participants will be formed to discuss different issues regarding xplore. Possible themes could be: – why study sexual techniques? – connections between Tantra and BDSM – public sex – politics with the body? – feedback on xplore – what could be improved? and any other theme you might be interested in! Facilitator: Gabriella Riccio

Creative Sexuality

BDSM

Spirituality / Ritual / Communication

Lectures and Performances