Multimedia skillshops

Anal Sex: The Other Penetrative Pleasure

Explore the many infinite possibilities of anal sex. Catherine will discuss types of lube, physiology, gender differences, safety concerns and your options for anal pleasure of all types. Come learn everything you need to explore.

Anticipatory Service: The Automatic Response

How does one teach Anticipatory Service? How many years in service does it take to be able to be competent in this area? We will address these questions and the following: a) habitual patterns; b) teaching obedience; c) repetition and simplistic orders; d) managing your tasks for your house; e) What happens when you have anticipated well and feel as if you are simply doing the work without getting the dominance?; f) self satisfaction vs. needing a pay off; and g) realism vs. fantasy. We'll also cover how one begins to piece together the ability to anticipate service needs.(lecture, roundtable)

BDSM: A Perspective on Sexual Power

Catherine will address how women choose to come to power through their BDSM sexuality. This overview will cover the nuts and bolts of what BDSM is, the power of fantasy play, sex workers and how these notions fit into ideas of sexual freedom, self-empowerment and feminism. She will discuss the physicality which predisposes some to this type of play and mental aspects of having the freedom to explore every part of who you are as a sexual being. Heavy on theory and feminist content. (Lecture, roundtable)

Cornerstones: Beginnings, Middles and the End

We'll focus on relationship patterns in the beginning, middle and the end of relationships. We'll discuss the difference between care-taking and taking care, illusion vs reality, personal responsibility, boundaries, owning who you are, getting what you want, dealing with mistakes and being able to separate between yours, mine and ours. End your relationships as well as you begin them. Understanding the stages of relationships will help you stay in the middle, isn't that the goal after all? Join this intimate discussion regards of what stage you are in-- this is for coupled and single people alike.

Creating, Keeping and Living in a Family

Leather families take many forms. We'll discuss what works, what doesn't, and how families are formed. Families shift, change and become soemthing new over time. We have our first family and are born into it-- when you deliberately create a family the concerns and contributions are different. Come explore the infinite possibilities of forming families.

Dominance & submission

What is this? Why do people play with this? How to manage dominance with a 24/7 continuum. How dominance and submission interact with sadism and masochism. Learn to integrate it into every aspect of your life and how to keep it separate. Explore that no concept is mutually exclusive. This is a class geared towards those new to D/s. (lecture and round table)

Dominance and Training without Physical Punishment

Explore the concepts of punishment. Discussion will include: a) concepts of how one molds another without physical punishment; b) creating devotion, trust, self-rewarding behavior; c)progressive learning; d) confidence; 5) independence; and 6) self-perpetuated notions of powerful bottoms.

Domo: The Singular Service

This class will discuss: a) what a domo does; b) their many skill sets; c) how to keep a paper trial to ease your duties; d) organization; e) boundaries & duties; f) the practical concerns of service; and g) practical day in and day out house management. A domo's life differs from many other types of servant. Learn various skill sets to improve your service, understanding and tips to be more efficient. This is an extremely detailed class and not for the faint of service.

FIM Follow Up

4 sessions post FIM

FIM Follow UP-Maricopa AZ

Hierarchical Structures: More than girls, boys and slaves

This class will explore hierarchical structures and the possible stations for a service structure. We will discuss each station, their particular and specific responsibilities, how to tailor-make your stations, and where these stations came from within historical structures. As well as titles, responsibilities and earning your title level. Come explore the components of successful dominant/submissive service oriented relationships, the pitfalls to avoid and how to structure relationships between more than two people that work for everyone. This class addresses how to handle polyamoury through providing specific and particular stations for each participating member.(lecture, hand outs, discussion)

Keeping your Space: Submission

Have you had trouble keeping your submission and service going? This class will discuss using ritual, protocols, boundaries, education and self knowledge to aid your ability to continue to serve at a level of excellence. We will discuss service as a subset of self, being self-motivating, setting goals within your service and maintaining your space emotionally and physically. (Lecture, roundtable)

Learning Mastery from your slave

When a slave has more experience than their Master or Mistress, how can they educate their owner while maintaining their role with respect, integrity and obedience? Catherine Gross will address the many questions and specific issues regarding this time-honored system that enables experienced slaves to provide useful knowledge to their owners without ever "topping from the bottom."

Living the Life: 24/7 Dominance/submission

How does this work within a modern world? How can one meet the demands of a Master/Mistress? What is realistic and what isn't? How have successful relationships in the past been structured? How does one train within the confines of reality? How does one (from each perspective) integrate needs, wants, boundaries and desires into a workable daily routine? (lecture, round table, class exercise if meant to be hands on and add one hour)

Managing Service I

This class will discuss how one begins to manage potential property. It will cover the following subjects: a) continuing interviews; b) setting protocols; c) dealing with limits and mutual boundaries; d) time management as you don't live together; e) beginning exercises for learning; f) progressively advancing your relationship; g) creating a foundation for a deeper relationship down the road; and h) mixing play and service. These are the basics for cultivating happy, useful servants/bottoms.

Managing Service II

Once you're past the initial stages of ownership how does one manage those who serve well day in and day out? How do we create D/s relationships that last and are satisfying? This class will discuss: a) managing live-in service; b) managing those who do not live with you; c) maintaining protocols; d) educating and maintaining a balanced server; d) raising the bar in your relationship; e) correction, punishment and reward; and f) keeping your play alive.

Manners & Etiquette: A Victorian Approach

How do the Victorian ideals of character, civility, a moral/ethical sense fit into our perspective on BDSM? We will explore these concepts and the concepts of prescribed behavior regarding: a) appropriate etiquette, standing for ladies, holding doors & chairs; c) Ladies waiting to be invited to rise, given a hand or smoking only when seated; and d) gender as a definitive line which prescribes behavior. Many of these notions cross over into areas of service and BDSM. Shall we learn from our past rather than reinventing the wheel? (Lecture, discussion)

Negotiating Contracts: The Intricate Structure

Learn why contracts work for some and not for others. How do you know when a contract would be a benefit to you? What goes into contracts? Are they for bottoms/submissives only? Learn how to set up contracts that work, that are all inclusive, that address situational oddities and using Contract Advocates. This class will cover the perspectives of a top and a bottom. Catherine will discuss: How does one prepare for negotiation? What responsibilities as a top and a bottom do you each have when you negotiate? What might you bring to the table? What is essential? As well as contract construction and dealing with all the parts a contract might include.(lecture, discussion, handouts, round table)

Negotiations: Your Most Important Tool

Learn how to negotiate well and completely. Learn what is imperative to negotiations, why they are necessary and how to improve your skills and get what you want and need to create a basic scene or an intense long scene. This class is taught from two perspectives: a) learning how to negotiate as a top; and b) how to negotiate as a bottom. This class gets into the nitty gritty of knowing yourself, playing on multiple levels and how to bring your best self to play. This class is also meant for those who have experience and have been negotiating for sometime. It is not a 101 class.(lecture, demo, handouts)

Novice Bottoms

We'll discuss issues relevant to novice bottoms. Some of these issues are: 1) how to integrate service into play; 2) how do I learn what I want and express it; 3) what skills does a bottom need; 4) finding support; 5) bottom responsibilities and safety issues; 6) negotiating well as a bottom; 7) building confidence; and 8) being ok with wanting to be hurt (not harm). This class will also provide sufficient time for an in depth group discussion. We will cover as many subjects as possible, this class is meant to be highly open-ended. (Lecture, roundtable)

Novice Tops

We'll discuss issues relevant to novice tops. Some of these issues are: 1) how to accept service; 2) how do I learn what I want and express it; 3) learning skills; 4) finding support; 5) top responsibilities and safety issues; 6) negotiating well as a top; 7) building confidence; and 8) being ok with wanting to hurt (not harm) bottoms. This class will also provide sufficient time for an in depth group discussion. We will cover as many subjects as possible, this class is meant to be highly open-ended. (Lecture, roundtable)

Ownership: What's the deal?

Why would someone want to own another person? What does ownership mean? Why would someone want to be a slave? What's in it for a slave? Is property allowed to have limits? What are the rules? How long do these relationships last? These questions and many others will be addressed. This is a basic class for those who are just beginning to explore the concepts of D/s(lecture, roundtable)

Personal Service: Valets, Lady's Maids and Specialized Service

Catherine will discuss the many intricacies of personalized service. Each position maintains a large skill set, specific duties and assigns. Each position will be covered in detail. She will then open the floor for a discussion regarding the current obligations of those who serve and how these positions fit into a modern life. (Lecture, roundtable)

Philosophies of M/s

This class will discuss love, emotion, authority, command, the realities of M/s, and structures. Be prepared to dig into the subject matter. Exploring philosophies and gaining further possibility and clarity will allow you to construct and maintain healthy, lasting relationships. Bring questions to this exploratorium. We're going to go from A to Z and talk about all related subjects as time will allow.

Public vs Private: Etiquette, Protocol & Manners

This session will address the differences and similarities of etiquette, protocol and manners as they relate to society and BDSM. We will explore historical and current differing perspectives. Protocols in M/s relations, D/s relations and play. We will address party etiquette vs. social etiquette and more.

Reaching for the Soul

How does one prepare the body in order to attain a deeper emotional connection? What can we do in order to reach those places of nuance and spirituality only known to ourselves? What factors do specific types of play (such as blood and breathe play) play in reaching for something more than physical sensation. We will discuss some of the common aspects described by some as "floating", highs, shift in reality, shape shifting, historical perspectives and religious perspectives, as well as blood based notions. More importantly, we will discuss how you get there in concrete terms. (lecture, round table)

Realities of Service

This class discusses the realities of service from both perspectives. We e going to explore what's possible, the difference between reality vs. fantasy, how one acquires seamless skills, manages new or well seasoned servants (insert your title of choice) and makes service a viable reality.

Safety: A-Z

Catherine will discuss SSC, safewords, negotiations, planning your scenes, preparing for any reaction or emergency, breathing, disease, cleaning toys, lube, anal/vaginal penetration, fisting, sensory deprivation, bondage, whips, flails, quirts, canes, slappers, crops, clips, clamps and party etiquette. This is not a how-to class, it is a class designed to give you a basic understanding of implementation and a very good understanding of the safety concerns regarding all these activities. (Lecture, handout)

Scenes without Toys: Dominance is the Game

How does one set the tone for dominance? How do vocal tones, language selection and movement play into this? What is the difference between control and power? How can you use these distinctions to your advantage to crawl into the mind of your bottom and hold them within a strong space. Learn methodology to create and manipulate power dynamics. Join me and indulge in this most fascinating and intricately created play.

Service & Time Management: How to do it all

How do you hold down a full time job, keep your affairs in order, and provide good service? Are there enough hours in the day? How to structure your time, relationship and rest periods wisely. How to manage your property well. Make sure you don't burn them out or misuse them through lack of use. (lecture, round table)

Service: Buffets, Parties & Gatherings

One of the most useful skills a servant may have is to be able to facilitate a social gathering in their Top's name. One of the most useful skills a Top may have is how to direct a servant for social gatherings. In this class, we will cover: a) how to speak to guests; b) being prepared to care for garments in regards to stains; c) how to prepare for the unknown, accidental occurrences; d) handling allergies & vegens; e) how to set a buffet table; f) the use of serving trays; g) smaller gatherings (say 10) & larger affairs; h) drinks; i) seating arrangements; and j) managing multiple servers. Having these skills will allow you to serve 2 to 200

Serving at a Distance

How can you serve everyday if you travel for your job, live in different cities, or have a separate residence? Catherine will detail how to provide direct service and serve daily in these situations. She\'ll examine how to make positive use of the distance, and how to use time apart to attain devotion, discipline, patience, a love for what you don\'t like, and humility. Bring your experience to the class and let\'s go deeper and find good resources to maintain your relationships and happiness well. (lecture, handout)

The Physiology & Psychology of Pain

This workshop is presented from multiple perspectives. Learn about taking and creating pain from the top, bottom, emotional, psychological and physical perspectives. We'll explore reading your bottoms more accurately, pain for masochists and nonmasochists. This is a physically detailed class.

Training: Being the Amplifier

Learn as a top to figure out who you are have in your service. Is this person a boy? A valet? A body guard? A lady's maid? A slave? A submissive? Learning who your bottom is and honing them into the best of who they are with finesse and expertise allows you to have the best service/relationship your bottom has to offer. How to set up a training program which is tailor made for your life, situation and your bottom. (lecture, round table)

Voice Commands: Mother Did know Best

2010- Catherine is not offering this class this year. How to use your voice as a top and a bottom effectively. Learn the paramount power of tone, vibration, command and language use. Learn how modulate your voice, judge by context and create mindfucks by sound alone. The subtly and nuance of voice training can make or break a scene. Learn to create the desired emotion in your top or bottom by simply using your voice. This class is for tops and bottoms alike. (demo, class participation exercises)

What I wish I knew when I started!

This session will address many questions specific to novices. A few of these questions are: How do I pick playmates? When should I allow someone to push my limits? Should I take online play into real time? Do I have to be 24/7? How do I use safewords? What makes me a "real" top/bottom? (Lecture, roundtable)

The listing of classes on the left are the possible skillshops that will be given in the future. Not all of the skillshops are currently open for registration.

For information on currently scheduled skillshops, please see the Multimedia Skillshop Schedule.

Skillshops

For the first time in SM, BDSM, D/s or M/s education you have a choice to interacting with others and taking quality education courses that fit your interest from the privacy of your home.

BDSMClasses Skillshops will cover everything from making good sex better, exploring all types relationships, to BDSM.

Some skillshops will include visual learning as well as all the benefits of members only boards. Most skillshops will have their own private boards to further class discussions along with supportive learning exercises. Don't miss your opportunity for this comprehensive learning system based on university learning standards.

Participating in a skillship is as easy as registering. Once you register, you'll receive a welcome package. Your welcome package will provide all instructions, guidelines for use, participation options, and everything you need to get the most out of your BDSMClasses experience.

Multimedia Skillshops are designed to fit your life and your scheduling needs. Let us know about classes you'd like to take and make scheduling suggestions. Feel free to use the Contact page or email Catherine's Assistant.