Shibari
Salem X is a queer, nonbinary rope artist, educator, and performer. They started tying in 2021 and never looked back!
Salem loves the connective and adaptable nature of rope. They are passionate about rope spaces that center marginalized folks and their experiences, which led them to co-found T4T Jam, a trans rope jam in Brooklyn.
Salem has garnered attention nationally and internationally for their work as a performer and educator. In NYC, they’ve performed and house-topped at events like House of Love, City of Gods, Feral, Bruise, Carnal, and SuciaQueer. In September 2024 they performed at Folsom Street Fair and Twisted Windows in San Francisco with their friend and tying partner Axel. In February 2025 they reprised their Twisted Windows performance for Karada House’s virtual Queerope. Salem has presented for IMsLBB, T4T Rope Jam Philly, Kindred Ties, and Hudson Valley NY Rope. They teach Rope 101 for Hit Me Up.
Salem teaches rope in both class and private settings. Their approach to rope education emphasizes risk awareness, consent, and tying in a way that feels organic and connective rather than prescribed and pattern-based. Their tying style draws heavily from Japanese style bondage, also called kinbaku or shibari.
Rope Offerings
Events
Performances and activations.
Want to spice up your event? Book Salem to perform or run a rope tasting station! Guests will be awed by live shibari demonstrations, or they’ll get their chance to experience being tied.
Education
Private lessons, small workshops, and classes.
Private lessons are available in NYC, with sliding scale rates available for SWers. These lessons may be arranged for individuals, couples, and small groups.
Salem travels throughout the year and accepts bookings to teach at rope studios on a rolling basis. See a list of their current class offerings here. Email to have them teach at your space!
Consulting
Do you need a rope artist for your photoshoot or music video? Someone to help you flesh out your idea to incorporate rope into your short film or performance art piece? Reach out to inquire about consulting services.
Salem will get you acquainted with everything you need to know regarding materials, safety, and aesthetics, and is available to do the tying!
Contact Salem Regarding Rope Services
Please fill out this form or email salemthesadist@proton.me for any rope inquiries! If you’re interested in pro-domme services, please use the main contact form here.