Intro to Kink & BDSM
Learn the Art of Kink & BDSM Choreography: Elevate Your Intimacy Coordination Skills and Expand Your Career
ENROLL NOW
As an intimacy coordinator, you’ve already proven that you can handle delicate, complex, and emotionally charged scenes with professionalism and care.
But as the world of TV, film, and live performance continues to evolve, so does the demand for more nuanced and specialized choreography—especially in scenes involving kink and BDSM.
If you’ve ever found yourself hesitant or uncertain when it comes to choreographing these kinds of intimate scenes, you’re not alone.
Whether you’re brand new to the world of kink or BDSM or you have taken a few introductory classes, there is so much to know about these topics that it can feel overwhelming at times to try and wrap your mind around it all.
This is where "Intro to Kink and BDSM for Intimacy Coordinators" comes in.
This self-paced course was designed to give you the confidence, knowledge, and skills to work with and choreograph kink and BDSM scenes safely and authentically while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and respect for your performers.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for intimacy coordinators who are committed to continually elevating their craft.
Whether you’re new to kink choreography or have already worked on BDSM scenes, this course offers valuable insights and practical tools to help you:
- Approach complex power dynamics with confidence.
- Master the choreography of BDSM practices with authenticity and safety.
- Build trust and rapport with performers in delicate scenes.
- Position yourself as a go-to expert for kink and BDSM choreography.
...
This course is essential for
Intimacy Coordinators
More and more scripts are including scenes that explore the dynamics of power, submission, dominance, and consent through BDSM and kink practices. Directors, producers, and actors rely on intimacy coordinators to navigate these scenes with care. With the right training, you’ll be able to confidently choreograph even the most complex BDSM scenes—becoming an indispensable asset on set and expanding your career opportunities.
In this course, you'll learn:
- The Psychology and Emotions of Kink: Understand the emotional, psychological, and cultural layers of BDSM, helping you guide performers and productions through these challenging scenes with care and empathy.
- Practical Techniques for Safe Choreography: Learn step-by-step choreography for popular BDSM practices, including hair pulling, choking, bondage, and impact play—while keeping your performers safe and comfortable.
- How to Use Props & Tools in Kink Scenes: Master the use of props like ropes, handcuffs, floggers, and more, ensuring you can deliver an authentic portrayal of BDSM while prioritizing safety at all times.
- Consent, Negotiation, and Aftercare: Equip yourself with best practices for consent and negotiation, and ensure you understand aftercare—both in the BDSM community and on set—to create a positive, safe, and respectful experience for everyone involved.
When you enroll, you'll get access to:
- In-Depth Modules: Comprehensive lessons that cover every aspect of choreographing kink scenes—from understanding the psychology of BDSM to learning how to use specific tools and props effectively.
- Demonstrations of Core Choreography Techniques: Practical, easy-to-apply choreography techniques for BDSM scenes, including hair pulling, choking, biting, bondage, and impact play.
- Expert Guidance on Consent & Aftercare: Learn how to negotiate consent for BDSM scenes, address performers' boundaries, and provide aftercare that leaves everyone feeling safe and respected.
- Tactical Tips for Working with Directors & Actors: Best practices for working with performers and directors on set, ensuring that your choreography enhances the scene while maintaining the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
- Expanded Vocabulary for Kink & BDSM: Develop a nuanced and precise vocabulary around kink and BDSM, allowing you to communicate clearly and confidently about these topics with performers, directors, and other stakeholders.
Get instant access to Intro to Kink & BDSM
Module 1
Introduction
The principles of kink, the importance of communication and negotiation, and explore various practices and their relevance to intimacy coordination.
Module 2
Understanding Kink & BDSM
Explore the definitions and nuanced understandings of BDSM and kink, covering key terminology, misconceptions, and the Five W's of kink.
Module 3
BDSM History & Ethics
Dive into the nuanced differences between kink and fetish, explore the historical evolution of BDSM from the Victorian era to modern times, and learn about the ethical frameworks such as SSC, RACK, and PRICK that guide safe practice in the kink community.
Module 4
Kink in the Media
Explore how kink and BDSM are depicted in mainstream media, their social implications, and the evolving portrayal and understanding of these practices. Featuring discussions on TV shows, films, and real-world perspectives on representation and authenticity.
Module 5
Kink & Mental Health
Dive into the complex emotions tied to kink and BDSM, exploring the roles of shame, empowerment, and the evolving perspectives in psychiatry. Discover how historical and contemporary views on mental health have shaped the understanding of consensual kink practices.
Module 6
Intro to Types of Play
Explore various types of play in kink and BDSM, covering intimacy, choreography, and demonstrations of key techniques such as bondage, impact play, sensation play, and more. Learn about safe practices, negotiation, and the importance of aftercare within this dynamic landscape.
Module 7
Case Studies
In this concluding session, we reflect on our lessons about Kink and BDSM, provide valuable resources for further exploration, and discuss practical considerations for choreographing intimate scenes, including aftercare and professional boundaries.
Why invest in this course?
- Stay Ahead of Industry Trends: With more kink and BDSM scenes being written into scripts, being proficient in these areas can set you apart and make your resume stand out from the crowd when shows are hiring for scenes with this type of content.
- Deepen Your Skill Set: Gain valuable new tools and insights to handle complex intimate scenes with care, ensuring you’re always prepared for whatever comes your way on set.
- Create Safer, More Respectful Environments: Empower yourself with the knowledge to prioritize safety and consent, especially in scenes involving potentially triggering or complex material.
Meet your instructor
Heath Pennington
Heath Pennington (they/them) is a doctoral candidate and Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of California Santa Barbara, an experienced intimacy coordinator, sex educator, and interdisciplinary scholar. They hold MAs with Distinction in Gender Studies from Central European University and in Performance and Culture from Goldsmiths University of London, alongside a BA in Acting from the University of Southern California’s School of Dramatic Arts. Heath received their certification as an intimacy coordinator from IPA in 2020. Heath’s scholarship focuses on sexual and gender minority populations’ performative practices, and their research interests span performance and gender studies, queer and critical race theories, and consent. Their work has been published in Porn Studies (forthcoming), Performance Research, Corpo-grafías, and Performance of the Real. They have delivered over 15 invited lectures, presented at numerous academic conferences, and been featured in local, national, and international media, including Times Higher Education and Stand News Hong Kong. With over 17 years of experience in the entertainment industry—working across theater, film, television, and voiceover—Heath brings a wealth of knowledge to their work as an educator and intimacy coordinator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s Included in the Course?
Who is This Course For?
How long is the course?
Will I receive any materials?
How long will I have access to the course?
Is this course suitable for intimacy coordinators working in TV, film, and stage productions?
Do I need prior experience in intimacy coordination?
Can I access the course materials anytime?
Have additional questions?
Feel free to reach out at [email protected] —we’re happy to help!
Take the leap and become a master of kink choreography.
Your performers and directors will thank you for it!
Click here to enroll in Intro to Kink & BDSM