Partner Yoga
The Studio Yoga, Kentwood
Feb. 14, 3:30 p.m.
$45 per couple
thestudioyoga.com, (616) 209-8395
On St. Valentine’s Day proper, The Studio Yoga is offering a 90-minute partner yoga workshop where you can creatively connect with your squeeze and learn to guide each other into supported poses. “The intent is to have fun and try something enjoyable and relaxing with someone you care about,” said Jared Lazaro, co-owner. Although the concept can be intimidating, especially for those new to the art form, this partner yoga class is geared toward teaching you and your partner how to help each other achieve a feel-good stretch without the strain. But, for the adventurous, “there may be one or two challenge poses in there,” Lazaro said. Think balancing or strength movements that are slightly more acrobatic, but still accessible to newbies. Get your bend and flex on because you never know what other applications your new skill will be used for. (Wink. Nudge.) Plus, complimentary wine and goodies like chocolate are offered following the event.
Shibari Session
$35 for an hour
Passionate couples will enjoy a private Shibari (erotic rope bondage) session with Holland-based pros, Angel L'Amoure and Lord Thomas. Shibari, which simply means “to tie” in Japanese, goes beyond the ho-hum neck tie and bed post realm of naughtiness and dwells in a multifaceted world of erotic art that can be what you make it. “Rope is a perfect medium. It's very versatile,” L’Amoure said. Well connected in the West Michigan rope community, L’Amoure and Thomas not only offer sessions in their studio space along with the option of in-home visits, but can connect farther flung folks to local practitioners. “One of the things we like to say is bondage at its best is safe, sensual and seductive.” For first timers, a casual consultation is booked in a public place like your favorite watering hole, where you will discuss what type of experience you are interested in and learn more about what to expect. “We don’t do this for a huge a profit,” L’Amoure said. “We do this to spread the love of rope and promote safety. There shouldn't be taboo on it. It's fun interacting with a partner.” Email to book.
The Henderson Castle
100 Monroe St., Kalamazoo Township
hendersoncastle.com. (269) 344-1827
Give in to your lust with a getaway at The Henderson Castle, which boasts a three diamond AAA rating. Or simply enjoy the Valentine’s Day dinner special offered on Feb. 13 and 14. This palatial estate, established in 1895, offers the usual luxuries to be found at a bed and breakfast, but with the added sex appeal of an old world environment. Themed suites like the King’s Tower, The Queen’s Tower, the French Room, the Italian Room and even the Tibetan Room will allow you to live out your fantasies in a lush setting. Enjoy rollicking assignations fit for a king or queen – because we all know about the debauched royal lifestyles of yore. And when you are not mussing up the bed sheets, you can explore the private garden where fresh herbs and veggies are grown for the world-class restaurant. While you’re giving in to your whims, indulge in partner massage, manicures and pedicures, and even relax in the rooftop hot tub. Or make eyes at your loved one in public the Henderson Winery. Dinner is $110 for a couple and overnight rates range from $200-$275.
Sugar House Blues
AA Creative Corridor
1133 S. Washington Ave., Lansing
sugarhouseblues.com
Make like Elvis and work those hips into a sensual frenzy at Sugar House Blues, a social dance community dedicated to the art of blues dancing. This style of close-partner dancing, that can also be done solo, has greatly influenced jazz dancing like swing and even contemporary hip hop. Forget about the mournful stereotype of the blues, as the genre is filled will vim and vigor and includes plenty of racy tunes, fit for a spicy night out with your lover. Not a dancer? Fear not, as traditional blues dancing is described as patternless (so you can’t mess up!). Sugar House Blues meets on the first and third Fridays of each month and offers a free beginner lesson from 8-9 p.m. Afterward, you can get down to the passionate sounds of the blues with a DJ’d open dance that runs until midnight. This month, events are held on Feb. 6 and 20, 8 p.m. until midnight. Admission is $5.
