BEHIND THE SCENES
How did you get into the world of shibari?
In 2021, just arrived in Madrid, I was lucky enough to meet some very special people from the tattoo world. The guy who tattooed me, who today is one of my best friends, told me that his girlfriend was organizing a party that I would love. That same weekend I jumped into the adventure. When I arrived, I saw that they were going to do a performance, and it was the first time I saw shibari live. I completely fell in love.
What attracts you most to this practice?
The fact of letting go of control and embracing pain as if it were not something negative seems very attractive to me. Also, it generates very intense feelings with someone you trust.
Have you ever faced prejudice for practicing or showing shibari?
A little bit yes. There are people who are not ready to assimilate new concepts or let go of old social prejudices. But I don't usually pay attention to them; I care very little about the opinion of those I don't value.
What do you feel when you are suspended or completely bound?
I do not think, I perceive reality with such intensity that everything else disappears. It is a moment of union between body and mind, in a harmonious and peaceful plane.
Do you remember the first time you hung from ropes?
It was in 2021, shortly after my first BDSM party. I remember thinking "this hurts!", but I also felt that I had never been so present. I'm grateful to have been tied up by people who respected my space and my times.
What has been the most intense moment you have experienced in a session or performance?
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One time I almost got unintentionally hung. We were trying out a new tie on my arms, but it slipped under my weight and went straight to my neck. It scared the hell out of me, although it didn't hurt that much.
How do you reconnect with yourself after exposing yourself physically and emotionally?
I am demanding of myself. I force myself to pull myself together quickly, although I always take a moment to feel the blood return to my body and appreciate that my freedom has been restored.If your body could speak after each session, what would it say? "You're a crazy bitch, cut yourself some slack."
What does shibari mean to you?
For me it is life itself in the form of practice. We spend our lives avoiding pain and believing that we control everything, but shibari comes to teach you that we don't, and that it's okay. Letting go is wonderful.
IN MADNESS MODE
In our shooting we didn't tie you up... you tied yourself up, you hung yourself and you drove us crazy. How did you live that experience?
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I loved being able to show what shibari generates in me. Aesthetically it is impressive, and emotionally it is very intense. It fascinates me to see people's faces when they see it for the first time.
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What part did you enjoy the most during the session?
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Try new poses and ties, especially when the photographer is also interested in the proposal.
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You also modeled our bodysuits and wore them to a party that same night. How did you feel wearing them?
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Incredible. The shaping of the bodysuits and how they fit the body is amazing. Every woman should have one. They make a great body.
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How did it feel to work with Madness?
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I love the project and the vision you have. You are looking for new ways to reinvent the sensual side of girls.
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Who would you recommend a Madness session to?
To many friends of the BDSM and liberal scene. But also to girls who want to resignify their sexiest side.
Ā IN STAGE ACTION
You are a regular performer at Skin, one of the best known liberal clubs in Madrid. What does it mean to you to perform in such a place?
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āSkin has been my home since the beginning. I have worked there in various roles, although today I only do performances. I always connected with its essence.
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What is the difference between performing for a liberal audience and a private session?
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In a show I decide what I show and how. In private I like to listen to what the other person wants and build from there. One thing is public and performative, the other intimate and emotional.
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Has there been any performance that particularly touched you?
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A traditional Japanese shibari performance with my knotter. I was excited to share the cultural roots of this practice.
What kind of connection is generated with the audience when you give a good performance?
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It is very gratifying to see their faces. Even though I try to focus, I feel how they experience it. Many come up to give me positive feedback afterwards. They get excited, they are surprised, they give it to me.
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What would you say to someone who wants to experience a liberal night out but doesn't know how to start?
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To free himself from prejudices and allow himself to explore. Respect their time, don't pressure them and enjoy themselves.
BEYOND THE CHARACTER
Where does Sasha take refuge when she's not hanging or tying anyone up?
In books. I always carry one in my bag. I like to work on my intellectual side. I'm a big fan of Dostoevsky and Angelica Liddell.
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Do you find it hard to disconnect from the character after a performance?
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It takes me a few minutes to lower the intensity. As I listen to people's feedback, I land until I can see everything from the outside.
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What inspires you lately?
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Art: music, painting, sculpture. I reflect on the idea of living what I feel and capturing it in what I do. Art moves worlds.
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Is there a movie or series that always stays with you?
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"Enter the Void, by Gaspar NoƩ. It marked my adolescence. Psychedelic, intense, raw.
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And a song that brings you back to yourself when it plays?
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"Never Enough" by The KVB.
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What is your confessable food or vice?
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Italian food drives me crazy. But also sushi. Japanese gastronomy makes me fall in love.
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What would a perfect date organized by you look like?
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An art exhibition, then tapas and a good chat. I prefer quiet environments where we can listen to each other.
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What does love mean to you?
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It is care, empathy, dedication. I don't believe that love is ephemeral; even when people leave, the feeling remains.
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Do you have any projects that you are particularly excited about?
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I am about to travel to Japan to study shibari with several senseis that I admire. I want to perfect my technique and soak up their culture.
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Where would you like to be in five years?
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It is not so much the place that matters, but feeling in balance and being able to live from art and shibari, sharing the world.
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What turns you on more offstage: a conversation that heats up or a look that says it all?
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I need some connection. I'm drawn to the intelligence, the eloquence. Conversations that make my skin crawl.
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A fantasy you haven't lived yet?
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Testing electricity (soft), with controlled shocks to different areas of the body while I am tied up. I am very intrigued.
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Do you need emotional connection to enjoy sex or is the body more powerful?
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I need connection. Even if it's minimal, something to share. Not just physical.
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Any sexual experiences that have transformed you?
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Discovering shibari revealed a stronger, more empowered version of me.
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Where can they find you, follow you or see you in action?
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On Instagram: @sashaleis. And if you pass by Skin... maybe you'll see me tying or being tied up.
FAST AND SPICY
Shhibari with dark techno or soft electronica?
Shibari with post-punk. I save the techno for dancing.
To bind or to be bound?
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Both, depending on with whom.
Girls only, guys only... or let it flow?
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Let it flow. I care more about personality than gender.
Tattoos with history or by impulse?
A bit of everything: stories, impulses, aesthetics, emotions.
What do you always carry in your bag "just in case"?
My Kamasutra cards.
Omelette with onion or without onion?
With onion
