Meet Toni Submissivetiger

Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni Submissivetiger.  

Hi Toni, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I am a rope artist, educator, and community event organizer based in San Diego. I have been practicing this art form for 8 years now, first as someone being tied by others and now I self-tie and tie others, specializing in self and partnered suspension. This practice is perceived and utilized in many different ways, but I view it as an art form, my craft, and practice in intimacy and embodiment. I am passionate about making the rope more accessible and breaking the stigma surrounding this practice. When practicing ethically, the rope has a foundation in informed consent, risk awareness, setting boundaries, and respecting autonomy- all of which can have a powerful impact and drew me to this practice. I began my journey in the San Francisco Bay Area and was an active member of the community for many years there. When I returned to San Diego, I was inspired to create space for rope practice and education, founding The Rope Collective in 2018. We weathered many storms, including going virtual through lockdowns, but we stayed strong! We host classes, workshops, discussion groups, social events, and performance art shows. We are also a sponsor of Bondage & Brews, collaborating with local breweries and venues to bring captivating performance and art events to San Diego as you’ve never seen before. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The roads worth taking are rarely smooth but challenges have made it that much more rewarding! Rope has also taught me that challenges are an opportunity to exercise your strength, power, and resilience. When The Rope Collective was started, we were practicing and flourishing in Chula Vista at Upright Citizen (shout out to these wonderful humans!) with sold-out classes, workshops, and events. Then the pandemic hit and changed all our lives. We continued to stay connected through lockdowns, hosting virtually and it was inspiring and comforting to connect with rope lovers from all over the world. With lockdowns lifted we have begun to host in-person again, from peaceful backyards/outdoor events to local venues and studio spaces. However, we are working hard toward a permanent studio space and a home for artists and creatives to practice and share their passions. One thing these challenges have shown me is that community is a living, breathing thing, and we continue to come out stronger. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
One of my greatest passions and work is rope performance art. I have had the honor of performing in some truly legendary local venues such as The Casbah, Kensington Club, Centro Cultural de la Raza, Spin Nightclub, Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center, and Urban MO’s, U-31, and many art galleries/studios. I have also performed at The San Francisco Mint and just recently at El Portal Theatre in L.A. I began with self-suspension (tying myself) and now also perform partnered suspension (tying others). I’m proud of the stories I get to tell through rope and the moments created with my own aesthetic and personal touch. I am known as a rigger who specializes in tying all genders, identities, and body types. I focus on modifications in the rope that work with each unique individual to find what feels right for them. 

What does success mean to you?
I define success as the ability to practice what I love while also making a significant and positive impact on people. I find success in moments like a student or client experiencing self-love, body appreciation/awareness, and intimacy. When I hear feedback that someone felt true growth or transformation through rope practice and I was able to facilitate that process in any way- those are the moments I feel most successful, over typical societal signs of success like money or notoriety. I think life should be lived passionately and being able to revel in and share my passions daily is the greatest sign of success to me. 

Contact Info:

• Email: contact@theropecollective.com
• Website: www.theropecollective.com
• Instagram: @theropecollective
• Facebook: @theropecollectivesandiego
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_8b-B6DHFAzR0qFhsSGFA

Image Credits
Leah Paquette
Christina Liu
Josh Walker

Old World Outsiders