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Bullwinkle Morris Ebbtide Jackass Close your eyes and repeat the word 'dominatrix' to yourself and what vision appears in your mind's eye? Do you see a foreboding German woman with a riding crop? Do dread and trepidation fill your loins? Do you expect pain or fear? You are such a sucker! Media stereotypes reinforce this image. According to an expert in the field, Mistress Blue, the reality is quite different. The degree of domination and the level of "play" involved depend on who the "Top" or mistress is, coupled with the comfort level of the participants. Domination does not include sex per-se. Role-playing does allow the Top and "Bottom," or submissive, opportunity to experience deeply rooted fantasies. These fantasies may not be filled by ordinary or, as Mistress Blue puts it, "vanilla sexuality." After novice play in the San Francisco scene for some time, Mistress Blue discovered she was a natural Top. After re-locating to Seattle, she decided to develop her interests into a business. "Do what you love; the money will follow" she says. The uninitiated, expecting sex for money, will be disappointed. "Beginners get a discussion to find where their fetishes lie," says Blue. "I find out what turns them on, and what they are not interested in." "It's key to openly discuss what a particular person is interested in," Blue says. "We then discuss safewords." The submissive should feel the edge of fear and to some extent pain. But for first timers it is important to have an out should the scene exceed their limits. What is intense? The use of static electricity to stimulate the sensitive areas is not unheard of. You scoff? Mere tomfoolery, you say? Okay, then. Mistress Blue is also versed in 'Edge Play' and 'Implements of Punishment.' Implements of Punishment fall into several categories. Paddles, straps and canes are used to (a-hem), spank the submissive. Blue defines 'Edge Play' as experiences traditionally considered 'out there' by the community as a whole. "For instance," insists Blue, "I enjoy performing cutting and temporary piercing-activities that some BDSM players consider too extreme." Blue continues, "Fireplay is another activity considered on the edge." Fireplay (yes, I asked) entails using torches. Just enough heat to singe the hair on the body without burning the skin. "Most of my clients really enjoy the feelings of helplessness that restrictive bondage gives them," commands Blue. "This is a healthy part of my relationships, but it's not for everyone," says Blue. "For those who are turned on by BDSM interactions, it's very important to know that BDSM can be safe, loving, and healthy." © 2002 Shoreline Community College™ |