A week at a glance.

Tuesday July 29th - Art Talk Night with Jeff Hengst, 7pm - 10pm

Thursday July 31st - Backrubs and Frontrubs Massage Class and Party, 7pm (private event)Mandatory RSVP to dastardly.deeds.david at gmail.com

Saturday August 2nd - LRS Summer Bash featuring live band, The Nasty Habits, 9pm at 750 Harrison St. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling (206) 328-4758

Sunday August 3rd - Men's Spa Night with Richard, 7pm - 10pm (call Richard direct at 206-370-0423 for info.)

Monday August 4th - Ladies' Spa Night with Sophia, 7pm - 10pm

Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle
Please call 206-963-0772 or e-mail Sophia@hengststudio.com for more information.

Whew! I made it!

This weekend was Erotic Shorts, Little Red Studio's quarterly theatrical offering. I was asked to audition for a part and even though I had never acted before or spoken someone else's words on stage, I tried out and landed the part of The Aerialist in "Double Decker Bus." This was the first screenplay Clayton, the LRS stage manager, has written and I was excited to be a part of it.

My first play went smashingly well. There were a few ups and downs in the whole process, but I think it is safe to say that all three performances were a success. Each night had it's challenges. By the time of the dress rehearsal, I felt flush with how each run through built on the next. I felt ready. But the difference in how it feels on the stage when only a handful of chairs were filled and when the show is sold out is more dramatic than I could have ever guessed! By Sunday night, the building energy came to a head and the emotions spilled forth. I was surprised at the intensity I felt around the character and story. Clayton wrote about this at length in his blog. In many ways, my experiences mirrored his, so I will let his eloquence speak for me, as well.

I am very grateful to Courtnee for running last night's Couple's Spa Night so that I could commit to performing in erotic Shorts. It was such a wonderful and enriching experience. She had such a good time that she and I have discussed her taking over as the regular host for the evening. I have to admit, I am excited about the prospect of attending a Spa Night as a guest, too!

Private Party at the Spa!

We have just rented out the Spa on the evening of August 31st to a group for the purpose of putting on a massage party. The organizer, David, has given me permission to tell you about it. Below is a portion of an email he sent out to his mailing list. If you are interested, please email me and I will put you in contact with him and his group for more details of the event.

Backrubs and Frontrubs is a clothing optional oasis where we revel in all manner of tactile delights. It is our pleasure to provide one-one-one massage instruction to every guest. The next co-ed massage party is Thursday, 7/31, and men only party is Sunday, 8/30.

We would appreciate it if every guest brought at least one partner who is willing to trade massage with you. We welcome LGBT, straight, polyamorous, and monogamous couples/groups. If you would like to be introduced to potential massage partners before the party, please email me for personal introductions (we love to play matchmaker).

The party/class cost is $30 (unless you wish to volunteer), cash and checks only. You may arrive as early as 7 PM for social hour, but please arrive before 7:30 PM if you want to hear the educational lecture. This party is for those 18 years of age or older, please. RSVP's are required, as space is limited. RSVP soon as the party usually sells out well before the event. You may request more information, or RSVP, to dastardly.deeds.david@gmail.com.

Peace and pleasure

David

Thank you for voting for LRS!

Back in May, I made a post asking you to put in a vote for the Day Spa and LRS in the People's Picks in NWSource.com. Thanks to you, Little Red Studio made the top ten finalists for Local Theater Company!

We got a fancy placard and a letter. Here's an excerpt:

"Congratulations! The people of Seattle have voted and declared you one of their local favorites!
The 5th annual NWSource.com People's Picks contest is an opportunity for locals to stand up and be counted by voting for their favorite business and people. More than 80,000 votes came in this year in over 70 categories, from restaurants to entertainment, shopping, travel and recreation. And you made the top 10!"

What a nice feather for our cap!

Resistance is futile.

When it comes to essential oils and aromatherapy supplies, I generally have very little self restraint. I got an email yesterday from Original Swiss Aromatics announcing their 25th anniversary sale.

Of course, the things that are on sale are the normally outrageously expensive, rare oils, such as Helichrysum, also known as Everlast, which is amazing for aiding wounds in healing cleaner, i.e. reduction in scarring. Oh, and the sale is only on the 100mL size bottles, priced at $297.50. Compare with 15mL for $98.10 and you can see what an incredible discount that is. It's a good thing these oils are potent, otherwise I would think I was crazy for thinking that was a good deal. A 15mL bottle of anything can last me for months of personal use, so I can't really see the point of buying that much of something I would use so sparingly.

What I really like about this company is the consistent quality of the oils, which is a difficult thing with all the various factors that contribute to the strength and integrity of an oil. They do a certain amount of standardizing, which accounts for their higher prices on some of the oils. Sometimes, though, they are the cheapest price around, like the Moroccan Chamomile, I am paying $6 more for a bottle three times the size of the last one I bought at The Herbalist. When I can't wait for an order to be shipped, The Herbalist is where I go as it is convenient and decent quality on average. Unfortunately, there are a lot of oils that no one carries, like Black Pepper.

Here is my shopping list.
Cypress #5118
Cardamon #159
Chamomile Moroccan #103
Katrafay #4142
Pepper, black #166

The Cypress and the Katrafay are oils I have never ordered before and I am excited to smell them. These particular oils are especially suited to massage because of their affects on the circulatory system and muscles. There will be plenty of time to experiment with them before it's time to change the scented oil of the season.

I have a strong urge to go check the mail box.

I'm in a play!

But don't worry, Courtnee will be hosting Couple's Spa Night, Sunday, July 27th from 7pm - 10pm, in my stead.

Erotic Shorts

Friday, July 25th @ 9PM
Saturday, July 26th @ 9PM
Sunday, July 27th @ 8PM

Our third time out with this fun collection of short erotic plays! Come revel in an evening of theater like only Little Red Studio can offer - indigent poets, surprise breakfasts, picnics in the park and the old west all await you.

Several short erotic plays, written by local playwrights and directed and acted by members of our troupe as well as from the greater Seattle theater community. Our first two efforts at producing erotic theater was a sold out success - make sure you don't miss this round!

Buy tix online: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/37858 or make your reservations by calling: 206-328-4758.

More Watsu reflections

After my last Watsu post, I received a few emails and have had some great conversations about this unique bodywork. Here are a few snippets.

One woman said that the best way to describe it is that "there are no worries under the water." (While being floated, your ears are under the water most of the time, creating a muffling or insulating effect to the noises around you.)

Another guest wrote this:

Having already experienced a Watsu with Mahina last September I knew that I had to concentrate on relaxing, floating, and clearing my mind.

That accomplished, I gave myself up to trusting that you would care for me. What I was feeling from you during the Watsu was this incredible maternal nurturing energy that fed my soul. I was filled with peace and comfort that is hard to describe...............

I felt connected and accepted, non-judged in any way.

That is so rare, being a middle-aged man in the business world. To find a special place, with incredible practitioners who can impart such peace and positive energy in a safe environment.

I had a 90-minute relaxation massage 3 days earlier by a LMP I had seen for many years. I am surprised (and shocked) that in comparing the 2 treatments, the 90-minute relaxation massage now feels so non-therapeutic.

Another guest talked about wanting more sensory disorientation. Dreams of a larger tub so that toes wouldn't brush the edges and no jets so that the silence is more profound. (I'm working on that.)

I'm really enjoying people sharing their stories and experiences with Watsu. It gives me a chance to further develop my ideas for evolving my own style and to understand the different ways this bodywork can touch someone.

Men's Night tonight and Ladies' Night tomorrow!

Men's Spa Night - 1st and 3rd Sundays!
Drop In: 7- 10pm
Cost: $10
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle

Ladies' Spa Night - Every Monday!
Drop In: 7- 10pm
Cost: $10
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle

The Little Red Day Spa is now offering Men's and Ladies' Spa Nights every week hosted by Richard Jessup and Sophia, respectively

These nights are designed to be a casual and social evening. There
will be a practitioner present to make you feel welcome and facilitate
use of the spa's equipment. There will be areas set up for clay, salt scrubs and massage for you and your friends to pamper each other. For an extra fee, one can get a short massage during the evening from our massage therapist on staff.

Please call 206-963-0772 or e-mail Sophia@hengststudio.com for more information. No reservations required at this time.

LRS Gold Show sneak preview

The Gold Show is the original Little Red Studio show, made up the night before the performance. It's always a delightful surprise to see what people have been working on once they are ready to unveil it.

If you choose to go to Saturday's show you can expect an incredible double aerials act, a storyteller spurring on your imagination, a reading of one of Scott Ezell's bawdiest writings, and interpretive dance with a tasty twist!

Where: 750 Harrison Street
How Much: $30
Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling (206) 328-4758

This week's events and fun things to do.

Tonight, Tuesday the 15, Jeff is hosting Art Talk Night in the Spa. If you have ever wanted to get a closer look at a painting, or ask Jeff the story behind a piece, or you are looking to add to your art collection, this is Tuesday nights at the Spa are for you! Join Jeff anytime between 7pm and 10pm at 1506 Franklin Ave. E.

While Jeff is starting up Art Talk Night, I will be making a trip to the Center for Sex Positive Culture to teach a free massage workshop for the Ascension Group that meets at the Center. Ascension is a discussion/social group for all sex-positive 18-35 year olds. The meeting happens every 3rd Tuesday of the month, starting at 7pm. Attendance is donation based and I will be teaching people safety and fun tricks for massaging your sweetie for the first hour of the meeting. it should be a lot of fun. Please note that this an age based group. They are open to the public and encourage any interested or curious person between the ages of 18 and 35 years to attend. Please bring your ID.

The Little Red Studio Gold Show is this Saturday the 19th. This is our monthly surprise show. Even we don't know what will be featured until rehearsal on Thursday evening! I will give you a sneak peak as soon as I hear what the line up is. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling (206) 328-4758. Please remember that the shows happen at our other venue in the South Lake Union neighbourhood at 750 Harrison St.

Men's Spa Night returns on Sunday the 20th. Please feel free to call Richard directly at (206)370-0423 or email him, jessupdances at netzero dot net, for special events and to RSVP for a shiatsu or watsu session during Men's Night.
Drop In: 7- 10pm
Cost: $10
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle

I look for patterns.

One of the things I like to do most in life is to analyze people, their behaviours and social events. I look for patterns, not only so I can make predictions about future happenings, but also so that I can recognize something different.

We had our third Couple's Spa Night yesterday. It was quite a nice affair with a good mix of people. The pattern emerging is for everyone to be social in the hot tub, much like during Ladies' Night, at the start of the evening. Slowly, pairs drifted out of the water. Even though I had lowered the tub temperature down to 98F, no one was interested in staying in for Watsu. Not surprising after a hot day.

Couple's took turns using the 3 massage tables to trade massage. Most everyone indulged in the coolness of the clay that was scented with peppermint and lavender essential oils. Being scrubbed head to foot with the Pineapple Salt Scrub got rave reviews from the gentleman, some of whom had never had the pleasure.

There were many correlations to how the Ladies' Night evenings shape up. Some of the women who attended with their partners have been to Ladies' Night, so that may have had a lot to do with it. But I can't help but be curious if human behaviour in groups is not that variable.

Small reminder: Ladies' Night tonight!
Drop In: 7- 10pm
Cost: $10
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle

RSVP for Couple's Night tonight!

If you would like to attend this evening's Couple's Spa Night, please give me a call at (206)963-0772 or email me, Sophia at HengstStudio.com by 5pm tonight. The reservation list is currently about half full, so the is plenty of room still available.

This night is designed to be a casual and social evening. There will be a practitioner present to make you feel welcome and facilitate use of the spa's equipment. There will be areas set up for clay, salt scrubs and massage for you and your sweetie to pamper each other. Nibbles and tea provided.

Hope to see you this evening!

Drop In: 7- 10pm
Cost: $25 per couple
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle

Sunday Field Trip to S.A.M.

Jeff is starting something new for LRS guests. Our first field trip is this Sunday the 13th of July. It is to the Seattle Art Museum and hosted by Jeff. Folks are invited to come to the Gallery/Office on Dexter at 11 AM. We will then take the trolley and bus downtown to see the special exhibit "Inspiring Impressionism." Cost for entry to the Museum and show is $10. Please bring whatever extra money you need for lunch and extras. There is no charge from LRS for this event. Jeff will be sharing his artist's perspective with anyone who is interested. After the show we will all go out for lunch and/or drinks somewhere. In the future we will be planning field trips to wineries and other artistic events.

I have gone with Jeff a few different museums and greatly enjoyed the experience. I was able to learn so much from him, and in such a fun way. As a long time student of the arts, Jeff Hengst can tell you all the less than glorious stories about the artists and how they made their art. The stories that make the icons real and human.

Whether you are an art lover, or don't generally go to art shows because their boring, you are assured a grand time with Jeff as your guide this Sunday.

Creative Movement

I had a session with Cody last week, the practitioner who developed the Creative Movement Spa Session.

We ended up spending the whole time in the hot tub engaging in an aquatic dance with her mostly orchestrating my movements. At the beginning she explained to me that I should let my body decide what movements to do, including being completely passive and allowing the movements that she or the water generated. It was deeply relaxing and freeing, especially the part where I could move or not move. Sometimes during a bodywork I have urges to stretch a limb during a massage stroke that I don't feel comfortable acting on.

At the end of the session, I was quiet for a long time. An odd state, as I am normally chatty when feeling that good. I was so absorbed in being. I was reveling in the feeling of integration. It wasn't that my emotions/psyche were in tune with my body and vice versa. I was whole.

Having an emotional goal, rather than a physical one, is not uncommon for body work. But it is also not common enough. Cody and I had a solemn discussion about the work she has been doing with one of our guest's grief in their sessions. It was moving and wonderful. We talked of making this type of work more available, or rather, making people aware that it is available at the Spa. I think it is a wonderful fit with Watsu.

Looks like we will have to come up with another name for what we do in the hot tub, though. We seem to be moving farther away from classical Watsu as we edge into incorporating Cody's emotional work and use of Contact Dance Improv*. I am looking forward to learning more so as to be able to do these sessions, as well, and share similarly trans formative experiences.

*What is Contact Improvisation?

Contact Improvisation is a moving massage. It is a dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. If you could do Aikido, surf, wrestle and dance at the same time, you would have an idea of what Contact Improvisation feels like. What makes Contact different from other dance is that partners are often moving in and out of physical contact while rolling, spiraling, springing and falling. They find ways to "enjoy the ride" and improvise while mutually supporting and following each others movements. The dancing is unpredictable and inspired by the physical and energetic contact the partners share. -- Ernie Adams, Berkeley, CA, (found here.)

This week at the Spa.

I've been so busy with my chores around the studio I forgot to post a reminder!

Tonight we have Ladies' Night, starting at 7pm and going until 10pm. Cost is $10 and no reservations necessary. Just drop by 1506 Franklin Ave. E. and enjoy the cool or the heat.

Tomorrow's Art talk Night is going to be starting at 7:30pm. This is to accommodate a long standing spa session and for July 8th only. Please forgive the late start.

On Friday, starting at 8pm over at the Harrison Street space, LRS will be putting on the musical concert, A Night in Paris. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling (206) 328-4758

Saturday the 12th, starting at 8:30pm, will be the 3rd White Show to date. I am performing in this one and you can get a sneak peak of my act on YouTube. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling (206) 328-4758.

Sunday the 13th is our next Couples' Night. Cost is $25 per couple. No singles. Please RSVP via phone by calling 206-963-0772 or emailing me at Sophia at HengstStudio.com. There is still room left!

New at LRS: Conversation Cafe

We are doing something new at LRS. It’s called Conversation Café. It is a format for having a large group conversation with 6 to 8 people that keeps the conversation meaningful, focused and balances who talks. The format encourages the quieter ones to come forward and prevents any grand standing. We hold it right here at the Harrison Studio from 11am to 1pm Sunday morning, after the LRS show. This is a firm start time, so don’t be late because we lock the doors.

It is complimentary and we’d love to have you if you can commit to being there. The questions we are exploring: ‘How would you describe your personal experience at LRS? What inspires you? What disturbs you? And what is happening in your life that makes it compelling to spend time at LRS?’ Would you like to join us?

I am very excited about the Conversation Cafe, as very often we have experiences that we want to talk about and trade ideas and revelations that are a result of that experience. Little Red Studio shows have this effect. I have always gotten together with a few troupe members after each show to discuss how it went and more personal observations. I am glad to know that there is an official event for this type of debriefing that includes guests.

The Conversation Cafe is open to anyone who has been to a LRS show. Please inquire about this Sunday's Conversation Cafe when you check in for tonight's last Psychedelic Show.

Eeeek! Correction regarding Sunday's Men's Night.

I just got a quick note from Richard about this week's Men's Night. Please note this is specific to July 6th.

I wanted to let you know that the men's night coming up on Sunday night is by reservation only. That is because I have a special guest coming who is facilitating a tantric workshop, as the centerpiece of the evening. We will not be taking any walk-ins this week.

If anyone would like to join us, they should call or email very soon. Thank you!

Richard (206) 370-0423 Cell.
jessupdances@netzero.net

Happy Independence Day!

Have a fun and safe time celebrating America's birthday!

A Note for the Gentlemen:

After you enjoy your holiday weekend, make sure to relax at the Little Red Day Spa with Richard from 7-10pm. Every 1st and 3rd Sunday evening, you can spend $10 to soak and scrub your way to relaxation. Short watsu and shiatsu sessions available for an addition fee. (Call or email Richard to get on the reservation list for a watsu or shiatu session.)

Info: Call Richard directly at (206)370-0423 or jessupdances at netzero.net
Cost: $10
Location: 1506 Franklin Ave. E
Hours: 7pm - 10pm, drop in, no reservations necessary

Call 206-963-0772 for information or directions.
Please park on the street, as there is limited parking in our lot.
We would like to reserve that parking for guests with mobility issues.
( Do not park within the yellow lines.)

Open on the 4th of July.

Special hours for this Friday, July 4th: 10am - 6pm

Like any good oasis, we don't close done completely during the summer holidays. And unlike Thanksgiving, we aren't closing down early due to the familial nature of the holiday. We are shutting down at 6pm because it's crazy in Eastlake on the 4th!

Independence Day is the one day of the year that being 3 blocks from Lake Union is not a feature. Every other day of the summer, I relish taking my lunch at the dock or in one of the pocket parks. Admittedly, this is the best place to watch fireworks from, especially if you watch them from a house boat. Our lovely little neighborhood is not equipped for the dramatic influx of traffic, though. If you are planning on coming down here, be aware that after dinner time, about 6pm, all the streets in Eastlake are clogged. There are just too many cars, so be patient.

If you would like to schedule an appointment during the day of the 4th, you can call me at (206)963-0772 or email Sophia at HengstStudio.com to get scheduled. Remember, we have our own parking lot, so don't worry about finding a parking spot if you drive to your appointment.