Essential Articles for Safe Kink Play
In Switch-Benjamin's Philosophy, Kink, much like the tango, is a dance of mutual enjoyment and understanding. Both require partners to savour the intricate details, respecting boundaries and rhythms. This post explores how kink can be shared beautifully without expectations, emphasizing consent, connection, and the possibility of a meaningful continuation if mutual feelings align.
Kink and Tango: Follow Your Brain
No D/s - Just Partners
Just as tango is not only danced by couples who are deeply in love, kink is NOT only for those Dominant/Sub couples, Master/Mistress/Sub/Slaves, or Married Couples, or those in romantic relationships. You can be Play Partners, just like Dance Partners.
Tango, often seen as a passionate dance, is sometimes more about flow, expression, and connecting deeply without romance or sensual moves. Likewise, kink needn’t always end in sex or follow a script of relationship of dominance and submission—it can be playful, expressive, and a unique dance of its own, independent of sexual outcomes.
Happiness vs. Pleasure; Serotonin vs. Dopamine
This perspective shifts the focus from a search for pleasure alone to something broader: happiness and fulfillment.
When we dance or engage in kink play, our brains release serotonin, the “happiness hormone,” rather than dopamine, which is associated with seeking pleasure or intense highs.
Dopamine drives us to chase rewards, a cycle of excitement and satisfaction through thrill-seeking activities like intense stimulation or novel experiences.
Serotonin, however, brings feelings of peace, contentment, and well-being—it’s the kind of happiness that comes from genuine connection, fulfillment, and the joy of being present.
Fulfillment in Kink Dance
By focusing on serotonin-based happiness, rather than only dopamine-driven pleasure, people can find richer, more sustainable fulfillment in kink. They experience joy in the moment and satisfaction from meaningful connection. Embracing kink as a journey of shared experience and a way to cultivate joy deepens its impact, creating a “Kink Dance” in which happiness, not pleasure alone, is the goal.
The Dance of Mutual Understanding
The world of kink, much like the intricate and passionate dance of tango, relies heavily on mutual understanding and consent. Both experiences demand a deep connection and an appreciation for the complex choreography that brings them to life. Whether it’s the sway of tango or the nuances of a kink scene, respectful communication and mutual enjoyment are key.
"The essence of tango is in its dialogue between partners, a silent conversation conveyed through body language."
The Role of Consent and Communication
Just like in tango, where each step is carefully coordinated through subtle cues, kink thrives on clear communication. Consent is paramount; both partners should feel comfortable expressing their boundaries, desires, and limits.
- Establish Boundaries: Discuss what is and isn't acceptable before engaging in a kink scene. This sets the stage for a positive experience.
- Use Safe Words: Create a safe word or signal that either party can use to pause or stop the activity at any point.
- Check-In Frequently: During the scene, check in with your partner to ensure they are comfortable and enjoying the experience.
Like the smooth rhythm of a tango, effective communication ensures the dance doesn’t miss a beat.
Embracing Equality in Experience
Both tango and kink are fulfilling when both partners are equally engaged and invested in the experience. Neither participant should feel dominant unless it is part of the agreed dynamic, such as in certain kink roles. The goal is a harmonious balance, where both parties find pleasure in the shared moments.
The Importance of Equality
In tango, the concept of ‘leader’ and ‘follower’ does not imply inequality, but rather an agreement on roles to create a fluid experience. This is mirrored in kink, where roles define the scene but should not detract from mutual respect and enjoyment.
- Shared Responsibilities: This could include planning the scene, preparing the space, and ensuring all tools or costumes are ready.
- Mutual Enjoyment: Both partners should derive joy from the experience, ensuring it’s not solely for the benefit of one party.
Equality in experiences ensures that both parties leave the scene satisfied and respected, just as a perfectly executed tango ends with both dancers exhilarated.
The Art of Concluding the Dance
In tango, when the music stops, both dancers pause, acknowledge each other, and part with respect and understanding. Similarly, in kink, aftercare is crucial, offering a chance to reconnect and ensure both partners feel cared for and appreciated.
Navigating Aftercare
- Physical Comfort: Providing water, blankets, or gentle massage can help partners come back to a state of equilibrium.
- Emotional Support: Discussing the scene in detail can help both partners reaffirm their connection and address any lingering concerns.
- Mutual Reassurance: Express gratitude for the shared experience, reinforcing the positive emotions generated in the scene.
"Aftercare is as important as the scene itself, providing closure and a return to normalcy."
And The Dance Continues...
In summary, both tango and kink are beautiful, consensual expressions of human connection. They demand communication, mutual respect, and an understanding that the shared experience should be enjoyable for all involved. Just as no one expects a lifelong commitment after a tango, kink scenes don’t automatically lead to more unless mutually desired.
In both realms, the beauty lies in the journey, the connection, and the unspoken understanding that while the music plays, two become one, dancing with trust and harmony.
As with all dances, the key is to enjoy each moment, respect your partner, and embrace the artistry of the experience. The tango of kink leaves both partners enriched and eager to dance again.
“Kink is Tango”, Switch-Benjamin’s Kink Philosophy
“Kink is Tango” is a unique perspective that Benjamin brings to the world of kink. He views kink as an intimate, expressive dance akin to the tango, where each movement is a mutual exploration. His theory underscores the importance of respecting each other’s rhythms, boundaries, and signals in order to achieve a harmonious connection. For Ben, both tango and kink require partners to be in tune with each other’s cues, moving together without pressure or pre-set expectations. This perspective emphasizes that kink, like dance, can be deeply enjoyable and meaningful when approached with openness, consent, and appreciation for every small gesture.