OCT RING JAM: Pulling Strings - Learning Rope Physics through Tensegrity

This hands-on class explores the physics of rope suspension by building and experimenting with a small “tensegrity” model (provided free to all participants). Tensegrity is a type of structure where ropes or cables hold everything in tension while solid pieces carry compression, balancing each other so it looks like it’s floating. Using this mind-bending structure, we’ll dive into three foundational physics concepts used in rope suspension:
Tension & Compression – Understand how ropes only carry tension while solid structures carry compression.
Static Equilibrium – Explore how balance is maintained when forces are equalized, and why even small shifts in tension can change stability.
Load Paths – Trace how weight/force flows through ropes, the body, and anchor points
By the end of the session, you’ll not only walk away with your own mini tensegrity model, but also a deeper, hands-on understanding of the physics that keeps suspension both creative and safe.

RING Jam is an open rope-oriented space designed to give attendees the opportunity and security to practice with and learn from one another! We encourage folks to share knowledge and bring resources to further their journey. The Mark has a solid library attendees can pull from, and we encourage the use of phones or tablets to watch tutorials. Pretty much, it's a Rope Jam! If you have any questions, feel free to ask a peer!

RING Jam is NOT a play party! Like Open Rope at the monthly RING classes, this is NOT the time to have a scene; this is the time to PRACTICE for a scene. It’s a time to learn and communicate with each other to better understand how things can work in our scenes.

18+ with valid ID

A note to Community Members: As we continue to grow and evolve together, we want to take a moment to speak with you directly about some important updates to our pricing structure. Starting August 1st, 2025, we want to make an increase to our event rates. The increase will put event pricing at $15/ticket (Up from the previous $10). This decision was not made lightly, and we want to be fully transparent about the factors that have led us here:

Insurance Costs – As a safety-conscious organization, we carry specialized liability coverage to ensure our space and programs remain secure for all participants. Insurance premiums across the sector have gone up significantly, and we are adjusting to keep our operations protected and compliant.

Expanding Our Presenter Network – One of our ongoing goals is to bring in diverse and skilled educators to enrich our offerings. These experts deserve fair compensation for their time and knowledge, and this adjustment helps us sustain that commitment.

Supporting “Jane’s Guest Program” – This community-supported initiative allows us to welcome attendees who might not otherwise have access to our events due to financial hardship. With your help, we’ve made a real impact—and we want to ensure that continues.

We understand that price changes can be challenging, and we’re committed to keeping our programming as accessible as possible. If these increases present a barrier for you, please reach out. We are actively working on more sliding scale options and sponsorships to ensure everyone has a place here. Thank you for your continued support, trust, and presence. Together, we’re building something truly special—and your contributions, in every form, make it possible.

Host or Publisher RING Nashville