Tantric Bathhouse (Bania)

THE EXPERIENCE

The experience

A Tantric evening in a Russian banya, unfolding through heat, steam, sensation and conscious touch.

On 6 November, we took tantric practice into a Russian banya. The evening unfolded through heat, steam and touch.

The banya naturally brings attention back to the body. Heat relaxes the muscles and slows the breath, while steam makes the skin more sensitive and every touch more vivid. As the body softens, we can notice warmth, closeness, the pressure of another person’s hands, the desire for more and the moment when we want to pause and return to ourselves.

Three rounds inside the steam room

The experience unfolds through three rounds, and every practice takes place inside the hot steam room.

The first round begins with a guided meditation for relaxation and contact with the body. We will stay with the breath and feel heat settling into the muscles. We will notice how the body responds as the usual inner rush grows quieter.

The second round brings frozen oranges onto warm skin. We will use them for massage and follow the sharp contrast between cold fruit and heat. Simple movements become playful and full of sensation.

During the third round, we will give one another slow massages. Each person will have time to give and receive, adjust the pressure and pace, and follow the responses of the body under their hands.

Touch with clear consent

Every partnered practice begins with clear consent. You choose who you practise with, how much touch you want and how actively you take part. Before changing the pressure, pace or form of touch, we check again.

You can change your mind at any moment, ask for something different or pause the practice. Heat can make the body feel softer and more open, so we will keep returning to both desire and choice throughout all three rounds.

This evening invites you to enjoy the warmth, slow down and explore how sensuality changes when the whole body becomes more awake to touch.