Dallas Finance Exec Finds Unexpected Passion in Rope Play After Divorce

Gianluca, 59, discovered the art of shibari and how it unlocks intimacy and self-discovery for his partners.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:00pm

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A high-contrast, brightly colored silkscreen print of a coil of jute rope repeated in a tight grid, conceptually representing the transformative power of rope bondage as a tool for self-expression.Gianluca's unexpected discovery of shibari rope play has unlocked new avenues of intimacy, self-discovery, and connection for the women he ties up in his Dallas penthouse.Dallas Today

After a late-in-life divorce, 59-year-old Dallas finance executive Gianluca found an unexpected passion in the world of shibari, or Japanese rope bondage. Gianluca, who had long felt a need to be seen and witnessed, discovered how the practice of tying and restraining women could create a profound sense of trust, intimacy, and self-discovery for his partners. He now spends Sunday afternoons guiding women through shibari sessions, carefully building tension and release to help them unlock new parts of themselves.

Why it matters

Gianluca's story sheds light on how unexpected hobbies and interests can emerge after major life changes like divorce. His discovery of shibari allowed him to explore his own needs for connection and presence, while also providing a transformative experience for the women he ties up. The practice challenges traditional notions of dominance and submission, highlighting how restraint can paradoxically lead to greater freedom of self-expression.

The details

Gianluca, a 59-year-old finance executive in Dallas, discovered shibari, or Japanese rope bondage, after going through a divorce. He was drawn to the practice's focus on intimacy, trust, and aesthetics, and began taking classes to learn the proper techniques. Gianluca now spends Sunday afternoons guiding women through shibari sessions in his penthouse, carefully building tension and release through the rope work. He sees the practice as a form of release and connection, rather than purely sexual, and is fascinated by how it allows women to unlock new parts of themselves and their sensuality.

  • Gianluca discovered shibari about two years ago, after his divorce.
  • He now spends Sunday afternoons hosting shibari sessions in his penthouse.

The players

Gianluca

A 59-year-old finance executive and private investor in Dallas who discovered a passion for shibari after his divorce.

Michelle

Gianluca's friend who helped introduce him to the world of exhibitionism and rope play.

Cara

A woman Gianluca performed for, who surprised herself by enjoying the experience of being blindfolded and exploring his movements with her hands.

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What they’re saying

“What I want can't be bought. I want to unlock it myself.”

— Gianluca, Finance Executive

“Though it sounds counterintuitive, the pressure of the rope calms the nervous system. The usual defenses are unnecessary because the boundaries are defined.”

— Gianluca, Finance Executive

“I have a lot to process.”

— Unnamed Woman

What’s next

Gianluca plans to continue exploring the world of shibari and guiding women through transformative rope play sessions in his penthouse. He is also considering writing a book or creating educational content to share his insights on the practice.

The takeaway

Gianluca's journey with shibari demonstrates how unexpected hobbies and interests can emerge after major life changes, and how these pursuits can provide a profound sense of connection, self-discovery, and release. His story challenges traditional notions of dominance and submission, showing how restraint can paradoxically lead to greater freedom of expression.