BDSM is my lifelong passion. I am a ritualist who connects heat, heart and spirit with my radical sexuality. I am a dominant woman who also personally appreciates the joys of bottoming. As a community player, I feel that we are explorers on the ecstatic path of conscious erotic energy exchange.

My journey into SM play started in the 80 s'. There I found the link that connects my sexuality and my spirituality. I learned that negotiated sadomasochism is a valid path to self-discovery, intimacy and healing. A versatile private player, I soon became a Domina.

Leather Conferences and community groups such as Outcasts, Janus, Exiles, QSM first gave me a voice as an ethical and informed kink presenter. I then traveled to conferences like NLA. In 1995 I founded the Academy of S/M Arts to empower and guide those on their own leather journeys. In 2002, my Academy of SM Arts offered its first Erotic Dominance Intensive for Women, a small focused hands-on weekend workshop. I now also offer weekend Intensives for Dominant Men and Men Who Switch with Eve Minax and Selina Raven several times a year at the SF Citadel in San Francisco. We host a yearly course for professional Dominas as well. Details are on my website: www.sm-arts.com

My award-winning docufilm "The Pain Game," has become a classic, noted for its authenticity in embodying the spirit of connected SM play. Published in many non-fiction lifestyle books, I currently write a column for alt.com magazine and contribute to Kink-e-zine.com

In June 2008 I had the great honor to be chosen one of the two Leather Marshalls for the LGBT San Francisco Parade. I continue to teach alone and with my life partner, Fakir Musafar, offering "Spirit + Flesh" body-based shamanic community rituals. I believe in the magic of SM and in keeping a sense of humor about it all!

Afraid to embrace your dark energies? Think you?l go too far? Fear difficult emotional repercussions after a heavy scene? Never get to be as deeply masochistic as you really are?

Well-known for creating fiery scenes of conscious and caring sadism, Cleo is honored to be invited to Chicago with a program of enlightening excitement! This class speaks to the trust, subtle on-going negotiation, emotional risk taking and dynamic skills that underpin those unforgettable scenes. Cleo's demo is not to be missed! Come see for yourself how she and her bottom(s) reach and ride the waves of S/M intensity.

But to make that happen She still needs one volunteer , a masochistic woman would be marvelous, who would enjoy some of the things she loves like caning, flogging, heavy nipple play, a little piercing and clothepins zippers. Full power bottoms who stay connected work best with her...Masochists who do not identify as submissives are welcome. Volunteers can write to EventChair@kinkykollege.com.