No Fifty Shades of Grey here! Just a fun, family-oriented activity!

Jamestown, Ohio – Men and women have always struggled to find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift and often settle for traditional flowers and candy. Shared activities, however, can be enjoyed by both and are remembered far longer than expensive flowers that will wilt or an annoying singing greeting card.

From picnics in the park to fine dining, there are activities for every budget. One Ohio-based performing arts studio urges couples to forget ballroom dancing and horse-drawn carriage rides this Valentine’s Day and try something new – bullwhip lessons for couples!

For the 9th year, The Whip Artistry Studio in Jamestown, Ohio, is offering special bullwhip artistry lessons designed as a fun activity just for couples.

Opened in 1998, The Whip Artistry Studio is a certified training center and founding base of the Society of American Whip Artistry and the only permanent facility in the United States dedicated to the study of whip arts.

“Whip artistry” is a precision concept for an ancient skill. It refers to the use of a bullwhip or stock whip for sport and performance art. The Whip Artistry Studio works like a creative arts center providing certified individual or group lessons and stage performances. Many couples and entire families have come to The Whip Artistry Studio to learn the whip for fun and sport.

Most are hobbyists who are just interested in learning a unique skill. Others are professional performers and stage entertainers who want to add the whip to their repertoire.

“Guys dig chicks with mad whip skills!” According to studio director, Gery Deer, women tend to have more aptitude toward the whip than their male counterparts.

Writer, entrepreneur Gery L. Deer, is a nationally-known whip artistry performer and instructor, and the studio’s founding director.

“Whips have been around in some form for thousands of years,” said Deer. “This is not ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ we’re talking about. Bullwhips are a fun, precision tool for family-oriented sport and entertainment and a great activity in which anyone can participate.”

Similar to ballroom dancing, whip artistry is learned in steps with basic techniques branching into precision movement.

Perfect for all ages and interests, the special one-hour couple’s whip artistry session starts with a quick safety overview and covers the basics of whip artistry.

Contrary to what one might think, the couple does not crack the whip at each other nor is it used in any type of crude or dangerous manner. Instead the couple shares a unique experience and learns a new skill together.

A seasoned whip performer and trainer, Deer has appeared on stage around the country including national television programs like The Bonnie Hunt Show and NBC’s America’s Got Talent. He also develops whip-holstering equipment and specialty training for movie studios and theatrical companies.

Couple’s whip lessons start at $60.00 and reservations are required and must be made no less than 72 hours in advance. Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday before the end of February. For more information, or to make a reservation, go online to The Whip Artistry Studio website www.thewhipstudio.com or call (937) 902-4857.