TYALGUM BELLY dance instructor Jewels Sims is calling for men, women and children to shimmy their stuff as part of a flash mob to support victims of abuse around the world.
For the past eight years on World Bellydance Day, teams of belly dancers have danced a Shimmy Mob to raise funds and awareness for domestic violence support services.
Ms Sims, who has been belly dancing for more than 20 years and currently teaches in Tyalgum, said no experience is necessary to join the Tyalgum flash mob who will be performing the dance routine on Saturday, May 11.
“Shimmy Mob was started by a woman in Canada after her own experience of domestic violence,” Ms Sims said.
“The choreography is really simple, I’ve even taught the routine to my eight-year-old daughter so everyone can join in.”
Registrations to join the Shimmy Mob close on Sunday, March 31, after which Ms Sims will commence rehearsals for what will be her first flash mob for the global event.
“Our team is called Team Tyalgum and I am starting small but next year I would like to head to Kingscliff and then possibly Byron or the Gold Coast as there is a real opportunity to get more Shimmy Mobs participating, but I am starting in my own village with my own troupe,” she said.
While most of us are familiar with seeing women belly dance, contrary to popular belief, Ms Sims said men were also traditionally part of belly dancing troupes and she is encouraging men to join the mob and show their support for this important issue.
“We just want everyone to dance whether you’re a man, woman or a child,” she said.
“I had a male dancer in a previous troupe but of course the way they dance and their costumes are very different.
“Their choreography is more masculine, and they traditionally use things like sticks, swords and even snakes.
“Their costume is traditionally baggy harem pants, a Turkish vest and a fez hat and they provide a good contrast to the women.
“Male belly dancing was part of the history of the dance style which can be tracked back to ancient Egypt.”
However, it’s not all about shimmying your stuff, Ms Sims said, but more importantly about raising funds and support where it is needed most.
“All money raised will go to Wollumbin Family Support Incorporated, who promote safe families and focus on the prevention and provision of options for families to help with recovery from domestic violence,” she said.
“Their aim is to let women know that help is out there for them and to help raise awareness of warning signs to prevent domestic violence.”
Ms Sims said she is encouraging local businesses to donate prizes for a fundraising raffle to be drawn on the day.
To register visit www.shimmymob.com
For rehearsal and class information please phone Ms Sims on 0474 256 222.