For the past decade, on World Belly Dance Day — the second Saturday in May — belly dancers around the world have danced in a flash mob referred to as a “Shimmy Mob.” The annual event raises awareness for the signs of domestic abuse. Whidbey Island’s own Shimmy Mob performed at Hierophant Meadery in Freeland and the Greenbank Farm on May 14. The dance featured participants who registered in advance.
Tessa Karno, the team leader for Langley’s section of the Whidbey Island Shimmy Mob, said this year’s event had 1,575 teams of 16,810 registered belly dancers in 61 countries, all who danced the same choreography to the same music. Oak Harbor also joined in on the fun this year with its own team. The two teams raised funds for the organization CADA, Citizens Against Domestic Violence and Abuse.
“This is a fun event, held for a serious cause and all are welcome to join,” Karno said. “Our participants range from complete novices to seasoned professions. We are inclusive and welcoming to anyone who wants to participate. We will also be fundraising the whole month of May.”
For more information, visit shimmymob.com or email shimmymobwhidbeyisland@gmail.com.
From left to right, Lisa Vega, Badeah Shirazi and Theresa DeLap belly dance at the Greenbank Farm. (Photo by David Welton)
Aristana Firethorne, center, belly dances at the Greenbank Farm. (Photo by David Welton)
Badeah Shirazi enjoys a moment of dancing bliss. (Photo by David Welton)
