New England dancers will join with thousands of others in spreading a wave of feminine empowerment across the globe as World Belly Dance Day raises awareness of gender-based violence and domestic abuse.
World Belly Dance Day is held annually on the second Saturday in May, this year on 11th May.
With the Australian public currently demanding reform in domestic abuse issues, sadly it is also a global problem. Shimmy Mob is an international belly dance movement which continues to grow in support, this year having teams from seven countries.
While it is a day filled with dance, fun, and positive energy, it also provides a platform to advocate for change.
Team Glen Innes is participating in its sixth Shimmy Mob this year. The group will be performing publicly at Glen Innes Cottage Markets (9.00am), Fire and Rescue Open Day (11.00am) and the Markets in the Highlands (11.30am). The Glen Innes Town Square will also be a very special place to be on the morning of 11th May.
“Any opportunity to raise public awareness and have conversations about domestic and family violence and abuse is important in this current environment,” said Helen Tucker, Team Leader of Team Glen Innes Shimmy Mob.
“Shimmy Mob provides a relatively non-threatening platform for these discussions, using the joy of dance to attract the attention of people that might not otherwise engage with this topic.”
“Although we take our fundraising seriously, we are more interested in raising awareness about the signs of emotional abuse and coercive control, and in having conversations about respectful relationships because we believe that this can help prevent future violence.”
“Support services are vital, but we will only make a significant impact on this societal problem through cultural change.”
Team Glen Innes has created their own not-for-profit organisation called Shimmy 2 Support Inc. This will allow the group to provide support locally as well as through the Share the Dignity charity which they have supported previously.
They also aim to provide crisis bags to local support services to meet local need and will consider other ways to assist local support services.
Donations of goods for inclusion in crisis and dignity bags can be taken to the Centacare office in Grey Street during business hours, to the Girl Guide Hall during their classes (Thursday 5.30-7.30pm), or call Helen to arrange collection (0434518951).
Cash donations can be made on the day with fundraising buckets making the rounds at each performance.
Tamworth will also be taking the stage in the Shimmy Mob International Belly Dance Day. Having been involved in the movement for twelve years, Tamworth’s Wendy Larkham will lead Team Tamworth for the first time this year.
“Global events like Shimmy Mob play a crucial role in raising awareness about gender-based violence and promoting support networks for those impacted,” said Ms Larkham.
“By shining a spotlight on the prevalence and impact of violence against women and girls, these events help raise awareness and educate the public about the seriousness of the issue.”
“Shimmy Mob brings together communities, organisations, and individuals from diverse backgrounds to stand against gender-based violence, while also advocating for change.”
“For survivors of gender-based violence, participating in Shimmy Mob can be a powerful form of empowerment and healing. It provides survivors with a platform to share their stories, reclaim their voices, and connect with others who have experienced similar challenges.”
“By coming together on May 11th, my team will not only showcase the strength and resilience of individuals but also spread a message of hope, empowerment, and possibility to others.”
Team Tamworth will be performing through central Tamworth during the morning of Saturday 11th May. Performances can be seen at K-mart (10:00am), Centrepoint Arcade (10.30am), Fitzroy Street (11.15am), at the front of Ray Walsh House (11.30am), in and at Shopping World (12.00pm).
All proceeds raised on the day will be donated to their nominated local charity TFSS (Tamworth Family Support Services). Donations can also be made online with this direct link Donations – TFSS
The global celebration that is World Belly Dance Day is helping create change – one shimmy at a time.
Top image: Team Glen Innes prepare for World Belly Dance Day (Supplied: Helen Tucker)
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