FORSTER residents and visitors were treated to three surprise performances on the weekend thanks to the Shimmy Mob.
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Each year , on the second Saturday in May, people from all over the world perform the same dance in Shimmy Mobs - a belly dancing version of a flash mob.
The international event aims to raise awareness of domestic violence and funding for local women’s shelters.
The Great Lakes event was organised and performed by the The Fireflies belly dancing group, with the funds going towards the Great Lakes Women’s Shelter.
The Fireflies belly dancing group member, Helen Compton said: “We shimmy mobbed at three locations, outside Westpac in Forster Main Street, near Beach Bums Cafe and in Stocklands Forster.
“We had the largest number of people at the last two locations and I think they enjoyed it a lot judging by the donations we received,” Helen said.
The group has raised $1800 dollars, and may have another fundraising event to help the women’s shelter.
Helen said she thought it was important to raise awareness that violence against any person was not acceptable.
“As a group of women we appreciate how devastating and debilitating domestic violence can be and how vital it is that women have somewhere they can go to escape,” she said.
Each year groups get sent out the choreography which they must learn for the day.
“We did enjoy the choreography, there is a competition each year to decide which choreography will be used,” Helen said.
“The choreography was challenging but our dance teacher Kathleen Soper adapted it to suit our group.
“Shimmy Mob is about the cause and taking part and is open to any dancers, non-dancers of all ages and genders.”
Helen said she found belly dancing to be a highly welcoming group activity.
“For our group it is an opportunity to get together each week, express ourselves through dance, learn some new skills, keep fit and have fun,” she said.
“There is a lot of laughter. The group is very supportive of each other and non-judgemental.”
Trivia night
The Great Lakes Hospice is hosting a trivia night on Friday, May 26 at The Bridge Club on Lake Street, Forster.
The theme is Mad Hatters and the cost is $10 per person.
Bring your own nibbles and drinks
Spaces are limited book now by calling 02 6554 7781.
All proceeds to Great Lakes Hospice Inc, a community based charity focused on supporting palliative care.