Deadline nears to dance against domestic violence

Meadville Tribune - 3/21/2017

March 21--The deadline to belly dance in support of a local charity is approaching, but if dancing isn't your thing there are other ways to help.

The deadline to register to dance with Meadville's Shimmy Mob group is March 31, according to Pamela Coulson Smith, belly dance instructor and organizer of Meadville's first Shimmy Mob.

Anyone interested in being part of Meadville's Shimmy Mob can go to shimmymob.com and register for $35. Proceeds go to Women's Services Inc. The registration kit includes links to online videos of choreography and breakdowns and an official Shimmy Mob T-shirt for the local Shimmy Mob event on May 13.

Practice takes place Sundays at 5 p.m. at Brookside Studio, 449 E. Steers St., Meadville.

"I got involved because learning to belly dance was on my bucket list and the cause was important to me," Smith said. "We try to raise awareness and join as a group to take a stand against domestic violence and raise funds for victims of abuse."

The first worldwide Shimmy Mob event was May 1, 2011, to raise money for charities and to raise awareness of domestic violence. The event takes place in communities around the world each year on World Bellydance Day.

Shimmy Mob has been breaking records for attendance since the first event. Last year there were 202 cities and more than 2,400 dancers that participated worldwide, according to Smith.

Smith spent the past three years traveling to Erie to practice and take part in the Shimmy Mob. Her goal was to find a practice space closer to Meadville so that more people in the area could take part. This year she accomplished that goal.

For anyone who would like to support Women's Services without dancing, Smith said the group is collecting donations. Items needed include cleaning supplies, toiletries, kitchen supplies and small appliances. To check on what specific items are needed, contact the Shelter Services supervisor at 724-4637, ext. 220.

Items can be dropped off at the Crawford County Courthouse Commissioners Office, 903 Diamond Park, or at the studio on Steers Street, Smith said.

A Sip 'n' Paint painting party fundraiser to benefit Women's Services will be April 22 from noon to 2 p.m. at Voodoo Brewery, 215 Arch St., Meadville, according to Smith. The cost is $35 per person to create a 16-by-20 canvas. Seats are limited.

Step-by-step instructions will assist painters to create their own "Summer Dream" painting.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase. There will also be a raffle of a basket donated by Voodoo Brewery.

Lorri Drumm can be reached at 724-6370 or by email at lorrid@meadvilletribune.com.

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