A team of belly dancers from Astarte Studio Belly Dance are participating in an international belly dance flash mob event held annually to support victims of abuse worldwide.
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Ellie Taylor said this Saturday will be the first time Illawarra dancers are taking part in the Shimmy Mob.
"We're joining over 2,300 cities worldwide," Ms Taylor said.
"We all dance the same choreography, in our respective cities, on the same day. Saturday May 11 is World Bellydance Day. Proceeds go straight to our chosen local women's shelter, Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven and Illawarra (SAHSSI)".
A team of eight Astarte belly dancers will form a flash mob at Shellharbour City Library at midday this Saturday for the community to come and watch.
They would also like other people to join them in 12 months.
"It is not just for people who can belly dance," she said.
"While we have the more complicated choreography we have also introduced a simpler version that anyone of any age, experience or fitness can do".
Astarte Studio Belly Dance, founded by Shellharbour belly dancer Kylie Morrison a decade ago, previously held an annual concert called Bellicious at Dapto Leagues Club to support the work of SAHSSI.
Ms Taylor said dancers at the studio were keen to continue that this year as part of Shimmy Mob.
"We have a great supportive group of girls at Astrata studio who are always looking for ways to support the local community," she said.
"This is an event that has run globally for 11 years. We have chosen to do it because it is a chance to give back to the location community by raising awareness about abuse within the Illawarra. And to support SAHSSI with fundraising. They have been really great to work with.
"Kylie broached doing this new event with the team and called out for volunteers. So I put my hand up to do it and be the team leader."
Whey they asked belly dancers at the studio if they wanted to be involved and pay individual registration fees to perform publicly, eight said they would like to do it for the good cause.
The dancers are encouraging people in the community to help out by donating directly to SAHHSI.
"We will also have some donation boxes at Shellharbour City Library on Saturday.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
