Every year, belly dancers across the globe, and right here in Mossman, take to the streets for a vital cause. 

Known as Shimmy Mob, this worldwide "flash mob" coincides with World Belly Dance Day to raise awareness and funds for domestic violence prevention.

On Saturday, 9 May, local studio Belly Dance with Rochelle will join more than 2,000 teams internationally for their seventh year participating in this global movement. 

The Mossman Team will be at the Mossman Market from 9.00a, to 12:00pm on Staurday, unveiling our new dance and collecting donations for the local domestic violence and family support centre.

Under the guidance of teacher Rochelle Thompson, this community-minded group performs synchronised choreography to a single song, sending a powerful message to onlookers.

For Ms Thompson, the performance is about more than just dance; it is about education. The campaign highlights that physical abuse is almost always preceded by emotional and verbal abuse.

“Too many people think domestic violence is only physical, when that is actually the last step in a pattern of abuse,” Ms Thompson explained. 

“Each year, I have had women reach out to get help regarding unsafe relationships after hearing our message.

“I hope there are others out there who have privately sought counseling and removed themselves from danger because of what we do.”