Shimmy Your Money For a Great Cause

Saturday, May 14

Altruism and undulation will unite again at the sixth annual Shimmy Mob, the largest flash mob event of its kind (rival mobs either can't compete or have since gone belly-up). The ritual transpires in 181 cities around the world, benefitting women's and children's shelters globally. Erie has held the world participation record for two years running while raising money for SafeNet, the city's only accredited domestic violence agency. SafeNet helps local victims relocate their center of gravity through emergency shelter, counseling, legal representation, education, children's services, and transitional housing. While the Shimmy Mob has proven an abs-o-lute spectacle over the years, the curiosity of onlookers is secondary to the cause, according to Erie team leader Carla Fleming.

If you don't know how to shimmy (i.e., generate the impression of abdominal multidimensionality through small, fast movements of hips and rib cage), don't get your tummy all tied up in knots. Registration on shimmymob.com grants you access to both online classes (under "learn the choreography") and live classes at Best Fitness (2147 West 12th Street), in addition to your complimentary t-shirt. At press time, there are two classes remaining prior to the event: Friday evening (7-8 p.m.) and Saturday afternoon (1:30-2:30 p.m.), with the latter being mandatory. Fleming will take you through the motions for Saturday's performance at Jerry Uht Park, so there's little chance of anything going afoul while you're out there having a ball.

Non-dancers and volunteers are also welcome – meaning you should be in good in shape, no matter what shape you're in. Registration is just $35 for adults or $18 for children, or far less than you'd spend on a traditional costume (some of the more ornate outfits can run the price of a small car) and a pair of zils (finger cymbals). 

6 p.m. // 110 E. 10th  St. // shimmymob.com // $35 adults, $18 children