Frequently asked questions



Registration

Why is the music not included as part of the registration fee?

As much as we would love to include the music, we are not licensed to sell music or authorized to distribute it (due to copyright laws). It is possible you already have the music in your repertoire. However, we have chosen to do the choreography to unedited music available on iTunes or other online platform (usually available for around one dollar; note that this money goes to the artists, not to Shimmy Mob).

I don't like to pay online; is there another payment method that I can use?

We recommend registering online; this allows us to process your order faster. However, if you need another payment method option, please give us a call at +1 604 722-9545. We'll do our best to work something out.

Can I register after the deadline?

We are not able to accept registrations after the deadline. Please make sure to register early so you don't miss out.

Why do I have to pay a registration fee?

There are multiple costs involved in organizing and running an event at a worldwide scale. The registration fee helps defer the cost of the t-shirt, the access to choreography instructional videos, plus the operating and administration fees of this worldwide event. 15%-25% of the registration fee is donated to shelters and the rest goes towards new programs that support survivors.

Behind the scenes, all year long, our team at Shimmy Mob headquarters spends countless hours each day offering guidance and advice to those seeking to leave a violent relationship safely. These individuals may be afraid to reach out for help, but we are here to support them every step of the way. By providing this assistance, we are proud to play a role in potentially saving lives on a daily basis. While we are not compensated for this work, registration fees help cover the necessary expenses to continue this important work. We believe that preventing domestic violence is invaluable and more important than any monetary donation. Join us in spreading awareness and making a positive impact on the lives of those affected by domestic violence. Your participation in Shimmy Mob makes a difference in someone else's life, whether you know it or not. So come and be a part of something bigger, be a part of the change.

 

When is the last day I can register?

Registrations deadline for May events is March 31.

Registration deadline for September EASA events is July 31.

Can I register a friend?

Yes, you can. Purchase a 'gift certificate' from the Shimmy Mob store and we will send the recipient the instructions of how to apply it to their registration.

Donations

How much of the event registration fee goes to charity?

Shimmy Mob is committed to transparency and communicates regularly with the participants in each community about donations and events to support the cause. The registration fee covers the official Shimmy Mob t-shirt, and all administration expenses and operating costs. There are multiple costs involved in organizing and running an event of this magnitude. To date, no portion of the registrations for the May event pays any salaries; the event is run 100% on a volunteer basis. In addition to raising awareness of domestic violence, Shimmy Mob donates 10-20% of registrations to shelters in participating areas. The higher the number of participants worldwide, the greater the number of sponsors, the more we are able to donate.

 

What else does the registration fee cover?

Behind the scenes, all year long, our team at Shimmy Mob headquarters spends countless hours each day offering guidance and advice to those seeking to leave a violent relationship safely. These individuals may be afraid to reach out for help, but we are here to support them every step of the way. By providing this assistance, we are proud to play a role in potentially saving lives on a daily basis. While we are not compensated for this work, registration fees help cover the necessary expenses to continue this important work. We believe that preventing domestic violence is invaluable and more important than any monetary donation. Join us in spreading awareness and making a positive impact on the lives of those affected by domestic violence. Your participation in Shimmy Mob makes a difference in someone else's life, whether you know it or not. So come and be a part of something bigger, be a part of the change.

Team Leader role

Can I be a Team Leader if I am not a dancer?

Yes! As a team leader, you are in charge of organizing the event in your area, ensuring that the event is a successful and an enjoyable experience for all involved. Many team leaders have participants from within the team who assist in the dance practices.

What does being a Team Leader involve?

The Team Leader is responsible for securing a location for the performance, for communicating with the dance community, and for working out the logistics. With the assistance of a good supporting local team and the involvement of your dance community, your event is a guaranteed success. As a registered Team Leader, the basic requirements are as follows:

1. Reach out to the community and invite participants to join the team.
2. Secure performance location.
3. Arrange rehearsals for your team.
4. Maintain open communication with your team and Shimmy Mob headquarters.
5. Distribute Shimmy Mob team t-shirts to participants at one of the rehearsals.

What benefits are there to being a Team Leader?

Being a Team Leader takes some effort but the rewards are worth it. They include greater exposure in your local community (as well as worldwide), plus a free listing for you or your business on the Shimmy Mob website for at least a year. Plus you can develop your leadership skills at the same time.

Is it always the same Team Leader for the same city each time?

Each event is unique. Registrations are open to both new and returning Team Leaders. Signup for the Team Leader positions is on a "first come, first served" basis.

Who can be a Team Leader?

Anyone who is organized, who follows the guidelines outlined and who is committed to making the event happen in their city can become a team leader.

The Dance

I have seen other groups doing flash mobs; how does one recognize a Shimmy Mob group?

Good Question! Shimmy Mob is easily identifiable as all the dancers in the group wear the official Shimmy Mob t-shirt (it includes the shimmymob.com URL). Note that the t-shirt is a different color every year; if you were part of a previous Shimmy Mob performance, your previous t-shirt will not work for the next event.

Can I see the dance first before committing?

We don't want to spoil the surprise and we also want to avoid copycats; therefore, we do not make the dance public before the event. Only paid registered dancers can see it. Once registered, you will receive the clear breakdown links to learning the choreography.

How can I learn the dance?

Once registered, you receive the choreography videos via a link online. The videos break down the dance so you can learn it on your own. Many team leaders and registered instructors offer free live rehearsal sessions. They can assist you.

Can I still dance at the scheduled Shimmy Mob performance if I don't have the t-shirt?

No, you cannot. Only paid registered dancers with the Shimmy Mob t-shirts are permitted to dance. Make sure to register to order yours. Through this same registration, you can access the choreography and instructional videos.

Can I perform the official choreography after the worldwide event?

Yes! You can perform the dance as many times as you like as long as you give credit to the choreographer and to Shimmy Mob.

IS REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE REQUIRED?

Just as if you were part of any dance team, or troupe, all registered participants are expected to participate in at least one live rehearsal, physical or online, with your local team leader.  

Virtual live rehearsals are also provided by different team leaders around the world.  This offers additional times and practice opportunities to members of other teams and creates an opportunity to meet new people as part of our global community. So much fun!

 

The T-shirt

Why a Shimmy Mob t-shirt? Why are we not wearing bellydance costumes for this event?

It shows the world you are part of the same worldwide team, dancing in the same event as the other participating cities.
It is an affordable and versatile item that can be modified and worn throughout the year by all who participate.
It is a lot more effective and memorable to the public for all to have the same outfit and be recognized as part of Shimmy Mob.

What do we wear for the performance?

On the established date, ALL participating dancers in the Shimmy Mob MUST wear the official Shimmy Mob t-shirt. Shimmy Mob will mail your t-shirt to your city Team Leader who will let you know when and where to pick it up. You will also be notified after you register on what the rest of the dress code is. You will not need to buy any additional items.

How do I make sure the t-shirt will be the right size?

We provide a chart with measurements as given to us from the supplier to ensure you order the correct size. Refer to the chart on the registration form before selecting the size. To match the size, measure ONLY the front part from seam to seam as indicated on the chart. There are two styles of shirts to choose from. The t-shirts are made of soft cotton and are a knit stretchy material. Be on the safe side and order a little bigger rather than smaller for the fitted styles. We want you to look good!

When should I expect to receive my Shimmy Mob t-shirt?

T-shirts for your team are sent to your local Team Leader. They typically arrive somewhere between several days before the event. Because the t-shirts are customized for each event, we order t-shirts shortly after the registration deadline. It is at that moment that we have a total for the t-shirts needed (based on the number of registrants). It then takes a few weeks for the t-shirt to be printed, shipped out, and delivered around the world. Be sure to stay in touch with your Team Leader and arrange pick up times. All unclaimed t-shirts after the event are donated.

Can I buy an official Shimmy Mob t-shirt if I don't want to dance?

To get a t-shirt, without dancing, you can sign up as a 'Donor' or if you want to support in another capacity, you can choose to 'Volunteer'. In either case, you receive the official t-shirt at the same time as the rest of the team, a few days before the event takes place.

Youth Participation

Can minors participate?

Yes! We have many youth participate and we love having them in our team.  All ages are welcome. There have even been parents dancing with their baby carriers.

Does a parent/guardian have to also register, or can they just accompany?

Youth participation must be supervised by a parent or guardian. Event registration is not required for supervisors.

How do I register a child?

You can add a youth under your paid registraion (see the link "Add a youth under my registration" in My events).  With this option, you are no longer required to have an account for each youth. 

Alternatively, a youth can sign up with a separate account, just like any other participant.

Can I just buy a t-shirt for my child through my account without going through a separate registration?

The official t-shirts are only provided to registered participants and cannot be purchased without registration, either separate or under your paid registration, for the event.

How much are youth registrations?

A youth registration that requires a child size t-shirt is $26 US (+s&h)

If a youth requires an adult size t-shirt, they need to be registered as an adult on a separate account.

SEPTEMBER EVENT EASA

What is EASA?

EASA is Shimmy Mob's OFFICIAL Emotional Abuse Signs Awareness month-long campaign. It runs throughout the month of September.

How does one participate in EASA?

In person team and/or live online with virtual team performances throughout the month of September. Dates established by each team leader. 

Official live online event from Headquarters: 
All registered participants invited to attend on the last Saturday of September, EASA is an online event live from Shimmy Mob headquarters that includes performances, special guests and fun interactive games. 
 

 

Why EASA?

Shimmy Mob's principal objective has always been to raise awareness of domestic violence and to support local shelters. Sadly, the statistics of physical abuse in homes continues to rise in all countries around the world.  

One of the most effective ways to prevent the physical violence is to recognize the signs before it occurs.  Emotional abuse always precedes physical abuse. By knowing the signs, the pattern can be interrupted before it's too late. 

Happy Mobbers

2025 International Shimmy Mob

Registrations open in December 2024

We at Shimmy Mob wish to thank our generous sponsors:

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