From left, Deborah Trippett and Josie Rabatin, co-leaders of Shimmy Mob Team Parkersburg WV. The dance squad is soliciting new members and donations to support the Family Crisis Intervention Center in anticipation of World Belly Dance Day on May 10. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — A group dedicated to raising awareness of domestic violence and emotional abuse is recruiting new members and accepting donations for a local shelter in anticipation of World Belly Dance Day in May.

Shimmy Mob Team Parkersburg WV, part of the international Shimmy Mob, is accepting registrations for new members until March 31 with rehearsals to begin April 1 for the May 10 performances on World Belly Dance Day, club co-leader Josie Rabatin said. She and co-leader Deborah Trippett are team organizers.

“It’s all about the belly dancing,” Rabatin said.

The team supports the Family Crisis and Intervention Center in Parkersburg with money and items donated to the group, she said. Shimmy Mob Team Parkersburg is accepting donations up to and beyond World Belly Dancing Day, with emphasis on donations on the day’s performances, Rabatin said.

World Shimmy Mob Day is held each year on the second Saturday in May, Rabatin said.

Dancers in Shimmy Mob Team Parkersburg perform at Point Park. The dance team is accepting registrations for new members, no ability required, and donations to support the Family Crisis Intervention Center. (Photo Provided)

At least one show is planned on May 10 at Point Park where collection boxes will be available, Rabatin said. In addition to monetary donations, hygienic items and cleaning supplies are needed in addition to other personal care items, she said.

The team also performed in 2024 at Point Park and in the food court at the Grand Central Mall, where it hopes to repeat this year, Rabatin said. Interested businesses and organizations can contact her at the team’s Facebook page and send her a message to be the venue of a flash mob, she said.

Cost to register is $35 for online membership and $55 for in-person membership, she said. Membership is open regardless of residency, Rabatin said.

The Facebook page is also where residents can contact her about joining Shimmy Mob Team Parkersburg. Membership is open to men and women. The leader’s husbands fill the role of roadies, she said.

“It is open to men dancers, absolutely,” Rabatin said. “It’s open to both.”

Dancers in Shimmy Mob Team Parkersburg perform at Point Park. The dance team is accepting registrations for new members, no ability required, and donations to support the Family Crisis Intervention Center. (Photo Provided)

Sponsors of the team are Fitness with Phyliss, Heart and Veil Belly Dance Group and K.T. Media from Parkersburg, Rabatin said.

Shimmy Mob Team Parkersburg formed six years ago. It has seven members at present, but once peaked at 15, she said. Members come from various backgrounds from all walks of life and are of all ages, she said. Belly dancing experience is not required, Rabatin said.

“You don’t have to have any ability to dance,” she said.

Two other Shimmy Teams have organized in the last year, Shimmy Mob Team Ravenswood WV led by Julie Whitley and Shimmy Mob Team Ripley WV led by Lisa Nuckles.

More than 2,100 Shimmy Mob teams are in 83 countries with more than 22,300 participants. It started in 2011 to raise awareness of abuse shelters.

Dancers in Shimmy Mob Team Parkersburg perform at Point Park. The dance team is accepting registrations for new members, no ability required, and donations to support the Family Crisis Intervention Center. (Photo Provided)

Jess Mancini can be reached at jmancini@newsandsentinel.com.