Shimmying for a Good Cause

Story by Pam Robinson

More than a dozen belly dancers will bring their talents to Huntington Station Sunday to raise funds for families hit hard by Hurricane Sandy through a Long Beach foundation.

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Michelle Anna Pagano will host the second annual belly dance fundraiser, Shimmies For Life, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church to benefit the Jaime Whelan Foundation of Long Beach.

"We  had such a wonderful response last year, so we decided to make this show an annual charity event," said Pagano, dancer, instructor and organizer for Shimmies For Life. “Many people do not realize that there are families still struggling to recover from the horrific Hurricane Sandy. As a Long Islander, I knew I had to raise money for these families at this year's show."  

More  than 15 belly dancers will perform in a family-friendly two-hour show, starting at 1 p.m. Performances range from cabaret and tribal/tribal fusion and props including fan veils, sword, veils and  more.

"Once again, we have a wonderful line-up," said Mishaal. "Many of the belly dancers who performed last year, returned this year. We have a mother and daughter performing a duet and dancers belly dancing with unique props. I just know this year's show will be a success again."

Friends and family of Jaime Whelan, a Long Beach native who died in a tragic accident six years ago, keep her memory alive each year with a fundraiser that provides assistance to local students and families in need.

Tickets for Sunday’s event are $15 and can be purchased online or by mail. Tickets include admission to the show, raffles prizes, snacks and beverages, and more. Local businesses will also have booths set up selling products such as  handmade jewelry, belly dance costumes and accessories, clothing, stained glass, and other arts & crafts.

For ticket information, call 516.341.2180 or visit the website at www.shimmiesforlife.com.

Pagano, also known as Mishaal, is a 2004 graduate of Manhasset High School. She obtained a B.F.A. in Journalism from C.W. Post - Long Island University. She is a member of  Daniela Dance Company in Queens and teaches at Center Stage of the Performing Arts in New Hyde Park.   

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