Shimmy your way over to The Studios of Key West on Sunday, February 4th from 2:00pm-4:00pm for “Romance and Belly Dance,” a fundraiser performance presented by the Southernmost Shimmies of Key West to benefit the island’s public May Sands Montessori school.

Led by Judith Sahirah, the show features 20 bedazzled dancers from across the nation performing both traditional and modern styles of belly dance inspired by the theme of love.

“Through our performances, we will share love in all of its manifestations,” says Sahirah, who teaches the ancient art form at CoffeeMill Dance Studio. “Couples, family, friendship, community, world, and even our ancestors.”

Belly dance, which originated in Egypt and North Africa and then spread across the globe, is offered as “a celebration of each woman who dances it, no matter her age, shape, color, or ethnicity,” says Sahirah.  The dances and dancers embody the feminine in their luxurious sensuality, joy, power, grace, and earthiness.

“Though the graceful moves are typically feminine, they are not as easy as they look,” says Sahirah. “This is something that women taking the class start to realize at the very beginning. It is a workout!”

The performance’s proceeds will support the students and teachers of May Sands Montessori, whose mission is “to encourage and support students in building a solid foundation in intellectual growth, humanitarianism, and peace,” says Zurima Cisneros, May Sands Montessori assistant teacher, and Southernmost Shimmier.

Suggested donation is $20 and $5 for students and children; tickets can be purchased at the door. May Sands Montessori is a free, lottery-based public school that is open to all children and strives to reflect the diversity of our community while guiding students in the development of curiosity, self-motivation and respect. For more information or to schedule a time to observe the Montessori model at work in the classrooms, contact Principal Lynn Barras at 305. 293.1400 x 53418 or visit MaySandsMontessori.com.