Shake It Up at Belly Dance Party

The Annual Belly Dance Party fundraiser will be held from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, at the Veterans Memorial Community Center, 384 Legion Street. It's an event for all who enjoy belly dancing, whether they prefer watching from the sidelines or getting in on the action.

For those who want to learn to shake things up, there will be a free class taught by local instructor Jheri St. James from noon to 1 p.m. The rest of the afternoon will include performances, vendors offering belly dance supplies, raffle prizes, food and fun.

Belly dancers wishing to come and perform at the party can sign up at the door and perform a five- to seven-minute piece on a first-come, first-served basis.

The party is a fundraiser sponsored by MECDA (Middle Eastern Culture and Dance Association). For the entry fee, "a $5 donation at the door gets you in; a potluck dish to share makes you loved." In addition, good quality used clothing will be collected for donation to the nearest battered women's shelter.

For more information, contact Jheri St. James at 494-5031 or jheristjames@yahoo.com.