Dance is something that can be found in every culture, throughout history. Science is demonstrating why, as dance yields many advantages from incredible brain benefits to heart health. Dancing is a tonic for body, mind and spirit. Here in Namibia, one dancer has demonstrated the power of dance and it’s ability to connect and empower, and she’s been doing so annually for eight years.
Sascha Olivier-Sampson is not only a dancer, but also a Lecturer in Performing Arts at the University of Namibia, a Professional Belly Dancer and Instructor, and owner of Moon Goddess Dance Studio. Eight years ago, Sascha started Shimmy for Shelter in Namibia, a memorising dance extravaganza that proves that while dance has the ability to help you sleep better at night; this benefit can extend beyond just the medical.
Shimmy for Shelter lines up with World Belly Dance Day, which happens every year, on the 12th of May. The main aim of World Belly Dance Day is to inform audiences about what Belly Dance is, and to do this while raising money for charity.
“At the time Belly Dance was relatively new in Namibia and issues surrounding animal welfare have always been close to my heart. I just felt it was a perfect match of two things I love.”
99FM’s MYD Heart spoke to Sascha Olivier-Sampson, the Namibian dancer with a big heart for animals, about Shimmy for Shelter, her annual Belly Dance project that is linked to supporting animal welfare projects.
When introduced to World Belly Dance Day, Sascha says, “I thought it was an excellent idea. At the time Belly Dance was relatively new in Namibia and issues surrounding animal welfare have always been close to my heart. I just felt it was a perfect match of two things I love.”
Starting small, and funding most of the event herself, Sascha says when she started she didn’t know what to expect. “I had willing dancers and the will to make it work, so we just did it. In our first year we raised N$8000.00 and I was so extremely pleased. I had no particular goal other than to go to the SPCA, which was our first beneficiary, and give them the funds we had raised.”
“We have dancers coming in from three different countries. The dancers and studios really made a big effort to bring a visual feast to the audience. There are more group pieces, which will fill the stage with energy and colour.”
“Over the years the show has grown and developed. The number of participating studios has grown and this year we welcome dancers from Cape Town, Zambia and Atlanta. Belly Dance workshops are now offered as part of what has become more of a festival than just a performance. So dancers are afforded the opportunity to learn from exceptional teachers.” Explains Sascha.
“All profits from Shimmy for Shelter are donated to our chosen beneficiary so every ticket sold counts, every T-Shirt bought counts, every donation is valued. Its also a chance to support the arts and bring the art of dance to the forefront.”
Talking the fund raising aspect of her show, Sascha notes “Last year we raised N$30 000.00 for our beneficiaries. We have also extended our show, travelling to the coast where were perform to raise funds for coastal based organisations.” To date many animal welfare organisations have benefited from this, including the SPCA, Have A Heart, the Cat Protection Society, Feed A Paw, Tierschutzverein Swakopmund, the SPCA Walvis Bay and Namibia Dog Matters.”
A new an exciting theme awaits the audience this year as Shimmy for Shelter takes on a mythical stance, with the theme Myths and Legends. Along with a bigger venue, Sascha says to expect something very exciting, “We have dancers coming in from three different countries. The dancers and studios really made a big effort to bring a visual feast to the audience. There are more group pieces, which will fill the stage with energy and colour. It is also the first time we have more of an integration between the two Windhoek studios. Some of the dancers from Bohemian Magic will be joining Moon Goddess Dance Studio on stage in routines which highlight all their strengths.”
“This event is full of so much joy. Seeing the gratitude when we are able to hand over everything we have raised. Seeing an auditorium packed with people who have taken the time to come and support what we do. Seeing the dancers work together and bring what you create to life.”
When asked why she feels more Namibians should attend and support Shimmy for Shelter, Sascha notes, “What we have with Shimmy for Shelter is the opportunity for audiences to enjoy a night out with their family and friends while simultaneously giving back to those in need. All profits from Shimmy for Shelter are donated to our chosen beneficiary so every ticket sold counts, every T-Shirt bought counts, every donation is valued. Its also a chance to support the arts and bring the art of dance to the forefront.”
An art comprising beauty, elegance, grace and hard work, Sascha notes that “This event is full of so much joy. Seeing the gratitude when we are able to hand over everything we have raised. Seeing an auditorium packed with people who have taken the time to come and support what we do. Seeing the dancers work together and bring what you create to life. Seeing how many people are willing to assist whether through their time or resources but all of them coming together for the same end goal. Having performers contact you saying they would love to be part of the event, knowing it has gained enough momentum to engage dancers from all over the world. Having dancers work together and reaffirm what we know to be true, that dancers are like family and the sisterhood of belly dance is still strong.”
This year, Shimmy for Shelter will be raising funds for ISAP (Intelligence Support Against Poaching). According to Sascha, “In recent times poaching has been on the forefront of our news. The decimation of our wild life is heart breaking and difficult to bare. ISAP has really taken the challenge in hand and is doing incredible work to combat poaching and we support the dedication and commitment that they put into protecting our wildlife.”
Shimmy for Shelter takes place this year in Windhoek, on the 12th and 13th of May. Fore more information about the event, take a look at the Shimmy for Shelter Facebook page by clicking here
More information on ISAP, the Namibia is a non-profit organisation that aims at creating awareness and support against poaching in Namibia, find their website by clicking here
Written by Kirsty Watermeyer
Photography by Bernard Van Den Berg