“Shimmy It Forward” Scholarship: winners announced 1/13/25

I am grateful that my “belly sisters” from back in the day were so supportive of my idea to pay (shimmy) it forward. Thanks to their and other donors’ generosity, I had the financial means to launch the first-ever “Shimmy It Forward” scholarship program in 2024-2025. One anonymous donor was so touched by the application submissions that they offered to sponsor 7 winners (instead of just 1). Congratulations to 2024-2025’s 7 winners!

Andrea P. | Deborah M. | Desiree S. | Elaynah R. | Erin W. | Hayley S. | Lisa H.

Below are amalgamated responses to the application’s three questions.

• How did you become interested in and why do you continue to be interested in belly dancing? Finding joy, community and a newfound confidence in my body.

• What are your belly dancing goals and aspirations? This journey of self-discovery has not only improved my physical well-being but also boosted my self-esteem.

• What impact will the award have on you, financially and otherwise? Enriching my life and reinforcing my passion for dance (two applicants specifically mentioned that, without this kind of financial support, they would sacrifice their own dance opportunities so that their children could keep dancing).

For more details, including a video montage of scholarship winners, please see 2024-2025 Scholarship Winners. Big thanks to our generous donors, who have chosen to support the beautiful art of belly dancing and these courageous women. Please consider becoming a Patron today and donating to Stephanie Belly Dance!