Life & Work with Shimmy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shimmy. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hello! My name is Alex “Shimmy” Garcia and I am a creative currently based in Durham, North Carolina. I have been dancing for 10 years and performing professionally for around 4-5 years. I’ve practiced and performed a variety of styles including Latin and Contemporary/Modern, but primarily gravitated to Raqs Sharqi (Belly Dance). While living in Raleigh and pursuing a business degree at NC State, I met one of my really good friends who introduced me to their club, The Bellydance Club at NC State. I started helping out with lessons and ended up teaching full classes on my own and choreographing student routines. At this point, I was also performing professionally across North Carolina. I continued teaching after I graduated until the first pandemic shut-down of 2020. I ended up moving back to Durham and started paying for studio space to practice. During this time, I started to find and define my own style of dancing. This led to a strong desire to expand my artistry, and to let go of my fears. I started auditioning for shows, dance teams and started taking aerial classes. Now that the pandemic is slowing down, I’ve started performing professionally again and I’m prepared to take the next steps in my dance career. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
All roads have their bumps and potholes! To begin with, I’m very introverted, so naturally, when I started dancing, I was very hesitant to tell or show anyone. I had the urge to perform but was so afraid of judgment that I didn’t have my first solo performance until I was in college. I was also afraid of what my peers would say about me dancing. Knowing that I am introverted, I didn’t want anyone to ask me to explain myself. 

When I was a teenager, I developed severe anxiety with depression. There would be times where I wouldn’t practice for weeks to months because I felt too weak to move. My healing journey isn’t over, but after a few therapists and developing an awesome support system, I can say I’m in a much better place. 

Last but not least, a challenge that I have faced throughout my dance career is time management and developing the ability to say “no”. I had to admit to myself that I can’t do everything at the same time without burning myself out. Being able to say “no” to things you don’t want to do has been a lifesaver and a skill I hope everyone reading this develops. Learning to prioritize what’s really important, taking time to rest, and setting boundaries with yourself and others has done wonders for my journey. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a performer, choreographer, and a teacher. The vast majority of my solos that you see online have been choregraphed by me. My specialty is in Raqs Sharqi (Belly Dance) and American Cabaret style, but I’ve branched out to other styles like Contemporary/Interpretive and Aerial. Most people know me for Raqs, specifically dancing to drum solos. When I choregraph, I like to listen for the subtle hits and nuances in the music. From there, I bring those moments to life through movement. When I teach and perform, I try to impart to my audience that they have total sovereignty over their body, and the free will to use it however they please. 

What am I most proud of? Myself of course! I couldn’t have done this without me. I’m also proud of every piece I choreograph. What sets me apart from others? I’m myself! Dance styles are like fingerprints. My style of dance is unique to me no matter what type of dance I do. I believe the same applies to any artist for an any art medium. 

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in Durham and was a very shy, introverted child. I didn’t like strangers, talking, or loud noises. When I was around people, I was comfortable with, I was loud, always running, and obsessed with dinosaurs. My parents would put on music and I would start dancing (more like running around in a circle) around the living room floor. In school, I was the kid who would draw during lunch or recess. It was a nice escape from the chaos that school brought me. Dance and performance caught my attention more towards middle school. Listening to my favorite artists, like Beyonce or Rihanna, and watching them perform made me want to be like them: strong, powerful, and beautiful. I think young Shimmy would think I’m pretty cool today. I owe it all to myself, my loved ones, and supporters. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @theshimmychanga
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshimmychanga/

Image Credits
@zonedoutlee
@theshimmychanga