Half Moon Bay Women Bust a Move Against Violence

The event Thursday at the New Leaf Community Market in Half Moon Bay was part of the One Billion Rising global dance event, aimed at raising awareness for the issue of domestic violence. The group staged identical events around the world, with people performing choreographed dance routines to a song called Break the Chains.

One Billion Rising began as a call to action based on the statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. So on Feb. 14, 2013, V-Day’s 15th anniversary, people across the world expressed their outrage at violence toward women and demanded change in locally organized flash mobs — surprise performances of a choreographed dance.

"It's inspiring to see the transformation some women go through after participating in this dance and event, many who have been victims or know someone who has been a victim of some kind of violence in the past, it’s very empowering," said Half Moon Bay resident and belly dancing instructor Dasha Bogdanoff-Jerabek, who organized the event with friend Barbara Roulette, a Montara resident who teaches Zumba classes.

"By participating in One Billion Rising, you’re showing the world that violence against women and girls is the central issue of our time and will no longer be tolerated," said Bogdanoff-Jerabek. "This is something we may do every year here in Half Moon Bay, and hopefully with even more people."

Where you there? Tell us about it in the comments.