Harlem Shake comes to Darlington to celebrate International Women's Day (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Harlem Shake comes to Darlington to celebrate International Women's Day

4:42pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News

COUNCILLORS and town hall staff have become the latest group to film their take on a new internet dance craze to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Darlington Borough Council staff were joined by councillors, police staff and representatives from the town’s Rape Crisis Centre to film their take on the Harlem Shake to mark International Women's Day, which aims to inspire women and celebrate their achievements.

The dance, which has taken the internet by storm, was filmed in the reception of Darlington town hall, and helped to raise money for the Rape Crisis Centre – a free and confidential support service for female survivors of rape, sexual violence and abuse.

Cyndi Hughes, cabinet member for children and young people, organised the event. She said: “As I am the cabinet member for children and young people, I wanted to do something that might attract younger people and show them we can have fun.

“It is also a very real message about solidarity for International Women’s Day. It is incredibly important to remember the hard work that got women into the place they are today and got them the right to vote.

“Now they can aspire to do whatever they dream of doing.”

Janet Lucas, a counsellor and support worker at the Rape Crisis Centre, also took part in the dance.

“It is fantastic they are fundraising for us as we are a charity and rely on donations,” she said. “It is also great that we can celebrate empowering women.”