Honestly, I introduce the basic shimmy at the end of the first class. They aren't expected to get it right away, but it gives them something to work towards. It takes time, and they need plenty of time to work on it. :) Just make sure you've loosend up there hips with some of the slower stuff (cirlcles, fig 8s, ect) and taught them the basic lift/drop.

The shimmy I start with involves alternating lifts on each hip. So I teach them the lifts first. Then I have them bend there knees real good ;) and start by alternating a lift on each hip. We speed up the tempo little by little, until they are shaking like crazy, or at least trying to, and then start over again with slow alternations, and repeat again and again. This way they can practice at home, and even if they can't get the shimmy yet, they know how to work towards it.

Hope that helps.
Levona

I intro the "Egyptian" Shimmy w/in the first few minutes of the first class, after the hip slides and circles. Helps them to loosen up and "shake it out".

Hi Jenn!
Yeppers, I also introduce the shimmy in the very first class. It is always my class ender, 'cause it's so fun and everyone laughs! I teach the sort of shimmy that is the butt-cheek-clencher kind (I dont know the name of it). We start slowly, and then double it, double it, etc... Until it is a full on shimmy!
Have fun!
Mollly