Press Articles
NOTE: While I've kept articles published about me over the years, I haven't always been diligent in recording where they come from and the date they were published. I've done my best to give the correct credits, but unfortunately have not done so for every article.
OTHER NOTE: In true journalistic fashion, not everything that's written about me is precise and sometimes I've been misquoted. On the whole, however, the articles are pretty accurate.
-
Ancient
Art Of Bellydance
- Arabic Carnivale Sets The Tempo
-
Bellydance
Away Winter Kilos
- Benefits From Bellydancing
- Dance Teacher Calls For Disciplinary Action
- Dandy Diamond Dogs
- Explosion In School Girl Violence
- Fun Way Of Getting Into Shape
- Good Vibrations
- Great Shakes, Belly Dancing's On The Move
- Hip Grandpa Busts A Move To The Harem Groove
- Hippy, Hippy Shake
- Sun Shines On Fun Day
- Shimmy Like Shakira
-
Time-Out For
Mums
Ancient Art Of Bellydance
by Raylene Bliss
(published in the Southern Courier 22 June 1999)
In it’s purest
form, Bellydancing is one of the most beautiful dances in the world and also a
great way to keep fit, according to Despina Yiannoukas, who is offering
classes at Daceyville. Despina said Oriental Dance or Bellydance as the
Western world named it, was originally part of ceremonies to celebrate the
birth of a baby and women as mothers. She was immediately drawn to the
ancient beauty of its music and movements, though she admits the desire to
get into one of the traditional costumes had been spawned years earlier by
the television show I Dream of Jeannie.
“I was at a
Lebanese restaurant and I was awe struck,” she said of her first encounter
with a Bellydance performance. Despina was enchanted by the old Arabic music
with an ancient mystical sound and amazed at the incredible muscle control of
the dancers. “Another thing that struck me about the dance, unlike aerobics
and whole gym world, was you did not have to kill yourself to do it,” the
former fitness instructor said. “It is very strengthening in terms of muscle
endurance, but its not no pain no gain.”
There are many
Oriental Dance studios in Sydney, but Despina’s Academy of Oriental Dance is
the only mobile studio. Despina has taken Oriental Dance into the
universities, schools and kindergartens where she is working with children as
young as two and adults as old as 70. “This ancient art is becoming very
popular among women in many Western countries, including Australia, for
various reasons,” she said. “It keeps you fit, centred, teaches excellent
posture and develops strong muscles. It can also ease back and menstrual pain
and helps to prepare a woman’s muscles for childbirth.”
Despina has
studied Oriental Dance for eight years and has seen, through Oriental Dance,
women who have learnt to appreciate their bodies and what shape they are.
“The more women can appreciate themselves, the stronger their self-confidence
becomes and the more likely they are to succeed both with career and
relationships,” she said.
Arabic Carnivale Sets
The Tempo
(published in the Sydney Morning Herald 4 April 2005)
Thousands enjoyed the opening of the 22nd annual Arabic Carnivale yesterday.
The athletics centre at Sydney Olympic Park was transformed as belly dancers encouraged spectators to join in the traditional dance, which expresses the Arab culture.
Organised by the Arab Council Australia, the day showcased Arab culture, language and traditions representing hundreds of thousands of Australians from 22 Arab countries.
Council executive director Randa Kattan said the day kickstarted a five-week carnivale which celebrated multi-cultural Australia.
"It's a celebration of different cultures in Australia and that's what Australia is all about," she said.
"We're celebrating our community and culture and heritage in a very open and peaceful and diverse way."
Bellydance Away Winter Kilos
by Raylene Bliss
(published in the Southern Courier
8 August 2000)
The fun way to
shake off the winter blues is through Bellydancing.
“Bellydance is
the perfect way to keep those winter blues at bay,” Clare Godfrey, a
Registered Nurse said. “It helps you feel well mentally and physically during
the winter months when you're particularly susceptible to putting on weight
and feel down in the dumps.”
It is well
known that winter is a time when a lot of people put on weight. This is due
to the cold weather - our bodies automatically request more food so as to
increase our fat level and keep us warmer. This biological phenomenon served
humans well many thousands of years ago when they had less sturdy shelter and
access to clothing was not as straight forward as it is today. But for us in
modern day Sydney, that extra layer of fat does nothing but get in the way of
us looking our best and feeling our healthiest and fittest.
“The trouble
is, our bodies don't realise that it's the year 2000 and that we don't have
trouble finding clothes or shelter,” Ms Godfrey said. So they still try to
protect us from the cold by asking for more food during the winter months.
The result: we put on unwanted and unneeded weight in winter. So how can we
prevent this?
“Rule number
one is not to fight the body,” said Ms Godfrey, “In other words, don't deny
your body food by starving yourself.
“Instead,
increase your activity: exercise.”
Studies have
shown that in winter people suffer more from depression than during the
warmer months. This is thought to be for two reasons: short winter days mean
more hours of the day are spent in darkness; and people often reduce their
social activity during the winter months so they are more isolated.
“Bellydance is
a winter sport because it is done indoors,” Ms Godfrey said. This means that
wet and cold weather doesn't affect it - you can just keep on dancing all
year round. “And socially, it's a great way to get out among people. So,
besides increasing your fitness and helping to keep those unwanted kilos
away, it is a year-round activity that allows you to meet other like minded
people.”
Benefits From Bellydancing
by Raylene Bliss
(published in the Southern Courier
15 February 2000)
For all those
people who made a resolution to get fit in the new millennium but have
already given up, Bellydancing may be the answer. Anna Menzies, Kylie Prats,
Lisa Johnston, Michelle Daffy and Patricia Brown started Bellydancing just
before the turn of the new millennium.
Anna, a
27-year-old publicist from Woollahra said, “I love the exotic element of
Bellydancing which brings richness into my life.”
Kylie, a
36-year-old graphic designer from Kensington said, “After only a few short
weeks my muscle tone is increasing, and I find Bellydance gives me the gentle
but thorough workout I have been looking for.”
Lisa, a
21-year-old secretary and psychology student of Kingsford said Bellydancing
had improved her confidence and posture.
Michelle, a
37-year-old office manager of Narwee has found the benefits for her include
greatly reduced back pain and some weight loss. “I did find out, although I
secretly knew, that I am not very fit,” she said. “Bellydancing is a hell of
a lot more complicated than it looks and twice as much fun.”
Patricia was
shocked when, after only one class of Bellydancing, her frozen shoulder
improved dramatically. Two more Bellydancing devotees who began classes in
June last year can attest to the healing power of this form of dance. Marina
Hatzigeorgiou has found that her migraines have been reduced in frequency and
intensity while Jennifer Zuber found her chronic hip problems disappeared.
Clare Godfrey,
a 36-year-old registered nurse from Coogee, said that the most positive thing
about Bellydancing was that it reduced stress levels. “For the duration of
the lesson I am transported to a different place and time where none of my
day to day stresses exist,” she said.
Dr Misaki
Ikegame of Potts Point Family Medical Practice said Bellydancing could help
better certain conditions such as lower back problems, sciatica,
osteoarthritis, sacroiliac joint pain and any other soft tissue back strain.
“It’s particularly good for these conditions because it is low impact and
strengthens the back and abdominal muscles,” she said.
David Peterson, a physiotherapist at Potts Point Physiotherapy said that the deep transverse abdominal muscles and oblique abdominal muscles were worked by Bellydance, making it unique as a form of exercise.
Dance Teacher Calls For Disciplinary Action
by Laury Desmond
(published in
the Southern Courier 21 August 2007)
A local dance teacher has blasted Randwick Girls High School for insufficient disciplinary action after an alleged assault on her by a group of pupils, despite police determining there was too little evidence to proceed with a criminal case.
Despina Rosales claims she was driving out of the school on June 13 this year when a group of pupils surrounded her car, heckling her. After being verbally abused by the girls, Ms Rosales alleges that one pupil reached into her open car window and punched her on the temple.
On getting out of her car to apprehend the girl who she believed had punched her, Ms Rosales said she was punched, kicked and spat at by about six or seven girls.
Ms Rosales was aided by passing teachers at the school and taken to the acting deputy head teacher's office, where the police were called.
However, the Southern Courier understands that the students have alleged that Ms Rosales attacked them, damaging one girl's bag and "running over" the foot of another. Ms Rosales said she had restrained one of the girls, but did not act violently towards them.
"I teach dancing and am not in the business of running around making up stories," Ms Rosales said. "What have I got to gain?"
A police investigation into the incident deemed there was "too little" evidence to proceed with the case, but Ms Rosales claims that the girls have not been properly reprimanded and has slammed the school for its lack of action.
"The girls should have been expelled," she said. "The school needs to consider the bigger picture and the effect of this on the rest of the student body.
"I am shocked that this is not considered serious enough for immediate expulsion."
The Courier contacted the school for comment but was referred to the Department of Education.
Department spokesman Mark Davis said the matter had been investigated and that appropriate action had been taken.
"As a result of a police investigation the school has taken disciplinary action in accordance with department procedures," he said. "All girls were placed on long suspension."
Since the suspension one girl has not returned to the school, although she was not expelled, Mr Davis said.
Dandy
Diamond Dogs
(published in the Southern Courier 16 January 2007)
Dogs rescued from the Animal Welfare League at Hoxton Park will be making their way to their new homes in style, thanks to two Randwick women.
Despina Rosales and Anneliese Helmy have teamed up to kit out the dogs with bandannas, which will be given as a housewarming gift to families who adopt the animals.
Ms Rosales said they planned to give the bandanas to a range of other animal organisations, including the RSPCA and Randwick Dog Rescue.
"We wanted to make a difference for our four-legged friends who were waiting to be adopted," Ms Helmy said. The Animal Welfare League can be contacted on 9606 9333.
Caption: Andrew from the Animal Welfare League with Toby (wearing leopard print) and Cuddles (in basic denim).
Explosion In Schoolgirl Weapons And Violence
by Bruce McDougall
(published in The Daily Telegraph 3 September 2007)
A dance teacher claims she was "punched, kicked, spat at and hit repeatedly" by up to seven female students while trying to drive out of a high school car park.
During the nasty altercation at Randwick Girls High School in Sydney's east the teacher Despina Rosales, says she was first punched in the head through her open car window.
Ms Rosales, 35, said the students surrounded her car as she tried to leave the school, hurling abuse and caller her a "loser".
After she was allegedly punched through the window she got out of the car and attempted to restrain one of the girls but another student said: "Let go of her, she'll kill you."
One of the students claimed Ms Rosales had driven over her foot.
Police were called to the school after the incident on June 13 but no charges were laid.
Ms Rosales had medical treatment at Prince of Wales Hospital for a "serious blow to the right side of her head".
A spokesman for the Department of Education and Training said one student had received a "long suspension, pending expulsion" and four other students were suspended for four days and given detentions.
"The school found that while the students had been provoked their reaction meant disciplinary action was necessary," the spokesman said.
Fun Way Of Getting Into Shape
by Raylene Bliss
(published in the Southern Courier
9 November 1999)
If Despina
Yiannoukas has any say in it, millennium fitness will be about getting into
shape the fun way – through Bellydancing.
The owner of
Dreaming Of Jeannie Bellydance Academy says besides the fun factor,
Bellydancing firms and tones your entire body – including legs, tummy and
arms.
“Ladies, there
are no more excuses!” Despina said. “This is the perfect way to get fit for
the new millennium. Forget lap swimming! Getting in shape this summer will be
anything but boring – these Bellydance classes are 100 percent fun.” It is
low impact so there is no risk of injury. Age and shape are irrelevant – any
woman can do it.
Bellydance is
the best way for mums to get into shape and feel good about their bodies.
Carla Simmons, a Maroubra mother of two, has been dancing since June this
year. “It’s something that I do because it’s just for me,” she said. “You
don’t need a partner to go to classes and as my husband hates dancing and
I’ve always loved it, it’s perfect. I also really hate exercise – I usually
have to force myself to do it, but Bellydancing is fun. I also think that
Bellydancers are gorgeous and when I do it, I feel gorgeous too.”
No dance
experience? No problem. Kylie Douglas, part-owner of Coogee’s famous Bobby
Dazzler op-shop recounted her experience with Bellydance: “I’d been to
aerobics before and felt really un-co. At first I was a bit worried because I
had no dance experience. But it’s so much fun – you learn to dance without
even realising it.”
Rebecca
Duncan, an administrator from Neutral Bay, makes it all the way to Kingsford
every week. “It’s just fun. It makes me laugh and keeps me fit,” she said.
Lisa Taylor, a
research assistant at the University of NSW has found that it’s helped her
reduce stress. "It loosens you up," she said, "And you forget
everything for an hour."
The classes
have also been known to help some problem backs. Maree Burgess, of Randwick
says, "Ever since I started Bellydancing in March this year I haven’t
had to go the chiropractor once."
For others it
helps reduce menstrual pain. Sue Kramer, a Kingsford mother, said, "I’ve
found that it’s almost eliminated period pain for me."
The millennium
summer is upon us - shimmy your way into the Year 2000 with a new body and
confidence to match!
Good
Vibrations
(published in the Southern Courier 7 December 2004)
(Note: Randwick Dog Rescue, or RDR, no longer exists. I also blacked out the name and image of the founder of RDR due to her complaint about this article being on my site.)
Dreaming of Jeannie Belly Dance Academy will be holding an end-of-year performance next week with all funds going to Randwick Dog Rescue (RDR).
The belly dance school's performance will help RDR find homes for dogs in the area.
A local volunteer group, RDR was set up in 2001 with the aim of rescuing dogs that had been abandoned or mistreated. Loving homes are found for most of the dogs and all of the puppies.
Every dog that goes to RDR is health-checked, desexed, microchipped and vaccinated.
Since RDR has a "no-kill" policy, those dogs that don't find homes are housed and cared for at the Randwick Vet Hospital, where RDR is based, by [name] and her team of devoted volunteers.
The school's performance will be held at the Police and Community Youth Club, 26a Bunnerong Road, Kingsford, on December 15 from 7pm. Phone Despina on 0403 897 420. For more information about RDR, phone [name] on [phone number].
Great Shakes, Belly Dancing's On The Move
by Louise Perry
(published in the Weekend Australian 15-16 February 2003)
Despina Rosales had stuffed one envelope too many. Life was dull, work as an office clerk was duller.
Some serious fun was needed. Some sparkle. Some shimmy.
So she tried belly dancing - the oldest dance form in the world and increasingly popular in Australia.
Now belly dancing is shimmying its way into suburban lougerooms, embraced by women from all around the country.
From Kalgoorlie to Gunnedah, and Melbourne to Sydney, classes are ballooning, with more than 100 major belly dancing schools operating in most Australian cities and many smaller schools opening in country towns.
Ms Rosales, 30, runs her own school in Sydney's east, which has grown in five years from 60 irregular students to 180 dedicated belly dancers. "It's a lot of fun and it's great exercise for people who don't like the more traditional forms of workout," she said.
"It's also seen as quite exotic - something different that is part of an unknown culture.
"And no matter what you look like, you can do it - we get a lot of mums who've just had kids and want to shape up a bit or just do something where being incredibly slim is not an issue."
Ms Rosales said there were still some people who got the wrong idea about belly dancing, but Australia was an ideal place for it because of our multiculturalism.
"This is not about tits and arse," she said. "Some guys behave badly when we perform, but on the whole people are very respectful and really open-minded."
Hip Grandpa Busts A Move To The Harem Groove
by Peter Munro
(published in the Sydney Morning Herald)
His children and grandchildren don't know it yet, but Eric Whitby is a dancer.
Once a week the 63-year-old retired motor mechanic from Engadine travels to a Kingsford studio to learn how to belly dance.
"I'm not one for normal exercise," he says. "This is a nice, gentle way of getting my body to move gracefully and it has certainly eased my lower back pain."
He says the choreography was more challenging than pumping weights in a gym.
"But I'm not interested in performing, maybe only in the bedroom or at family functions where I could bring it out as a surprise.
"I wouldn't be out in a restaurant doing it. No way. That's the ladies thing," he says.
[The article continues, but strays from the subject of my student, Eric , so (as time is short), I'm going to leave it at this point instead of typing out the rest of the article.]
Hippy, Hippy Shake
(published in For Me)
Ever since Jeannie wafted out of her magic bottle in the hit TV series I Dream of Jeannie, women around the world have been both charmed and intrigued by belly dancing.
According to Despina Yiannoukas (pictured), who runs the Dreaming Of Jeannie Bellydance Academy in Sydney, belly dancing is a form of fitness that is accessible to everyone.
"I've taught people aged from seven to 70, but on average, my students are around 30 and are usually mums," she explains.
Why Belly dancing Is Great
Belly dancing is not just good fun, it's also a great workout that will leave you feeling fantastic. It works your entire body, not just the tummy. Every muscle from your neck to your calves gets a workout, particularly your upper and lower back and arms.
"People are usually a bit concerned about their bodies wobbling, but that's actually a good thing when belly dancing," says Despina. "The shimmy, which involves simultaneously vibrating the hips and shoulders, gives you a good cardio-workout. You won't get a red-faced, sweaty workout leaving you feeling as though your heart is about to explode. Instead, you'll feel alive, awake and full of energy."
Getting Started
Check the class you're signing up for. Despina says her classes are fitness oriented, while others may be focussed on artistic development or getting in touch with the inner child through dance.
What You'll Need
"No equipment is necessary, just wear loose clothing," advises Despina. "Comfort is really the key. Accessories, such as scarves, are fun to wear, but they're not mandatory. It's completely up to the individual."
Safety Considerations
"Inform your teacher of prior injuries and let them know if you are experiencing any pain when performing the moves," says Despina. "it's not a 'no pain, no gain' sport, so you shouldn't be hurting in any way. Often it is the technique that's wrong, so make sure you check with your instructor."
Why I Love It [from my student's (Flora Azizova) viewpoint, pictured inset]
As a child, I was fascinated by women who did exotic dances. I loved watching traditional Arabic, Greek and Egyptian dances. I loved the costumes and music, and I always though I would take up this style of dancing one day.
When I was in Moscow last year, I attended a women's education class. One lesson was on pelvic exercises, and the lecturer said that Eastern women are naturally strong in this region as they use their bellies when they dance. I've never forgotten that and thought belly dancing would be a good way to get fit on the inside and outside, and have fun, too.
As well as the muscles in my arms, hands and tummy, my posture has improved. After the class, I feel fantastic. Most appealing is that it's a beautiful form of exercise. I needed something to help me switch off , and belly dancing does that. My instructor tells me to dance with my heart, not my mind. My mind gets confused when I have to shimmy my hips and shoulders in unison, and wave my arms as well, so I have no choice but to switch off and let it flow naturally. I find it's very calming.
Shimmy Like Shakira
(published in Who, 15 July 2002)
For some sexy moves, try the Middle Eastern art of belly dancing. But before you start flinging off your seven veils, keep in mind that performing to seduce a man is far from belly dancing's traditional purpose - as a means for women to celebrate with female family and friends. The sexiness of the dance, explains Sydney belly-dancing teacher Despina Rosales, lies in its enhancement of body confidence.
"It's the art of isolation; when you're moving your hips, the top of your body is still," says Rosales, who teaches more than 100 students. "it's taxing enough for your body to change shape, to get more muscular and less fat. People often find they'll spontaneously shed kilos." Apart from the health boost, "it' puts a bit of the exotic into your life." For a list of belly-dancing teachers nationwide, visit www.shira.net.
Sun Shines On Fun Day
(published in the Southern Courier
23 November 1999)
Thousands of fun day enthusiasts flocked to Coogee beach on Saturday.
The morning clouds
subsided and the sun appeared to smile on this year’s fun day, which raised
money for Sydney Children’s Hospital. The Dreaming Of Jeannie Bellydance
Academy gave a colourful exhibition of this ancient dance form to the delight
of a large audience.
Children’s favourites Humphrey and the Flower Pot Gang produced thrills of delight from the younger members of the crowd.
There were also plenty of interesting and varied stalls to browse around.
Time-Out For Mums
by Raylene Bliss
(published in the Southern Courier
9 May 2000)
Too much work
and not enough play can take the shine off the armour of even the supermum.
With Mother’s Day this Sunday it is the perfect opportunity for all mums to
hang up their mops, pack away their briefcases and do something for
themselves. “From a psychological perspective, it’s important for everyone to
have some time-out and do things that are just purely for fun and pleasure.
That particularly applies to women,” clinical physiologist [NOTE: should
read: ‘psychologist’ not ‘physiologist’] Lara Keogh said.
“We are often
brought up to think of and look after others first, at the expense of our own
needs. This of course pertains even more to those of us who are mums. While
you may feel guilty about leaving the kids with your partner, relative or a
sitter, it is extremely important that you do so on a regular basis. Having
time-out for yourself will help to boost your mood and lower stress levels. This
in turn helps you to be a better mum.”
It is
important for all women to keep a balance between work demands and doing
things for themselves.
“Personally,
I have to watch myself very carefully as I tend to become a workaholic very
easily, so having a class to get to in the evenings is a great way of keeping
the day in perspective and ensuring I don’t spend endless hours at work,”
Dreaming Of Jeannie Bellydance Academy proprietor Despina Yiannoukas said. [NOTE:
the quotes in this entire paragraph should have been from Lara, not me!]
“it also gets me out of my old pattern of coming home and collapsing in front
of the TV and therefore living the ultimately unsatisfying work-TV-sleep
routine. Of course Bellydancing is not the only way to achieve a balanced life,
but with its psychological, mental, social and physical benefits it’s a great
place to start.”
