Good scents to take up dance

By Dion Teasdale
CLEOPATRA’s Herbal Secrets is one of the newest businesses to be added to Healesville’s busy retail hub.
The shop is home to a wide range of alternative and environmentally friendly lifestyle products and services and specialises in belly-dancing classes, clothes, jewellery and accessories.
Located on the Maroondah Highway in the shop formerly known as Eilish Clothing and Gifts, Cleopatra’s Herbal Secrets is owned and managed by Cate O’Keeffe.
Ms O’Keeffe has been belly dancing for the past 12 years. She was trained by belly-dancing instructor, Belladonna, in Byron Bay.
“Belly dancing is a wonderful form of expression and a very ground form of exercise. It is all about controlling and isolating different parts of the body,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“It is something people of all ages and sizes can do. All you have to do is use your imagination and let your inner goddess come out.”
Ms O’Keeffe teaches belly-dancing classes twice a week in the shop, from 10am to 11am on Monday mornings and from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on Thursdays. She also teaches classes in Marysville and Yea.
“Belly dancing is one of the oldest forms of dancing in the world. It is a very tribal experience and is about much more than just the costumes,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“Belly dancing is a fun way for people to improve their general health, fitness and well-being.
“There are lots of different styles of belly dancing and there are some excellent teachers in the area.”
The shop in Healesville stocks a wonderful range of belly-dancing attire, including handmade jewellery and clothing and costumes made by Belladonna.
There is also a range of clothing from India and a range of winter clothing will arrive from Nepal at the end of the month, Ms O’Keeffe said.
Cleopatra’s Herbal Secrets also stocks an impressive selection of incense, books, tarot cards, CDs, herbal skin care lotions and potions.
Ms O’Keeffe also makes her own range of shampoos, conditioners and massage oils and stocks a selection of ecological dishwashing liquids and washing powders.
The shop also sells statues and gifts, including candle and soap-making kits, and Ms O’Keeffe stocks guitar and bass strings and can order in musical instruments and supplies.
Cleopatra’s Herbal Secrets is located at 228 Maroondah Highway, Healesville, and can be contacted on 5962 4252.