18 GAZETTE 12 January 2012
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Donna Mitchell Murphy, owner Zumba Fitness Blanchardstown
Bitten by the dancing bug DONNA Mitchell Murphy teaches at Zumba Fitness Blanchardstown. She grew up in north Dublin and danced in various shows and competitions around Ireland. She always wanted to become a professional dancer and always loved music. While at school, Donna worked part-time in a pharmacy. She studied at evening college, receiving her diplomas. She heard about Zumba Fitness, and knew instantly she would love being back at what she always wanted to do. She set herself a challenge to train with a ZES (Zumba Education Specialist) Hermann Melo. Hermann trained Donna in a programme that was going to take her into a whirlwind of changes. The Zumba® workout provides
long-term fitness benefits through exhilarating, high calorie-burning fitness classes. “I get to share this enjoyment with everyone that walks through the door and I absolutely love it,” she says. “I also run Zumba events. The next one open to the public is for www. babymax.ie on January 27, 2012 at Wanderers’ Rugby new clubhouse; €10 minimum donation to enter with 100% of donations going to the charity. ZES Hermann Melo will be our guest. “I really hope to see you at one of my classes; I promise you will feel the benefits of the workout.” For more information, call Donna on 0873221120 or email her ar fitstudio15@gmail.com.
Zumba instructor, Donna Mitchell Murphy
Q&A
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Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be? A: I’d like to say a glass of
ways wanted to listen to Top of the Pops but my family wanted to watch football. I always won because I was a whinger.
champagne, but it’s an ice-cold bottle of Perroni and a slice of Dominos
Q: What was your first job? A: I’ve always worked in pharmacy for the same owner, Fergus Hoban. I actually only left Touchstone Pharmacy, Mulhuddart Village, recently. I still gate-crash their Christmas parties though!
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Q: Is there anything about yourself that you would like to set the record straight on? A: I’m actually a shy person. But, when I teach, I am not shy. There is something in the music that makes me go crazy
Q: What sport do you follow? A: Like many women, I have no
Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed? A: Yes, I tried Beauty and I
choice but to follow football. At home they are fanatics, so I just go with the flow
HATED waxing
Q: What sport can you play? A: I cycle, run and swim quite
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: I build new friendships with everyone that comes through my door. They laugh their heads off as they leave my class all covered in sweat. This makes my job very enjoyable
Q: Have you achieved anything that you once thought you could not pull of? A: Yes, I planned a wedding in Italy for a great couple. I thought I was going to die (I’m super dramatic)
Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’? A: I’m independent, so I have
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Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: I wanted to be a dancer. I al-
no one to delegate too. I ask my students to open the door if the mirrors are steaming up, that would be it
often. I’d love to surf but, knowing me, I’d drown first time
Q: What habits would you like to lose? A: I get really nervous over silly things. I also pick at things when I’m uncomfortable. I’ve just been told by my orthodontist that I have a dislocated jaw, might be from talking too much
Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to? A: I am going to the very first Zumba Fitness Convention in London in February, where I will be one of the first instructors in the world to be trained in the new Zumba SENTAO programme
Q: What is your guilty music/ TV or movie pleasure?
A: Zumba Zumba Zumba! I love Erasure, love the 80’s music and classical music. I try stay “with it” so I enjoy Rihanna, Danza Kuduro and David Guetta. For movies, for How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days I roll around laughing, my eyes water everytime. On TV, Desperate Housewives and Boardwalk Empire
Q: Who best represents modern Ireland –David Norris or Jedward? A: Jedward all the way. They’re so happy, we should try to be more happy like those pair
Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: Pictures of my family at Christmas; I’ve not uploaded them yet. Music, about 3,000 Zumba Classics.
Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update? A: And it’s done. First Zumba Fitness class of 2012 happened at Dance Addiction Dublin and it was FANTASTIC. Thank you to all, old and new students, it was really great to see you all there. Roll on MONDAY!
Q: Describe your dream meal? A: Chinese food from Wongs,
would be afraid to speak to Enda Kenny as it would end up in a massive argument
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: Ha! Did my mam tell you to ask me this? I own about 60 pairs of shoes, BUT only 20 are really good ones that live in their actual boxes and have their own shelf
Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: Oh, has to be losing my luggage when I was six months pregnant. We were in a very “skimpy” part of the world and their bikini’s left very little to the imagination.
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: My dream holiday is Florida. I’ve been before many times and I absolutely love it. I get to go on the HULK and Dueling Dragons with the kids. I’d go back year after year with the boys. You’re never too young or old for Florida
Q: What would be your dream job? A: I’m doing it. My dream was to be a dancer and it’s here with me now
or a huge Steak from The Chop House. I love good food
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Travel the world. I want to
Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Oh God, Dame Edna. I
visit North Africa first and help some areas there. Then, I’m on planes, trains and automobiles… best get saving so!