Studio Founder and Director, Stefano Olivieri, is an award-winning dancer and choreographer with a love of dance… and good company. He opened DanceXS to bring community together and help others celebrate life, love and laughter with first-class – and always fun – ballroom dance lessons.
Stefano has competed since the age of ten and is a dancer extraordinaire. He is the winner of every major national Australian DanceSport championship, has represented Australia at a host of prestigious international events, including World Latin and Standard Championships, and is currently Australian professional DanceSport Champion (New Vogue) with professional partner Jessica Prince.
Stefano has won Dancing with the Stars twice, and been a judge on Dancing with the Stars in New Zealand. Not one to rest on his laurels, he has also graced the stage in musical theatre productions, including Cats, Oklahoma, Chicago and West Side Story.
Steps to the stage
Stefano fell in love with dance when he first saw his father and mother sweep across a dance floor. It was a revelation. Dance offered something magical, romantic, elegant and inspired. And he was hooked.
When a teacher put him front and centre during a school production, Stefano discovered his love of the stage… and all the difference that a supportive and encouraging teacher makes.
After years of accolades and achievements, Stefano founded DanceXS to share his passion.
He has created a world-class studio with exceptional facilities… and he personally teaches all Latin and ballroom classes for kids, adults and elites.
A welcome lesson
Stefano is from a large Italian family – and family is always a focus. It’s one reason that DanceXS is all-embracing.
Couples can come to create a memorable wedding dance or enjoy a weekday escape, parents are welcome to stay and watch their children learn to tiptoe or twirl, and individuals can foxtrot, jive or quickstep with like-minded souls.
“I remember as a teenager my dad asked me when I was going to give up dance,” Stefano says. “I thought, why would I want to give up when I’ve found what I love. Not many people get to build a career with something they are passionate about… and it drives me to give that to others.”
Major wins include:
- 13 Times Australian Professional DanceSport Champion
- 2 Times Winner Dancing With the Stars New Zealand 2007 – 2008
- 2004 IDSF World Champion
- Judge on Dancing With the Stars New Zealand TV3
Other credits include:
- 1998 7th place British Open to the World Championships Youth Standard
- 8th place Youth Latin
- 1998 Australian Open Amateur Latin Champion
- 1999 Australian Amateur Open Standard Champion
- 2000 8th place World Ten Dance Champion
- 2000 Open Amateur New Vogue Australian Champion
- 2001 Australian Professional Rising Stars Standard and New Vogue Champion
- 2003 Singapore International Open Professional Standard Champion
Musical Theatre
- CATS – Choreographer. New Zealand National Tour 2019
- SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER – Choreographer. New Zealand National Tour 2017
- OKLAHOMA – Will Parker
- CHICAGO – Billy Flynn
- WEST SIDE STORY – Bernardo
- GUYS AND DOLLS – Sky Masterson
- BURN THE FLOOR – Cast member 2004 – 2008
Are you ready to join the dance?
Are you ready to join Stefano on the dance floor? Then we can’t wait to see you. Contact us to join the dance today.
