Dance Away The Heartache Stefano's Steps To Healing

He’s working through his break-up blues

- Carmen Lichi

His eyes are a little less twinkly right now and that famously big smile not quite as mischievous or dazzling, but Stefano Olivieri is relishing his latest project as choreographer on a local production of the musical Saturday Night Fever.

The Sydney-based former Dancing with the Stars NZ professional dancer turned judge accepted the offer to go to Christchurch to train the 16-strong Kiwi and Aussie cast just weeks before his marriage of nearly seven years to banker Steve Nixon came crashing down in July.

 

And while Stefano, who runs his own dance company across the ditch, acknowledges it’s still early days, the new gig has been a crucial part of his healing process.

“This job really did come at the perfect time for me,” tells the 39-year-old. “If it wasn’t for this distraction, I would be going mental at home. Having a change of scene is very healing. New Zealand is my second home and I love working here.

“I feel like I was born to choreograph Saturday Night Fever. I’m so into the ’70s era and even though there are dark issues around suicide, it’s a high-energy, explosive production and the songs are just so great, so catchy. Everyone knows them!”

Surrogacy tears

It’s left him with little time to dwell on the split, which he says came after a difficult 18 months for the couple.