What happens when a performer turns her passion for movement into a whole new way of supporting dancers?

In Episode 6 of Behind the Stars, we chat with performer, singer, dancer, mum and Pilates instructor Oriana Binetti about the powerful connection between Pilates and dance.

Oriana shares her own journey as a performer and how becoming a Pilates instructor has given her a deeper understanding of the dancer’s body. We talk about how Pilates can help dancers build strength, improve control and technique, support recovery, and reduce the risk of injury — helping them feel stronger and more confident both in the studio and on stage.

We also chat about Oriana’s experience as a mum to a young performer and the different perspective that brings to watching the next generation of dancers grow.

It’s a great conversation about looking after your body, training smarter, and building strength that supports you for the long run.

Tune in for another inspiring conversation Behind the Stars!

In this episode of Behind the Stars, I’m joined by two incredible mums from our Star Academy community, Paula Zito and Natalie Ciccone, to explore the journey of being a dance parent — the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. Paula shares her experience as the mum of Stella, now 19, who has had an extensive journey in the performing arts, while Natalie reflects on supporting her daughter Maia, who is 11 and just beginning her competition and performance pathway.

Together, they offer two very different but deeply relatable perspectives on what it means to support a young performer at different stages of their journey. From first classes to long-term commitment, emotional highs to behind-the-scenes realities, this conversation is full of insight, honesty, and connection — and is sure to resonate with so many families navigating the world of dance.

In this episode of Behind the Stars, Luke Rinaldi, Assistant Principal and Wellbeing Leader at Nailsworth Primary School, shares valuable insight into children’s wellbeing and what it means to truly support young people in today’s world. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at his role in education, what led him into the wellbeing space, and how schools work to support students both emotionally and academically.

Luke explores how to recognise when a child may be struggling mentally or emotionally, and provides practical advice for parents navigating challenging times with their children. He also discusses the connection between wellbeing and performance, the impact of social media on young people, and simple but effective strategies to help children manage overwhelm, anxiety, and big emotions in a healthy way.