It’s a long story.

“Growing up, I saw that people with disabilities were significantly undermined, disadvantaged and neglected in the community. My older brother, Sebastian, is a person on the autism spectrum and has been my best friend since day one. Sebastian loved to play soccer in his younger years. He was committed and loved the sport more than he loves food (that’s a lot for him). Sebastian continuously proved people wrong. It was as if someone had said to him, “you will never be a great soccer player” and then he would bring home a ‘most valued player in all of Australia’ award from Canberra at a national soccer tournament. Sebastian’s school years were not an easy ride. They consisted of bullying, lack of support and no encouragement to push for something bigger. I always felt that people with disabilities were disadvantaged and neglected in the community in terms that there was never enough support or services for them to be creative in a safe and inclusive space. Sure, there was and still is great community support groups and sports that Sebastian participated in and it was those few that made his week. I saw the gap and wanted to fill this gap with a fun, stimulating and welcoming environment whereby students can come in and be themselves. Where they can leave all the problems they had in their day, the ridicule, the bullying, the harassment at the door and be happy, safe and included in creative space. They don’t realise their talents until pathways are created for them and support is there ready to stand behind them while their receiving that trophy.

On the other hand, I was always a dancer. Dancing was one of the only activities where I felt like I wasn’t judged and left out of a group. I always felt happiest on the days I knew I had a dance lesson in the afternoon. I had great mentors and made lasting friendships with people who were just like me. I aim to make Stars Within an encouraging, comfortable and welcoming space for people of all ages and all abilities to just dance freely and be happy. I hope that when my students enter the studio, they feel a sense of belonging and know they are valued, loved, respected and seen beyond their disability because they are so much more than just a label.”

Vanessa Saura
Founder & Head Teacher at Stars Within Inclusive Dance