Dancing to the top
PROFESSIONAL dancing can easily put up a spectacle for the eyes. But behind fluid body movements and glamour are stories of prolonged and painstaking work schedules that require physical and mental stamina.
Hence, dancing is a demanding and labourious career that often requires a strict commitment to diet, fitness and health.
Someone who understands this all too well is dancer and choreographer Halavala Ilisoni Vaniqi.
His passion for dancing started at a young age when he used to observe the intricate choreography in music videos and dance shows featured on television.
He started by taking part in performances in school during events and as a cheerleader during sports competition.
Like many who chose a career away from the mainstream, Vaniqi faced opposition.
When he expressed his plans to take dancing as a career, he faced stiff opposition from close friends and family members.
However, he did not let this deter him.
Through dedication, he danced his way to some of the best dance groups in the country, eventually graduating from the VOU Conservatorium of Dance.
“I started off dancing as a cheerleader at the age of 15...,” he said.
“There was a dance group called KVITI679 that one of my cousins was in. Watching him move inspired me to be a good dancer one day,” he said.
Dancing is often viewed as a hobby and not a safe career choice.
But Vaniqi differs and has worked hard to prove people wrong.
He said one of the few people that supported him in his decision was his mother who has been his unwavering source of inspiration.
“I draw inspiration from my mum who has always fully supported me in my career choice.”
Despite the challenges he faced, Vaniqi was hungry to achieve his dreams and nothing was ever going to stop him.
Vaniqi said being a dancer has boosted his confidence and selfesteem.
“I started off as a very quiet and shy person but being part of dance groups has boosted my confidence and now I’m one of the most vocal.”
From humble begnnings as cheerleader and a high-school performer, today Vaniqi has grown in leaps and bounds.
He has worked with some of the biggest dance groups in the country such as VOU, Manava performing arts Wehi Fiji and Moana Loa performing arts.
He credits his success to his determination and urges fellow youths to “dream big and never let go until that dream is achieved”.