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12 | THE REVIEW SEP–DEC 2023 Va’s comfortable in her own skin Va Filemoni knows life is short, so she is making the most of it. By MELANIE LOUDEN Rugby league and ballroom dancing. They are an unlikely combination. One is a very physical sport that demands strength, speed and determination. The other requires poise, grace and precision. But for Vaotane Filemoni, who lives with Cerebral Palsy, they both provide a sense of belonging, and help her make the most of life. Up until about four years ago Vaotane, known as Va, played rugby league in a mixed team as part of New Zealand’s original Disability Rugby League team. “I’m hoping to get back to it when I’ve found a balance with all my other commitments,” Va, 32, says. Her “other commitments” include working as a teacher aide and ballroom dancing. Va had always loved ballroom dancing, but her interest in it grewwhen she watched dancing shows on television while she was recovering from being hit by a car in 2018. “After the accident, I realised that life was short, so I looked around for a studio that would let me learn.” She’s been taking weekly classes at Just Dance NZ Ballroom Dance Studio for four years, and also helps with competitions. Va has learnt the Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Rock n Roll, Rumba, Merrily and Gypsy tap. “It took 6 months to a year to learn each of them. I’m truly grateful to have a very patient and caring teacher.” Va is GMFCS (Gross Motor Function Scale) level 1 and says ballroom dancing is “a good challenge”. “It helps with my posture and balance. It also tests you physically and mentally