The seeker of opportunities

“Find your strengths and understand how you can maximize them. Take time to learn them and don’t solemnly focus on the challenges you face.”

On this week’s episode, it is the crew’s turn to virtually meet in Montreal as Lazylegz makes his way to the hot seat. Interviewed by Kujo, Perninha, Krops and Redo, Lazylegz has the opportunity to answer questions on topics such as family, his ‘ILL-ability’ (arthrogryposis), challenges he has faced, funny moments and much more. Armed with his father’s charisma and his mother’s strength, Luca will dive into conversations with the crew about life growing up, midnight swims that may have gotten him into trouble and where his interest in dancing and bboying came to life. There were some slips, some falls and pink brief rituals along the way, but his friends and ILL-Abilities family were always there to encourage him and inspire him to make big moves and seek new opportunities. Luca will also discuss family life revolving around his European parents in the early 70’s, as well as his wife Melissa and their two daughters Aura Isabella and Luna Valentina. Luca will also share future plans for himself and the crew and answer some frequently asked questions. The crew conclude this podcast episode by sharing their deep appreciation for one another and some musical throwbacks.

Let us know what you think! Have any questions, feel free to comment below!

Duration: 1:21:26

The NO EXCUSES, NO LIMITS! Motto

“Just try” - Finding a way in your own way.

On this week’s episode, Luca joins Perninha, Kujo and Samuka to have a special discussion about their personal NENL moments. From battle wounds, to on and off stage bodily sacrifices and half kilometer long distance walks in the burning sun, the boys of the crew have faced multiple experiences in which they needed to apply their own motto “No excuses, No Limits”, and in some occasions, before its’ even existence. During this podcast, the crew will discuss personal experiences with people who have discouraged them in things they wanted to pursue, due to their differences and the ways they approached their dance style. Luckily, the crew pushed through the pressures of fitting in, and had the mindset that it doesn’t matter which way they do something, at the end of the day, it’s the fact that they have tried and have not let people discourage them from doing the things they enjoyed. Despite having some bad days, the crew would like for people to keep in mind that in any situations that they may face, to remember that “This is your moment”, “Start today, and things will keep advancing”, and that there really are “No excuses, No limits”.

“No excuses, No Limits” and No Regrets

On this week’s podcast, Luca is joined by Samuka and Kujo somewhere in the virtual world. Throughout this podcast, the trio discuss the concept that “everything happens for a reason” and that the opportunities to experience and learn are endless. From “oops” mistakes in Singapore, to deep and personal life lessons, and decisions that led to good or bad, these experiences have paved a way towards their growth, maturity and actions. These mistakes or learning opportunities, will be explored within this podcast along with each member’s personal insight in retrospect. The trio will also discuss the idea that “things that are perceived as mistakes by some, can be perceived as opportunities by others” and that sometimes, trying new things (especially during a worldwide pandemic) can be a great learning experience that will benefit our short but incredible, human experience and will help us learn more about ourselves.

Did you learn something new, or have had a personal learning experience that you would like to share? Comment below!

Duration: 56:19

“It’s okay, I’m an artist”

On this special edition of the No Limits Podcast, Luca sits down with his one and only partner in crime and wife Melissa Emblin. For those who do not know Melissa, she is part of the ILL-Abilities family members, she is a dancer, dance teacher and former occupational therapist. She is of course the mother to Luca’s children, Aura Isabella and Luna Valentina. During this special episode, sit back and enjoy the flow of their conversation. Sharing many laughs and exchanges, their couple dynamic will shine through this podcast as they discuss travels, embarrassing moments, meeting crew members and much more. Stay tuned to know how well Melissa and Luca know each other during their fun game of How Well Do You Know Your Spouse?

Last but not least, we hope that all mother’s listening to this podcast have a great mother’s day, and we hope that you know that “you are the sh*t” and remember, “every day is mother’s day”.

“Why not(1) create ways to find(2) beauty in negativity(3) , and produce art with the struggle(4) ”

1 Krops 2: Kujo 3: Redo 4: Lazylegz

The crew welcomes Redo back to the podcast and invite him to continue their discussion about identity. If you have not listened to Part I, we strongly encourage you to listen to Part I of the podcast before listening to Part II.

In part 2 of the ‘Identity podcast’, the crew continues their search to find the truth behind identity. Redo introduces his perspective on what identity means to him. He also discusses the emotions he faced when he was learning to accept his difference through dancing and the crew. This then lead the crew to dive further into discussion about the rollercoaster ride towards identity. Hypothetically, where would the crew be had they not have their unique abilities or struggles? Would they still be dancing? This is a question many of the crew members have faced and will be answering within this podcast. During this rollercoaster ride, the crew will discuss about individual struggles in their search of identity. Krops and Kujo then suggest the idea that, struggles do not always need to be negative and that beauty can be found within them. It is all a matter of perspective. More importantly, the crew also discuss how comfort zones have an impact on who you become. Tune in to hear more on their opinions on identity, struggles, acceptance, and experiences that led them to become who they are today.

“I am me, I do not need to be defined or identified as one specific thing”

In this week’s episode, Luca joins Perninha, Krops, Kujo, Samuka and Checho in the virtual world. Together, they discuss their personal experiences with identity, from who they were as a younger version of themselves to who they are today. As described by Kujo, identity is not solemnly a thing, it is multiple “fragments of oneself”. From finding “the torch” of fiery passion, and drive, to having to prove themselves to the world, the crew were invited to look within themselves to discuss their identity. Each from various backgrounds and each having a unique story and their own personal fears with identity, they will go through their memories and their timelines to discuss the evolution of identity and in some instances, their personal battles with identity crisis. Mid-life crisis? Identity crisis? Who am I, really? Am I a product of my bullies, or the people that didn’t believe in me? All questions we have all personally asked ourselves. At the end of the day, the crew wants to remind their audiences, the beauty behind differences, and how love changes negative perceptions to positive ones. Spread love and kindness, embrace your uniqueness and spread that beauty. Use your uniqueness to find your true self and your true passions, because “What we are doing, doesn’t need to define who we are”.

Are you enjoying these podcasts? Let us know!

Next podcast: 2nd, May

Duration: 1:09:45

“People told me early on that I couldn’t hold a pen because of my hand... and well I did... and now I am writing my own story”

On this week’s episode Luca ‘Lazylegz’ virtually travels to central Europe, to meet Redouan Ait Chitt (Redo) in his home town in The Netherlands. Never shying away from opportunities, and regardless of the global pandemic, Redo has been quite involved in his community. From working on personal projects and speeches, to working with reputable people and companies, as well as Break Squad, he (alongside friends) have had a major impact on the view of dance in his community and city. So much so, their government has recognized the importance of dance and granted them new resources to support them with the continuity of their projects. In addition to his impact, Redo has been slowly building a bridge between break dance and classical dance as well as breaking down the so called standards of physical appearance in dance. Redo does not believe that in order to be a dancer one must tick all the boxes or completely fit in, if you can walk the walk and talk the talk and show your skill then you are a dancer in his opinion. Luca and Redo also reminisce on their favourite experiences while traveling, the start of their friendship, how Redo joined the crew and Luca’s documented contagious laugh attacks. On a more serious note, they discuss what the message behind “No Limits” stands for, and how versatility led them to creating new opportunities for themselves. Redo also highlights the importance of being yourself, working hard for the things you want to achieve and never letting a negative situation dictate your path.

Are you enjoying these podcasts? Let us know! Next podcast: 18th, April

Duration: 58:14

On this week’s episode, we virtually fly back to Brazil with Luca Lazylegz to meet with Perninha in Rio. Originally from Paraíba in North-East, Brazil, Perninha moved to Rio in 2016 to pursue his dreams. Always walking outside of the box, and never letting his disability stop him, Perninha discovered his love for breaking through experimenting a variety of sports. Inspired by the things he loves and focused on what he wants, Perninha locks onto his goals and takes the necessary risks to get him to where he wants to be. Throughout the podcast, Luca and Perninha will discuss moments they shared together and will discuss how hard work, dedication and risk taking, leads to evolving. You will also find out that with the global pandemic and worldwide quarantine regulations, Perninha took a risk, once again, and started a special project on Instagram involving Bboys and Bgirls from around the globe. Tune in the podcast to find out more about his project!

Have any questions or like what you hear so far? Let us know!

Tune in Sunday April 2nd for podcast #8

Duration of podcast: 58:52