July 31, 2019

Redo: 'No excuses, no limits'

Redouan Ait Chitt, better known as Redo, is a professional breakdancer, motivational speaker, and host of the TV program "Project Dans" on NPO1. He gives workshops, performs in (theater) shows, and participates in battles worldwide. He also ran his own personal battle. This is an added motivation for being an ambassador for the Youth Fund. Redo's motto: no excuses, no limits. 

Why does Redo think it's important to be an ambassador? "I think it's so important that children participate," says Redo. "Children want to belong. It stands out if you can't participate. If you can't go to soccer or dance school like everyone else. Then you become an outsider. I know what it's like to feel like an outsider, because I've had to overcome many obstacles myself."  

Belonging 

Redo was born with a short right arm missing an elbow joint and has a total of five fingers on both hands. He's missing his right hip, his right leg is shorter, and he walks with the aid of a prosthesis. This didn't stop him from becoming a professional dancer. "Sports were very important to me. Instead of focusing on what I couldn't do, I learned skills that I could use. From football to martial arts, I never let my physical challenges limit me. At the club, I just felt like I belonged, just like everyone else." 

Creativity breaks boundaries 

When he was 14 years old, Redo was introduced to the world of breakdance.  A revelation. "Hip-hop culture is very open," he says. "I wasn't looked at strangely, I could be completely myself, I was appreciated for who I was. Of course, I had to catch up. The first lessons were hell. I couldn't do the basic moves everyone else was doing. The penny dropped when a teacher told me, 'Take the things you can do and put your own spin on them.' He threw me in at the deep end. I was forced to think creatively. And creativity breaks boundaries. Being different became my strength. I grew more and more confident."  

Physically and socially stronger  

Redo works as a professional dancer worldwide, inspiring people with his experiences and vision, and presenting the TV program Project Dance: “I've been given opportunities, and that's why I am who I am. I want every child to have that. The Youth Fund for Sport & Culture makes it possible for children and young people to have opportunities, that's why it's so close to my heart. Being able to dance, play sports, make music… it all contributes to a child's development. I think it's so important that no one, for whatever reason, is excluded. Children should be able to explore as much as possible; you should never cut back on that, regardless of the situation at home.” 

Photo: James Park Photography