“Adapt, stay positive, and learn to do things your own way.”
Luca “Lazylegz” Patuelli has lived by this motto his whole life. Luca was born with Arthrogryposis, a neuromuscular disorder affecting the bones and joints of the body. Despite facing physical challenges, Luca learned at an early age about the power of adapting positively to any situation. His commitment and willpower led Lazylegz to develop his career as a professional dancer by competing and performing internationally and gave him opportunities to appear on both Canadian and American media, including appearances on the Ellen Degeneres Show, So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Tout le Monde en Parle, and America’s Got Talent. Lazylegz has toured the world, performing and inspiring in over 28 countries. He has also created ILL-Abilities, an international Bboy crew comprised of some of the world’s best differently-abled dancers. Whether through his dancing, his choreography or his entrepreneurial character, Luca has become a leader for both dancers and people of all abilities. As a loving husband to wife Mélissa Emblin and devoted father to daughter Aura Isabella, he is committed to helping his daughter grow up in a society where people of all abilities can come together and share their passions despite their differences.
to be free.
to challenge myself and discover my true potential.
by being in the moment and letting the movement guide me.
Despite facing physical challenges, Luca learned at an early age about the power of adapting positively to any situation. Always wanting to stay active and join his friends in any activity, he was able to devise creative adaptations to be able to participate in soccer, football, and baseball, and learned how to rock climb, surf, ski, and skateboard. At 15 years old, Luca was introduced to breakdancing (Bboying/Bgirling). Immediately, he was attracted to the music, the culture and, of course, to the challenging movements. He slowly began creating a unique style using his upper body strength and his crutches as extensions of his arms, Bboy Lazylegz was born!
In 2009, he graduated from Montreal’s Concordia University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business and a Major in Marketing. Combining his passion for dance with his knowledge of engaging the masses, he has become a strong advocate for inclusion and integration as he aims to bring people of all abilities together through the power of dance. He created ILL-Abilities, an international Bboy crew comprised of some of the world’s best differently-abled dancers. The crew was nominated by the U.K. Olivier Awards for an outstanding achievement in dance.
Whether through his dancing, his choreography or his entrepreneurial character, Luca has become a leader for both dancers and people of all abilities. Lazylegz also co-founded RAD Movement, formally known as Projet RAD, an inclusive urban dance program for youth with disabilities, with partners Mélissa Emblin and Marie-Elaine Patenaude.
