From the first steps in the classroom, Adam Chițu knew that this was his destiny, but he also knew that talent without work does not mean performance.
Adam Chițu, national champion in street dance. PHOTO: Maria Stupcanu
After winning the Red Bull Dance Your Style national final last year and participating in the world final, which was held in Frankfurt, Adam Chițu (19 years old) is ready for a new title. This year, the national final of Red Bull Dance Your Style, the global all-styles street dance competition, takes place in Bucharest’s George Enescu Square on Saturday, August 31. In an interview for “Weekend Adevărul”, the dancer spoke passionately about what it means to be an artist on the urban scene in our country, what makes the difference between hobby and performance, and what expectations he has for this year’s edition of Red Bull Dance Your Style.
“Weekend Adevărul”: How did it all start for you in the world of dance?
Adam Chițu: As a small child I was passionate about hip-hop culture. I was always surrounded by this style of music because of my uncle, who listened mostly to hip-hop, he influenced me. Of all the culture, dance was the one that attracted me the most, and at the age of 7 I went to my first dance class.
And how did it continue?
From the first steps I took to the course, I realized that it would have an important role in my life. I really enjoyed everything I was doing and learning, so I was picking it up very quickly. I have always been guided by passion, it made me and makes me dance.
Is dancing just a passion for you or has it become a lifestyle over time?
It all started out of pure passion, I didn’t think for a second that I could make a living from dancing. My coaches at Challenge Arts helped me with this and a year ago I realized that it can very easily become a lifestyle that makes me happy and fulfills me professionally at the same time.
From local to international
What competitions have you participated in so far, national or international, and how have they left their mark on you?
The highlight of my career so far was without a doubt taking part in the Red Bull Dance Your Style Global Finals in Frankfurt, Germany last year. That was the moment I realized the level I was able to reach and I finally felt that all my years of work had paid off. It was an unforgettable experience for me.
On August 31, again in the fight for the trophy. PHOTO: Red Bull
What are the moments that you remember most fondly and that have marked you over time?
On a national level, I have participated in many competitions, since I was a child, but Red Bull Dance Your Style left the strongest impression on me and my dance experience. As for international competitions, in 2019 I participated in the United States of America at Hip Hop International, and this year, with my band, Challenge Arts, in Los Angeles, at the World Of Dance.
Work > talent
How much talent and how much training do you need to make it in the dance world?
Work beats talent 100%. If a talented man does not work for his passion, someone else will come from behind who trains constantly and will succeed much more in dancing than the one who relies only on his talent, but does nothing else to increase it.
What are the challenges that a street dancer encounters?
There are many challenges that a dancer faces, but I think the hardest one is to stay consistent in what you are doing. After a defeat in a certain competition, not everyone manages to mobilize and return to the gym, resume training and work. Many dancers become demoralized in the face of defeat, and some of them even end up giving up.
More every year
What does the Romanian street dance community look like and how much has it evolved in recent years?
From my point of view, the Romanian street dance community has evolved quite a lot lately – street dance classes, competitions, events, very talented and dedicated dancers have appeared. Of course, this scene will gradually grow and reach another level as the years go by.
What impact does the Red Bull Dance Your Style event have on the Romanian street dance community?
Red Bull Dance Your Style has had a huge impact on the dance community here in the country, developing more and more from the moment it was first organized in our country until now. The most important thing is that it gave the public a chance to vote, the public being made up of people who appreciate the dance, who follow this whole phenomenon or just enjoy the show, but also the dancers. Many people came to the event with their families, and the children were fascinated by what happens in each battle, then coming to dance classes to get there at some point, why not.
Super show, to the rhythm of the music
How was the 2023 national final?
It was an important battle, good dancers from the country participated, but besides everything else, I really liked that it was a super show. It was a much better organization compared to the rest of the battles I participated in.
What about the global final? How was the experience in Frankfurt?
If I liked the national final so much, I can’t describe the world final in words. My enthusiasm was at an all-time high thinking I was there, especially because I had managed to win the national final and it was all coming from my work and the result I had. I was surrounded by dancers that I follow on social media that I had the opportunity to interact with at the time. It was completely and utterly different, a truly unique experience.
What are your thoughts on this year’s final, which awaits us on August 31, in George Enescu Square?
This year I am aware that it will be more difficult, but I am keeping calm. At the same time, I am much more focused than last year. I can’t wait to go on stage, there’s very little left.
