A Queensland dance teacher has been forced to undergo open-heart surgery after he was stabbed with a knife in a shocking Christmas Eve attack while on holiday in Spain.
Brisbane resident Carlos Redondo Jr. was on holiday in Tenerife – the largest of Spain's seven Canary Islands – when he was stabbed at 4am on December 24.
Mr Redondo was walking on the street when he was stabbed and suffered life-threatening injuries.
He was rushed to hospital where doctors performed open-heart surgery to save his life before moving him to intensive care.
Mr Redondo is co-owner of Paradizo School of Latin Dance, in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley, and has been teaching there for the past eight years.
Brisbane resident Carlos Redondo Jr was on holiday in Tenerife – the largest of Spain's seven Canary Islands – when he was brutally stabbed on Christmas Eve
Mr Redondo suffered life-threatening injuries after being stabbed in the shoulder and chest, forcing doctors to perform open-heart surgery to save his life
The dance instructor, who teaches at Paradizo School of Latin Dance in Fortitude Valley, said his body will never be the same after the brutal attack.
He shared a confrontational photo to his Instagram on December 26, showing the new surgical incision from his heart surgery, which runs from the top of his chest to the bottom of his navy.
“On December 24, 2023 I was born again,” the caption read.
'Survived open heart surgery after being stabbed twice in the middle of the road.
“So many stars were ready at four in the morning to get through and live. My body won't be the same anymore, but neither will the way I look at life.”
Friday, Mr. Redondo shared another 'life update' with his followers, thanking fellow dancers, friends, family and Brisbane's Latin community for their support.
He said the love he has received has been “overwhelming but in a good way” and has helped him through his long road to recovery.
“I never knew so many people cared about me and it really makes me emotional when I think about it,” Mr. Redondo said through tears.
'I'm doing quite well… I can take a shower on my own, I can walk a bit, I can breathe and talk.
'I can't eat properly yet because my stomach is a bit damaged. But everything is going well.'
On Tuesday, he shared a confrontational photo to his Instagram showing his new surgical incision from his open-heart surgery, which runs from the top of his chest to the bottom of his navy.
Dance partner and Paradizo school owner Chloe Loh (pictured with Mr Redondo) branded the attack a 'cruel' and a 'terrible tragedy'
Dance partner and co-owner of Paradizo School Chloe Loh branded the attack a 'cruel' and 'terrible tragedy'.
Ms Loh and Mr Redondo have worked closely together teaching in their studio, at festivals and events in Australia and around the world.
Ms Loh started one GoFundMe Page to raise money for his medical and rehabilitation costs.
“Carlos was viciously attacked in the street and stabbed in the chest and shoulder and survived open heart surgery,” Ms Loh wrote.
'As you can imagine, this is a terrible tragedy for this family and we are keen to raise money to ease the financial pressure, especially at this time of year.
'Our aim is to ensure that he receives support for his long-term rehabilitation, as well as our own aftercare for him [including] orthopedic aids such as braces, supports or any bandages.'
Ms Loh added that the funds raised will also go towards any travel expenses as it will be at least two weeks before he can travel to Barcelona, Spain, to be with his family.
She added that Mr. Redondo will not be able to work during his rehabilitation because it will take about three to four months for his sternum to heal before he can return to sports.
'[Funds will] To help Carlos with his living expenses in Spain and Australia (such as rent and bills) during his recovery while he is unable to work, as well as covering loss of income during this time,” Ms Loh wrote.
'Teaching will be restricted until he regains full range of motion, which will limit the lessons he can teach and the level.'
'This also covers loss of income due to the cancellation of contracts outside the dance school, because we teach at festivals.
“If Carlos is allowed to travel more than 30 hours to Australia, this will be used for flights back to Australia.”
Ms Loh has started a GoFundMe page to help Mr Redondo with medical, rehabilitation and travel expenses (pictured, Ms Loh dancing with Mr Redondo)
Mr Redondo has begun his long road to recovery and thanked family, friends and Brisbane's Latin community for their love and support
Ms Loh explained that the dancer will have to undergo trauma psychology and physiotherapy, as well as personal training to regain his strength and full mobility to continue his work as a professional instructor.
'Thank you so much for your amazing support of Carlos, with so much love, messages and donations. Ms Loh wrote in an Instagram story on December 27.
“He tells us your messages give him strength.”
At the time of writing, the GoFundMe has received over 1,200 donations totaling $54,106 and hopes to raise $100,000.