A native of Haiti, EMMANUEL PIERRE-ANTOINE studied Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Haitian folklore, and Ballroom dance for 17 years. While pursuing his dream of becoming a top dancer, Emmanuel majored in Economics and Journalism. In 1997, having developed a distinct passion for partner dancing, Emmanuel founded Caminito, which came to be regarded as one of the leading schools of Ballroom and International dance in Haiti, and indeed, Central America. In 1999, when he first started competing on the international scene, he was honored with being named Haiti's dance representative, locally and abroad. As one of Haiti's prestigious stars, he acted in two recent successful Haitian films: "La Peur d'Aimer" and "I Love You Anne."

In January 2003, Emmanuel closed Caminito to concentrate on his dance career in the dance capital of the world, New York City. In New York, he not only dances professionally but also started competing with several of his students in Pro-Am divisions, including International Latin and Standard, American Rhythm and Smooth.

In September 2003, Emmanuel met his current dance partner Joanna Zacharewicz at Stepping Out Studios, where they both became top instructors/dancers/performers. They soon after switched gears and now compete solely in the American Rhythm Division. In 2005, they garnered the most prestigious and coveted title of World Professional Mambo Champions. Throughout that year and 2006 they have won almost every championship throughout the US. They took second place at the 2006 US Dancesport Championships, first place at the 2006 Ohio Star Ball, and first place at the 2006 Holiday Classic Dancesport Championships in Las Vegas.

With so many titles under their belt, Joanna and Emmanuel were singled out for the honor of being featured on the very popular WABC television show, "Dancing with the Stars," on PBS's "America's Ballroom Challenge" (Dance Beat wrote: "…brought down the house"), and on WB11's Morning Show "Good Day New York." Invitations to showcase their talents regularly flood in and send them traveling the globe, as far away as Russia and China.

Emmanuel's dedication to his profession and art never wavers. Stepping Out Studios is extremely pleased that he calls this home.