JOANNA ZACHAREWICZ, a native of Poland, began her dance career at the age of eight, studying the International Style Latin and Standard dances. Joanna and her former dance partner, Emmanuel Pierre-Antoine, another Stepping Out Studios' teacher, competed in the American Rhythm dances. They consistently placed first or second. In 2005, they garnered the most prestigious and coveted title of World Professional Mambo Champions. Throughout 2005 and 2006, they had won almost every championship throughout the US. They took second place at the 2006 US Dancesport Championships.

With so many titles under their belt, Joanna and Emmanuel were singled out and had the honor to be 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 flood in and send them traveling around the globe, as far away as Russia and China.

Joanna & her current partner, Jose DeCamps, are the NEW 2007 UNITED STATES CHAMPIONS! They won 1st places in both the "U.S. National Professional Rhythm Dance Championship" and
"U.S. National Professional Mambo Championship" categories at the United States Dance Championships!

Having won 1st Places in both the World Professional Rhythm and World Show Dance categories at Ohio Star Ball in November, Joanna & Jose are the NEW 2007 WORLD CHAMPIONS!

Joanna's training, having begun in Poland and strengthened by renowned coaches Vibeke Toft, Alan Tornsberg, Taliat and Marina Tarsinov, and many more, paved the way to her becoming a very successful dancer and teacher. She has coached, created and choreographed routines for many successful couples, including champions.

Stepping Out Studios is thrilled that Joanna is part of our teaching staff. She also was Dance Director at the Studio for several years. We all benefit from her extensive dance background as well as her interpersonal skills.