Emmanuel Pierre-Antoine

A native of Haiti, Emmanuel Pierre-Antoine trained in jazz, modern, Haitian folklore, and Ballroom Dance for over 17 years. 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 Latin dance in Haiti.
In 1999, when Emmanuel first started competing on the international scene, he won 3rd place in the World Mambo Championship at USBC (United States Ballroom Championships now known as the United States Dance Championships (USDC). He was honored with being named Haiti’s official dance representative, locally and abroad by the International Dance Organization (IDO).

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

Soon after, Emmanuel met Joanna Zacharewicz at Stepping Out Studios in NYC, where they started training together, soon becoming elite instructors, dancers, and performers. They competed for two years in the American Rhythm division, becoming 2005 World Mambo Champions. Throughout 2006, they ended up winning first or second places in all the major competitions throughout the United States. The couple also placed 2nd in the 2006 U.S. National DanceSport Championships in the Professional Rhythm division. Their success garnered them appearances on PBS’ America’s Ballroom Challenge and ABC’s Dancing With The Stars.

In January 2007, Emmanuel started a new partnership with Julia Power (Julia Gorchakova), 12-time undefeated U.S. American Rhythm Champion and 3-time World Mambo Champion, hoping to bring a new energy into the dance world, as they were both very passionate dancers. Although they enjoyed the experience and have no regrets, they did not feel they would be able to accomplish their goal in the time frame they had originally set, so they decided to end their partnership in July of 2008. The pair placed 3rd in the U.S. National DanceSport Championships in the Professional Rhythm division, and 2nd in the American Rhythm National Showdance Championships.

In September 2008, Emmanuel paired up with Lianna Churilova, an Amateur International Latin Champion of Russia and a World Finalist. They were a strong force on the dance floor, winning 1st places in many national and international competitions. They became the United States National Professional Rhythm Champions in 2013. Additionally, they have won titles in Mambo, Salsa and Ballroom in various dance competitions, festivals and conventions, having performed across the globe.

Emmanuel and Liana also performed, by special invitation, at the Kremlin in Moscow, an honor for Liana who is originally from Russia.

After 8 years of dancing together, Emmanuel Pierre-Antoine announced retirement from the competitive dance floor. However, his passion for dance continues through his instruction, choreographing and adjudicating in the dance industry. He is a National Adjudicator and member of the National Dance Council of America (NDCA).

Besides his love and passion for dancing, Emmanuel loves watching movies, listening to music, and devotes the rest of his time to meditation and spiritual life.

Emmanuel Pierre-Antoine also had roles as an actor in two Haitian films, “La Peur d’Aimer” (2000) and “I Love You Anne” (2003).