GOOD MORNING P.O.U.!
We continue our look at Blacks In Ballroom with….
EMMANUEL PIERRE-ANTOINE
A native of Haiti, Emmanuel trained in 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. Prevailing despite his country’s social taboos, in addition to volatile political and economic climate, as the General Director and Dance Master, Emmanuel grew Caminito to one of international repute and import. He organized and choreographed frequent shows and performances, established training and seminars for professional dancers in Port-au-Prince and some of the major provincial cities. Due in large part to Emmanuel’s unflagging determination, Ballroom Dancing is now embraced and woven into Haiti’s cultural and folkloric fabric. In 1999, when he first started competing on the international scene and won the 3rd place in the World Mambo Championship at USBC, he was honored with being named Haiti’s dance representative, locally and abroad by The International Dance Organization(IDO). As one of Haiti’s prestigious stars, he acted in two successful Haitian films: “La Peur d’Aimer” and “I Love You Anne”.
Emmanuel and his former partners from Haiti regularly participated in competitions the world over, including England, the United States, and Canada where they focused primarily on International Latin style competition.
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 including International Latin and Standard, American Rhythm and smooth.
In September 2003, Emmanuel met Joanna Zacharewicz at Stepping Out Studios , where they started training together and became one of the top instructors/dancers/performers. They competed for two years in the American Rhythm Division becoming 2005 World Mambo Champions, and in 2006 winning either first or second place in all the major competitions throughout the united states. They also performed at the “Kremlin Cup” in Russia in 2005, performed on “Dancing With the Stars” in February 2006, and also appeared on the PBS “America’s ballroom challenge” in 2005 and 2006.
In January 2007 Emmanuel started a new partnership with Julia Gorchakova: 12 times undefeated US Rhythm Champion and 3 times World Mambo Champion, hoping to bring a new energy into the dance world both being 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 2008.
In September 2008, Emmanuel paired up with Lianna Churilova (amateur international latin champion in Russia and world finalist). They are a strong force on the dance floor, winning 1st place in many national and international competitions.
(SOURCE: The Best Of Rhythm)
Sadly, Mr. Pierre-Antoine and his wife, Jasmin, lost their 2 yr-old son in the earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010. In this video, Emmanuel talks about his lost and performs a dance tribute to the victims of the Haiti earthquake on “Dancing With The Stars”.