Joanna Leunis

Joanna Leunis is a celebrated Latin ballroom dancer, instructor, and adjudicator, boasting numerous World and European titles, and a record nine-time UK, International, and British Open Champion. After becoming the World Amateur Latin Champion in 2000 with partner Slavik Kryklyvyy, Joanna Leunis solidified her status in competitive dance, winning both the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival and the US Open in Miami. This followed earlier successes, including the Belgian 10-Dance Championship with Otto Cailliau and the Amateurs Latin Championship at the 1998 Albena Open Championships with Mario Wild. Leunis further demonstrated her rising talent by claiming first place in the Rising Star division at the 1999 UK Open Championships.

Transitioning professionally, she partnered with Louis Van Amstel in 2002, securing the Emerald Ball Professional Latin Championship and becoming the United States National Professional South American Showdance Champion. Leunis’s career reached new heights in autumn 2002 with her highly successful partnership with Michael Malitowski, representing Poland. Their debut immediately resulted in a victory at the 2002 World Dance & Dance Sport Council World Professional South American Showdance Championship. The duo quickly amassed an impressive collection of titles, including Polish Professional Latin Champion in 2003, 2005, 2009, and 2010, along with the Professional Rising Star at the UK Open Championships in 2003 and the Dutch Open South American Professional Showdance Champion title the same year.

She continues to share her extensive expertise as a celebrated instructor, choreographer, and adjudicator for international competitions and events. Leunis has also brought her unparalleled experience to television, appearing as an adjudicator on popular shows such as Dancing with the Stars, Belgium. Her ongoing contributions underscore her enduring influence and commitment to the global Latin ballroom community.