Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
2 weeks ago
Belgium 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.
Collaborated with Slavik Kryklyvyy as a dance partner, winning the World Amateur Latin Championship in 2000.
Partnered with Louis Van Amstel professionally from 2001 to 2002, achieving the United States National Professional South American Showdance Championship.
Formed a long-standing and highly successful partnership with Michael Malitowski, becoming multiple World, European, UK, International, and British Open Latin Champions.
Style partner, as mentioned in an Instagram post.
Style partner, as mentioned in an Instagram post.
Mentioned as a partner in an Instagram post related to music.
World Premiere Show featuring Joanna Leunis and Edgar Luizaga, marking a new partnership blending Latin Dancesport and Argentinian Contemporary Tango Fusion.
Ambassador for Supadance.
Designer for the M&J Champion Wear Clothing Line.
Born on May 22, 1981, in Rocourt, Liège, Belgium, Joanna Leunis developed a passion for dance at an early age. She began dancing at three with her father and started formal dance classes at six, exploring various styles. At age eight, Leunis overcame a severe blood disease, spending a year on bedrest, which further fueled her determination to pursue dance. By age ten, she was introduced to Ballroom dance, which was not widely popular in Belgium at the time. Despite challenges finding partners, she achieved early success, including winning the Belgian 10-Dance Championship with Otto Cailliau.
Leunis’s amateur career saw significant achievements, partnering with Mario Wild to win the Amateurs Latin Championship at the 1998 Albena Open Championships. From 1998 to 2000, she partnered with Slavik Kryklyvyy, claiming first place in the Rising Star division at the 1999 UK Open Championships. In 2000, at only 18 years old, they became the World Amateur Latin Champions, winning both the Blackpool Dance Festival and the US Open in Miami. This marked her transition to the professional arena, initially partnering with Louis Van Amstel, with whom she won the 2002 Emerald Ball and became United States National Professional South American Showdance Champions.
Her most notable partnership began in autumn 2002 with Michael Malitowski, representing Poland. Their debut together resulted in a victory at the 2002 World Dance & Dance Sport Council World Professional South American Showdance Championship. They became Polish Champions in 2003 and won the Professional Rising Star at the UK Open. In 2004, they reached the finals of the Blackpool Dance Festival and secured another World Professional South American Showdance Championship. From 2008 to 2015, Leunis and Malitowski achieved an unprecedented eight consecutive wins at the Blackpool Dance Festival, consolidating their status as dominant figures in Latin dance. They also secured eight World Cup Professional Latin Champion titles and six European Professional Latin Champion titles. In 2011, they began representing England and retired from competitive dancing after their eighth Blackpool win in 2015. Since retiring, Leunis continues to be active as an instructor, choreographer, and adjudicator, appearing on shows like Dancing with the Stars, Belgium.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
