Joanna Decamps (maiden name Zacharewicz) started dancing at age of eight in her native country, Poland. She studied International Latin and Standard and had the good fortune of being trained by some of the world’s leading Ten Dance Ballroom and Latin masters. In 1996 Joanna achieved a bronze medal in the Polish National Latin American Championships in Youth Division. In 1999 she was also featured in a Polish music video “ Impreza” by the artist Liroy. Joanna moved to the USA and began her career as a teacher and started competing in the American Rhythm style in 2001. Soon after, she became a two time World Mambo Champion from 2003-2004. As recognition of her achievement she was invited to perform the winning number as a guest artist on ABCs “Dancing with stars” and at The Kremlin Cup in Moscow later that year. As a teacher she also created an amateur male champion in the CEO of Credit Suisse, James Healy. They went on to compete on “ Dancing with the Managing Directors” in NYC, where they captured first place with their hot number “Disco inferno” by The Tramps.
Joanna with her husband Jose Decamps formed their partnership in 2007. Jose and Joanna are not only Dance Champions but are also members of The Imperial Society of Teacher of Dance and the National Dance Council of America. As Professional competitors they are the former
4-time US and 3-time World Rhythm Champions. They have also won the 2007 U.S. Mambo Championships. Moreover, they have appeared on PBS’ “America’s Ballroom Challenge” where they capture the World Show dance title with their signature number “ Dance at the Gym” from West Side Story. Jose and Joanna were also featured as guest artists on ABC’s “Dancing with the stars” dancing with Def Leppard to their new single ‘ Nine Lives”. In 2015 they performed as “Dance Legends” in the show “ Dance Legends” in NYC, as a comeback show after a 5 year retirement. Since their retirement they have dedicated themselves to teaching, training, coaching and judging the next generation of American and European Amateurs and Professional dancers.
Jose and Joanna currently live in FL with their eight year old son, Jaden and two year old daughter, Jenna.