Jowita Przystał has become one of the most dynamic names in British entertainment, known for her elegant technique, passionate choreography, and genuine charm that has captured the hearts of Strictly Come Dancing fans across the UK. Rising from her Polish roots to global stardom, Jowita’s story is one of relentless determination, artistic growth, and groundbreaking performances that are reshaping modern ballroom.
This article explores her biography, career milestones, professional partnerships, media presence, and influence in the dance world. It also examines the current trends in ballroom dance, how Jowita has adapted her craft in 2025, and what her journey means for aspiring dancers worldwide.
In short, Jowita Przystał represents the new generation of performers who combine technical mastery with emotional storytelling — an artist who continues to redefine what it means to dance on the world’s biggest stage.
Who Is Jowita Przystał?
Jowita Przystał is a Polish professional dancer and choreographer best known for her role on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Born on August 22, 1994, in Kraków, Poland, Jowita began dancing at the age of 12. Her early training was rooted in ballroom and Latin dance, where she developed the foundation that would later make her a global name.
She first gained international recognition after winning The Greatest Dancer in 2020 alongside her dance partner and then-boyfriend, Michael Danilczuk. The pair’s win catapulted her career into the UK’s entertainment spotlight, leading to her joining Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer in 2021.
Early Life and Dance Training
Jowita’s dance journey began in local Polish studios, where she trained intensively in Latin and ballroom styles. Her teachers noted her precision, musicality, and emotional depth from a young age. Unlike many dancers who focus on one style, Jowita immersed herself in multiple disciplines — from samba and paso doble to ballet and contemporary.
After years of local and national competitions, she joined the Polish National Team, representing her country in international dance championships. This experience honed her competitive edge and shaped her disciplined approach to choreography.
By her early 20s, Jowita had already earned numerous dance accolades and was performing across Europe before relocating to the UK to pursue greater opportunities in television and stage performance.
Rise to Fame: The Greatest Dancer and Beyond
Jowita’s big break came in 2020 when she and Michael Danilczuk competed in The Greatest Dancer, a BBC talent competition showcasing a range of dance styles. Their chemistry, storytelling, and technical brilliance stood out, earning them the Season 2 crown and a £50,000 prize.
Winning the show also secured Jowita a coveted place in Strictly Come Dancing’s professional lineup for the following year. The victory made her one of the few Polish dancers to achieve mainstream fame in British television history.
Strictly Come Dancing: Jowita’s Impact on the Show
Joining the Strictly Family
Jowita joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 for Season 19. Though initially performing as a background dancer in group routines, her charisma and performance quality quickly earned her a full celebrity partnership in subsequent seasons.
Her official Strictly debut as a celebrity partner came in 2022 when she was paired with actor Hamza Yassin, best known for his work on Animal Park and Countryfile. Their chemistry and creativity quickly made them fan favourites.
Winning Strictly Come Dancing 2022
The partnership between Jowita and Hamza Yassin became one of Strictly’s most heartwarming success stories. Despite Hamza’s limited dance experience, Jowita’s patience, teaching skill, and innovative choreography guided them to victory. Their show-stopping performances, including their powerful Couple’s Choice routine, earned standing ovations from judges and viewers alike.
Their win marked a milestone for Jowita — her first Strictly trophy in her debut season as a professional partner, a rare feat that underscored her talent and versatility.
Continuing Success in 2023–2025
Following her win, Jowita returned for multiple Strictly seasons, partnering with a variety of celebrity contestants ranging from athletes to actors. Her ability to adapt her choreography to each partner’s personality and skill level made her one of the show’s most respected professionals.
In 2024, she performed in the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, drawing sold-out crowds across the UK. Her routines continued to trend on YouTube and TikTok, particularly her contemporary-infused waltzes and Argentine tangos, which merged classic ballroom elegance with modern dance storytelling.
By 2025, Jowita had become a household name, frequently appearing on British talk shows, mentoring young dancers, and serving as a guest judge at international competitions.
Jowita Przystał’s Dance Style and Technique
Jowita’s style is a fusion of passion, strength, and emotion. Her technique blends the traditional elements of ballroom — precision, timing, and posture — with contemporary fluidity and personal expression.
She often emphasises the importance of connecting emotionally with both the audience and her partner. In interviews, Jowita has said, “Dance is not just movement — it’s a story you tell with your body.”
This philosophy shines through in her routines, which frequently combine storytelling with intricate choreography. Her artistic influences include contemporary legends such as Derek Hough and Natalia Kaliszek, while her ballroom inspirations stem from classic European Latin dance icons.
Personal Life and Media Presence
Outside of the ballroom, Jowita is known for her warm and grounded personality. She maintains a strong social media presence, with over half a million followers on Instagram as of 2025. Her content blends behind-the-scenes glimpses from Strictly, motivational messages, and snapshots of her life in London.
Although she previously dated Michael Danilczuk, the couple amicably separated in 2023 but continue to share mutual respect and professional collaboration. Jowita has remained private about her current relationships, preferring to keep her personal life separate from her television career.
Her openness about mental health and body positivity has also earned her widespread admiration. Through interviews and workshops, she encourages young dancers to embrace imperfection and focus on expression rather than comparison.
Jowita’s Contribution to the Dance Industry
Advocacy and Mentorship
Jowita uses her platform to mentor aspiring dancers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. She collaborates with organisations like Dance Aid and The Dance Foundation to support young talents who lack access to formal training.
Expanding Creative Boundaries
In 2025, she began choreographing for major stage productions and music videos, expanding her reach beyond television. Her recent collaboration with West End producers brought her artistry to theatrical storytelling, blending live music and dance in innovative new formats.
Representation and Diversity
As a Polish-born dancer thriving on a major UK television platform, Jowita’s success is also a milestone for diversity in entertainment. She has inspired a new wave of Eastern European performers to pursue international careers, breaking stereotypes and cultural barriers.
Trends in Ballroom and Latin Dance (2025)
As of 2025, ballroom dance has evolved to embrace digital platforms, virtual instruction, and fusion styles. The rise of TikTok choreography challenges and online competitions has made dance more accessible to global audiences.
Professional shows like Strictly Come Dancing continue to influence fashion, fitness, and lifestyle trends. According to Dance Data UK, participation in ballroom classes across Britain has risen by 15% since 2023, largely driven by television exposure and influencer advocacy from professionals like Jowita.
Jowita herself has been at the forefront of these trends, using her influence to popularise short-form dance tutorials and collaborative online workshops. She has become a bridge between traditional ballroom artistry and modern digital expression.
Real-Life Lessons from Jowita’s Journey
Jowita’s story is one of perseverance. From training in small Polish studios to performing on Britain’s biggest stage, her path illustrates the power of resilience and self-belief.
Aspiring dancers can learn several key lessons from her journey:
Success in dance comes from dedication and adaptability.
Confidence grows through vulnerability and authenticity.
Every performance is an opportunity to tell a story, not just to impress an audience.
Her work ethic, humility, and artistry continue to inspire not only dancers but anyone pursuing creative careers.
The Future: What’s Next for Jowita Przystał?
Looking ahead, Jowita’s career shows no signs of slowing down. She is reportedly exploring choreography opportunities in television and theatre while maintaining her place on Strictly Come Dancing. Rumours suggest she may also launch her own dance academy by 2026, focusing on international dance education and youth mentorship.
Given her increasing influence in both the UK and Europe, Jowita is poised to become one of the most recognised dancers and creative directors of her generation.
Expert Opinions and Cultural Impact
Dance critics from The Guardian and BBC Culture have praised Jowita’s artistry for “bringing emotional intelligence to ballroom” and “redefining performance quality on prime-time television.”
Her partnership with Hamza Yassin in 2022 remains one of the highest-rated moments in Strictly history, drawing over 10 million UK viewers during the finale. The pair’s victory also inspired renewed public interest in dance education, leading to record enrollments in dance schools nationwide.
FAQs
Who is Jowita Przystał?
Jowita Przystał is a Polish professional dancer and choreographer best known for her role on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and as the 2020 winner of The Greatest Dancer.
What is Jowita Przystał’s dance background?
She began dancing in Poland at age 12, trained in ballroom and Latin styles, and represented Poland internationally before moving to the UK for professional opportunities.
Did Jowita win Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes, she won Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 with wildlife presenter Hamza Yassin, marking her first major trophy as a professional partner on the show.
What dance styles is Jowita known for?
Jowita excels in Latin, ballroom, and contemporary dance, blending technical excellence with emotional storytelling in her performances.
What are Jowita Przystał’s future plans?
As of 2025, she continues her work on Strictly Come Dancing and is developing new projects in choreography, theatre, and digital dance education.
To Conclude
Jowita Przystał embodies the evolution of dance in the 21st century — combining classic technique with modern creativity. Her journey from Poland to international stardom is a testament to hard work, passion, and authenticity.
As she continues to inspire millions, Jowita remains more than a dancer; she is a storyteller, mentor, and cultural ambassador redefining the art of movement. Her impact on Strictly Come Dancing and the broader dance world will undoubtedly continue to shape the industry for years to come.
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