Jan Willem initially was into sport shooting and Judo for years and started ballroom dancing at the age of 12 because his parents thought it was good for his upbringing. His teacher, of the local dance school in Zeist, convinced him that with his dancing talent he could participate at a ballroomcompetition. He initially did that only to satisfy the teacher. He thought he was really not going to like dancing.

But ... when he won the competition he was immediately sold.

 

Favorite dance: Quickstep

Studies: Welding

Work: Construction engineer & Welder

Birthday: 28 April

 

Kendra was already at an early age a sporty type. She did gymnastics, jazz-/showballet, horse riding and swimming. She has worked with local rescue brigade fanatically for years. She began ballroom dancing at the age of 17 as an alternative to figure skating because her mother said she was already to old to start with that. Every year she saw on TV the Siebrand World Latin Trophy and it was her dream to ever take part at that competition. Never could she’ve known that years later actually this dream would come true when she became champion at this well-known competition in the Classic Showdance

 

Favorite dance: Slow Walz

Studies: Hotel Management, Lifestyle advisor (interior design&styling), Economics & Sportsmarketing

Work: Telemarketeer

Birthday: 18 September

 

Jan Willem & Kendra met each other in 2005 at a national dance competition. Jan Willem didn’t have a partner for quite a while and Kendra her partner wanted change to the professionals. The two scheduled a try-out. After a 4 month period they danced their first ballroom competition. As amateur they have had several victories both nationally and internationally. Dutch Championships, European Championships, World Championships and other competitions in ballroom dancing stand on their cv. Everything went with ups and downs but this is what has made them stronger as a couple. Nothing stops them from working hard to improve.

 

In 2013, the couple switched to the professionals standard circuit. They now share their experiences and knowledge with other couples and both are active as teachers and coaches. Next to being competitors themselves at the ballroom competitions, they are judging various regional and national dance competitions as well as the medal tests. They regularly give private lessons, workshops, dance demonstrations and shows and at events and parties they provide personalized entertainment.

 

Currently, Jan Willem and Kendra are Hollands best active professional couple in the standard discipline and may represent Netherlands at European Championships and World Championship. Their goal is to reach a higher place in the world ranking themselves and coach the couples to an even better result.

 

 

National federation: NADB and NOC*NSF

International federation: WDSF

Coaches/Trainers: Anthony van Egmond & Moniek Nieuwenburg,

                                 Benedetto Ferruggia & Claudia Koehler

Location: The Dancehall, Elshout / De Studio, Elshout