About us
Two dancers, two countries,
one partnership
Peter and Rachell van der Veek went from world-class competitors to renowned professional performers, adjudicators and mentors.
How it started
Two journeys unite
In 1986, after a successful dance career in Aotearoa New Zealand, Rachell Jansen travelled alone to England, trusting her instinct that she would find the partner to take her career further. At the same time, Dutch Amateur Latin American champion Peter van der Veek was looking for a partner whose talent could match his determination and drive. A leading London coach brought them together, convinced they were the partnership each had been seeking — and she was right.
The search begins
Rachell travelled to England in search of a new dance partner. Peter, already the Dutch Amateur Latin American champion, was also looking for the right partnership.
Champions after six months
After only six months together, Peter and Rachell won the Dutch Amateur Latin American Championship in The Hague. They also made history as the first international couple to win the title.
Turning professional
They turned professional and received permission to represent Aotearoa New Zealand — the flag they have proudly carried ever since.
An illustrious career
From 1989 onward, they became known for a distinctive style and a broad repertoire spanning Ballroom, Latin American, Argentine Tango, show dance, exhibition work, and flamenco. Their performances captivated audiences around the world.
Teaching, adjudicating, and travelling
Today, they teach private lessons, group classes, and school and studio programmes within Aotearoa New Zealand, while also coaching and adjudicating internationally. They are members of, and adjudicators for, the WDO and WDC.
Career highlights
Further than Ballroom and Latin
Their love of dance gave them a special spark, helping them succeed even against partnerships built over many years.
Career highlights include eight New Zealand Professional Championship titles, fourth place in the World Showdance Championships, invitational exhibition performances in Blackpool and Miami, and representation at World and International Championships.
Beyond competition, they toured Japan, France, and the Netherlands as lead dancers with the Malando Tango Orchestra, and advised the Dutch National Ballet for the world premiere of Social Dances.
They have been involved in and supported Equality Dance since its emergence in the Netherlands and remain committed to the rights of all dancers. In 1998, Rachell performed “Women Unchained” at the fifth Gay Games in Amsterdam.
After an illustrious international career, Rachell and Peter settled in Lisse, the Netherlands, as owners and principal teachers of Danscentrum Welkom in 1997, before relocating to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2021.
They have collaborated with the Dutch National Ballet, were guest dancers with the Malando Tango Orchestra, and have maintained roles as ambassadors for dance globally — performing, coaching and adjudicating across Europe, Asia and Australasia.
Proud ambassadors for both their countries, Peter and Rachell continue to share the magic of dance whenever they can.
Work with us →
Qualifications
Qualified, registered and accredited
Safe, personalised teaching. Every body moves differently. With systematic, well-informed training, we tailor each lesson to the people in front of us, making the experience safe, effective, and enjoyable.
Ballroom & Latin American
Qualified teachers with the IDTA, SATD, NZFATD and NZFDT.
New Vogue
Qualified with the NZFATD and the SATD.
Adjudication
Members of, and adjudicators for, the WDO and WDC, as well as the SATD, NZFATD and the NZFDT.
Zumba
Rachell has been a qualified Zumba instructor since 2009, and a Zumba Kids and Zumba Gold instructor since 2011.
Personal fitness training
Peter is qualified through FitVak (NL), and is a sports nutritionist.
Child development in dance
Qualified through Beweegkriebels (NL).
The archive
Forty years together, a suitcase full of treasured memories
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