Kristina Rihanoff

Kristina Rihanoff, having been performing since the age of 7 is best known for her appearances on BBC’s hit television series, Strictly Come Dancing, and is celebrated as one of the nation’s most talented dance stars. At the age of 15, Kristina soon found means to contribute to the family’s income, earning in a day what her mother would earn in a month through her role as a part-time dance instructor. She dedicates her incredible self-discipline to this upbringing. Kristina was soon catching the attention of dance institutions and by the age of 21, was offered the role of dance instructor at a school in America. The following years saw her career develop via her work in the US, China, Hong Kong and Japan. Combining teaching as well as performances, Rihanoff took comfortably to the world stage.

Acclimatising to the spotlight, Kristina entered and mastered a number of competitions, domestic as well as international. Some of the prestigious titles include 1st place in the South African International Latin Championship (2005–2006), 2nd in the US National American Rhythm Finals (2003–2005), and was a Semi-Finalist at the Open to the World, Blackpool Dance Festival in 2007. This was when she began her role as a Strictly professional. Kristina partnered with some of the show’s most memorable contestants including Joe Calzaghe, DJ Goldie, Colin Salmon, Ben Cohen, and her infamous pairing with John Seargent. Her successful partnership with Jason Donovan was recognised as one of the series most talented to date. 

Kristina's increased screen presence welcomed a whole host of media features including a number of UK’s leading titles such as Hello, OK, Cosmopolitan, and The Daily Mirror. St Tropez announced the dancer as their face of St. Tropez Perfect Legs Tanning. Philanthropic causes have become something close to Kristina’s heart and as such in 2012, Kristina became the face of Coppafeel!, a highly successful campaign to raise awareness for breast cancer. Kristina also joined forces with Panache Sport Bras, representing real women in their product campaign. Panache’s campaign launch went on to reach over 9 million people, having been picked up by leading newspapers.

Kristina is also a patron of Dot Com Children’s Foundation. A Home Office endorsed education programme which teaches children how to communicate any worries or dangerous situations to adults. Her dream is to nurture a mentally and physically healthy young generation. Hoping to transfer her exceptional skills from the dance floor to the boardroom, Kristina is available for a number of commercial projects including appearances, motivational speaking and dance shows with her professional partner.