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. Rihanoff was born and raised in Vladivostok, Russia, by her engineer parents. During the decline of the Soviet Union, 12-year-old Rihanoff experienced her parent’s divorce, to which she went on to live with her mother. 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. With her eye for choreography and her extraordinary talent, the position seemed perfect and she soon accepted. 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), 2nd in the Open to the World, Mambo Championship (2003–2004), and was a Semi-Finalist at the Open to the World, Blackpool Dance Festival in 2007.

2007 saw the introduction to Rihanoff’s Strictly Come Dancing career, appearing on every episode since. She is recognised as one of the most popular members of the cast, performing, on average, to over 12 million viewers per show with its popularity growing exponentially over its 11 seasons. Lending her expertise as a professional dancer, Kristina has 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. A life on stage brings its own challenges and anecdotes and Strictly Come Dancing certainly delivered those in abundance. From the pressure of the live shows, to performances alongside global superstars like Beyoncé and the Bee Gees.

Rihanoff’s increased screen presence has welcomed a whole host of media features including a number of UK’s leading titles such as Hello, OK, Cosmopolitan, Closer, The Mail on Sunday and The Daily Mirror. St Tropez proudly announced the dancer as their new face of St. Tropez Perfect Legs Tanning, the coverage of which made its way to page 3 of The Sun, the Mail Online, The Sun Online and Heat Magazine's site, Heatworld. On the back of Kristina’s endorsement, the beauty company’s saw sales increase by over 40% and traffic to their website went up by over 100%, 84% of which were new visitors.

Kristina’s passion for health, fitness & wellbeing has been longstanding and her Hello Magazine wellbeing blog is a portal for positive and supportive attitudes, towards both her readers and women in the public eye. Its popularity stems from the incredibly honest accounts of the insecurities she faces, from being a first time mum, to an aspiring entrepreneur.

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.