Kristina Rihanoff
Encyclopedia
Kristina Rihanoff (born 22 September 1977, Russia) is a world finalist professional ballroom dancer, instructor and author.
, and later moved to the United States
to improve her career prospects. She gained 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.
Rihanoff has written a book entitled The Art of Dancesport Makeup for newcomers to Ballroom dance
competition. This is a subject she studied extensively in Russia.
American Rhythm RS National Champions 2004
Second place, Open to the World, Mambo Championship, 2003 and 2004
Second place, Open to the World, American Rhythm Finals, 2005
Winner, South African National Latin Champions, 2006
Second place, World Exhibition British Final,(Blackpool) 2004
Semifinalist, Open to the World, British Open (Blackpool), 2007
Tour (Winter 2007-08), where she performed with various professional dancers and celebrities from all seasons of the show.
in 2008. Her partner was political broadcaster and author John Sergeant
. Her professional partner is also another new addition to Strictly: Brian Fortuna
.
With Celebrity Partner John Sergeant
On 19 November 2008, John Sergeant announced that he would be withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing.
On 22 November 2008, the pair performed their farewell dance: their Waltz
to Norah Jones
's 'Come Away with Me
'.
who is now her boyfriend. Their scores were as follows:
Despite earning their highest score of the competition, the pair were in the dance-off with Zöe Lucker
& James Jordan
, and were eliminated after the judges' votes on which couple to save.
. Despite earning 20 and 26 for their cha-cha-cha and foxtrot (which left them with an overall 46), the couple were the first to be voted off having gained the fewest votes from the public. She did however win the Christmas special, partnered with John Barrowman
, earning her first Strictly trophy.
. In the first three competitive shows of the series the partnership received the highest scores from the judging panel.
. The tour began on 16 January 2009 in Newcastle and ended in Birmingham on 22 February.
On 23 January 2009 at the Manchester Evening News Arena
, Kristina performed the Samba
and Quickstep
with Julian Clary
; stepping in for his professional partner, Lilia Kopylova
. They placed second in the competition that evening.
On the Strictly 2010 tour Kristina was partnered with Series 4 Champion Mark Ramprakash
. They danced the Salsa and the Argentine Tango. They went on to win against runners-up Austin Healey
and Lilia Kopylova
On the Strictly 2011 tour Kristina was partnered with actor Jimi Mistry, they danced the foxtrot and paso doble .
Kristina will be participating in UK tour dates with her new professional partner Robin Windsor.
's Strictly Come Dancing special. Although she tried to vote herself off in the first round, she ended up being eliminated in the third.
, who is a producer
and was lead choreographer of the show. Dancing on Wheels
is produced by Fever Media and was shown on BBC Three
in February/March 2010.
Achievements
She grew up in VladivostokVladivostok
The city is located in the southern extremity of Muravyov-Amursky Peninsula, which is about 30 km long and approximately 12 km wide.The highest point is Mount Kholodilnik, the height of which is 257 m...
, and later moved to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
to improve her career prospects. She gained 1st place in the South African International Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
Championship (2005–2006), 2nd in the US National American Rhythm Finals (2003–2005), 2nd in the Open to the World, Mambo
Mambo (dance)
Mambo .In the late 1940s, Perez Prado came up with the dance for the mambo music and became the first person to market his music as "mambo". After Havana, Prado moved his music to Mexico, where his music and the dance was adopted. The original mambo dance was characterized by freedom and...
Championship (2003–2004), and was a Semi-Finalist at the Open to the World, Blackpool Dance Festival
Blackpool Dance Festival
The 8-day Blackpool Dance Festival is the world's first and most famous annual ballroom dance competition of international significance, held in the Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, England since 1920. It is also the largest ballroom competition: in 2003, 1539 couples from 54...
in 2007.
Rihanoff has written a book entitled The Art of Dancesport Makeup for newcomers to Ballroom dance
Ballroom dance
Ballroom dance refers to a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed both socially and competitively around the world. Because of its performance and entertainment aspects, ballroom dance is also widely enjoyed on stage, film, and television....
competition. This is a subject she studied extensively in Russia.
Results in competition
Second place, U.S. National American Rhythm Finals, 2003, 2004, and 2005American Rhythm RS National Champions 2004
Second place, Open to the World, Mambo Championship, 2003 and 2004
Second place, Open to the World, American Rhythm Finals, 2005
Winner, South African National Latin Champions, 2006
Second place, World Exhibition British Final,(Blackpool) 2004
Semifinalist, Open to the World, British Open (Blackpool), 2007
Dancing with the Stars Tour
Kristina was a cast member of Dancing with the StarsDancing with the Stars
Dancing with the Stars is the name of several international television series based on the format of the British TV series Strictly Come Dancing, which is distributed by BBC Worldwide – the commercial arm of the BBC. Currently the format has been licensed to over 35 countries...
Tour (Winter 2007-08), where she performed with various professional dancers and celebrities from all seasons of the show.
2008
Kristina took part in the sixth series of Strictly Come DancingStrictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing is a British television show, featuring celebrities with professional dance partners competing in Ballroom and Latin dances. The title of the show suggests a continuation of the long-running series Come Dancing, with an allusion to the film Strictly Ballroom...
in 2008. Her partner was political broadcaster and author John Sergeant
John Sergeant (journalist)
John Sergeant is a British television and radio journalist and broadcaster.-Biography:The son of a missionary who was also a distinguished linguist, Sergeant is of Russian Jewish origin on his mother's side. Sergeant's early life meant that he followed his father's work, and was raised in...
. Her professional partner is also another new addition to Strictly: Brian Fortuna
Brian Fortuna
Brian Fortuna is an American professional ballroom dancer, choreographer and instructor.-Biography:Brian Fortuna is a multi-talented performer who is currently starring in Theatre Production's Limited Over the Rainbow as Danny Cassidy...
.
With Celebrity Partner John Sergeant
| Week | Dance/song | Judges' score | Result | |||
| Revel Horwood | Phillips | Goodman | Tonioli | |||
| 1 | Waltz Waltz The waltz is a ballroom and folk dance in time, performed primarily in closed position.- History :There are several references to a sliding or gliding dance,- a waltz, from the 16th century including the representations of the printer H.S. Beheim... /"Come Away With Me Come Away with Me Come Away with Me is the debut album of pianist and singer Norah Jones, released February 26, 2002 on Blue Note Records. Recording sessions for the album took place at New York City's Sorcerer Sound Studio and Shokan's Allaire Studios in 2001... " |
5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | Safe |
| 2 | Merengue Group Dance Merengue (dance) Merengue El camino1ro de Secundaria-In popular culture:* Merengue was mentioned as a song performed between Babs and Charlie in the song by Steely Dan.... /"She Bangs She Bangs "She Bangs" is a song performed by Ricky Martin, from his 2000 album Sound Loaded. An up-tempo, salsa-influenced song with double entendres about the singer's infatuation with a woman, Martin's recording earned him continued crossover success around the world.The song was co-written by Desmond... " |
Group Performance - Not Judged | ||||
| 3 | Tango Tango (dance) Tango dance originated in the area of the Rio de la Plata , and spread to the rest of the world soon after.... /"Boulevard of Broken Dreams Boulevard of Broken Dreams Generally, "The Boulevard of Broken Dreams" refers to Sunset Boulevard, due to its historically being both the primary location for live entertainment in the Los Angeles, California metropolitan region and a red-light district ."Boulevard of Broken Dreams" may also refer to:-Music:* "Boulevard of... " |
3 | 6 | 6 | 7 | Safe |
| 4 | Rueda Group Dance Rueda de Casino Rueda de Casino is a particular type of round dancing of Salsa. It was developed in Havana, Cuba in the late 1950s and early 1960s by the group Guaracheros de Regla and one of its main choreographers and creators was Jorge Alfaro from San Miguel del Padrón, a soloist of a comparsa.Pairs of... /"Birdland" |
Group Performance - Not Judged | ||||
| 5 | Samba Samba Samba is a Brazilian dance and musical genre originating in Bahia and with its roots in Brazil and Africa via the West African slave trade and African religious traditions. It is recognized around the world as a symbol of Brazil and the Brazilian Carnival... /"Papa Loves Mambo Papa Loves Mambo "Papa Loves Mambo" is a popular song written by Al Hoffman, Dick Manning, and Bix Reichner and published in 1954.The best-known version was recorded by Perry Como with Hugo Winterhalter's orchestra in New York City on August 31, 1954. The song was released by RCA Victor Records as catalog number... " |
2 | 4 | 5 | 5 | Safe |
| 6 | Paso Doble/"Concierto de Aranjuez Concierto de Aranjuez The Concierto de Aranjuez is a composition for classical guitar and orchestra by the Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo. Written in 1939, it is probably Rodrigo's best-known work, and its success established his reputation as one of the most significant Spanish composers of the twentieth century. ... " |
3 | 6 | 6 | 6 | Safe |
| 7 | Foxtrot/"I Wanna Be Loved by You I Wanna Be Loved by You "I Wanna Be Loved by You" is a song written by Herbert Stothart and Harry Ruby, with lyrics by Bert Kalmar, for the 1928 musical "Good Boy". It was chosen as one of the Songs of the Century in a survey made by the RIAA in which 200 people responded... " |
3 | 5 | 6 | 6 | Safe |
| 8 | Cha Cha Cha Cha-cha-cha (dance) The Cha-cha-cha is the name of a dance of Cuban origin.It is danced to the music of the same name introduced by Cuban composer and violinist Enrique Jorrín in 1953... /"Twist and Shout Twist and Shout "Twist and Shout" is a song written by Phil Medley and Bert Russell. It was originally titled "Shake It Up, Baby" and recorded by the Top Notes and then covered by The Isley Brothers. It was covered by The Beatles with John Lennon on the lead vocals and originally released on their first album... " |
1 | 3 | 4 | 4 | Safe |
| 9 | American Smooth/"True Love Ways True Love Ways "True Love Ways" is a song co-written by Buddy Holly and Norman Petty and recorded with the Ray Ellis orchestra in October 1958, four months before the singer's death. It was first released on the posthumous "The Buddy Holly Story, Vol. 2"... " |
5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | Safe |
On 19 November 2008, John Sergeant announced that he would be withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing.
On 22 November 2008, the pair performed their farewell dance: their Waltz
Waltz
The waltz is a ballroom and folk dance in time, performed primarily in closed position.- History :There are several references to a sliding or gliding dance,- a waltz, from the 16th century including the representations of the printer H.S. Beheim...
to Norah Jones
Norah Jones
Norah Jones is an American singer-songwriter and occasional actress.In 2002, she launched her solo music career with the release of the commercially successful and critically acclaimed album Come Away With Me, which was certified a diamond album in 2002, selling over 20 million copies...
's 'Come Away with Me
Come Away with Me
Come Away with Me is the debut album of pianist and singer Norah Jones, released February 26, 2002 on Blue Note Records. Recording sessions for the album took place at New York City's Sorcerer Sound Studio and Shokan's Allaire Studios in 2001...
'.
2009
Rihanoff returned in the 2009 series of the show, where she partnered professional boxer Joe CalzagheJoe Calzaghe
Joseph William Calzaghe, CBE, MBE is a Welsh former professional boxer. He is the former WBO, WBA, WBC, IBF, The Ring & British super middleweight champion and The Ring light heavyweight champion....
who is now her boyfriend. Their scores were as follows:
- Week 1 (Show A): TangoTango (dance)Tango dance originated in the area of the Rio de la Plata , and spread to the rest of the world soon after....
- 16 - Week 1 (Show B): Cha Cha ChaCha-cha-cha (dance)The Cha-cha-cha is the name of a dance of Cuban origin.It is danced to the music of the same name introduced by Cuban composer and violinist Enrique Jorrín in 1953...
- 16 - Week 3:Paso Doble - 19
- Week 4:Foxtrot - 20
- Week 5:JiveJive (dance)In Ballroom dancing, Jive is a dance style in 4/4 time that originated in the United States from African-Americans in the early 1930s. It was originally presented to the public as 'Jive' in 1934 by Cab Calloway. It is a lively and uninhibited variation of the Jitterbug, a form of Swing dance...
- 21
Despite earning their highest score of the competition, the pair were in the dance-off with Zöe Lucker
Zöe Lucker
Zöe Elizabeth Lucker is an English actress best known for playing the roles of Tanya Turner on ITV's Footballers' Wives and Vanessa Gold in EastEnders.-Career:...
& James Jordan
James Jordan (dancer)
James Jordan is a British ballroom dancer and choreographer. His dance partner is wife Aleksandra "Ola" Jordan, with whom he turned professional in 2000.-Dancing career:...
, and were eliminated after the judges' votes on which couple to save.
2010
Kristina returned for the 2010 series of the show, partnered with radio personality GoldieGoldie
Clifford Joseph Price, better known as Goldie is an English electronic music artist, disc jockey, visual artist and actor. He is well known for his innovations in the jungle and drum and bass music genres, having previously gained exposure for his work as a graffiti artist...
. Despite earning 20 and 26 for their cha-cha-cha and foxtrot (which left them with an overall 46), the couple were the first to be voted off having gained the fewest votes from the public. She did however win the Christmas special, partnered with John Barrowman
John Barrowman
John Scot Barrowman is a Scottish-American singer, actor, dancer, musical theatre performer and media personality. Born in Glasgow yet growing up in Illinois after his family emigrated to the United States when he was eight years old, Barrowman was encouraged to further his love for music and...
, earning her first Strictly trophy.
2011
On 15 June 2011 the BBC announced that Kristina Rihanoff will again be one of the professional dancers training a celebrity in the 2011 series of Strictly Come Dancing. In the launch show, on 10 September, she was partnered with Jason DonovanJason Donovan
Jason Donovan is an Australian actor and singer. He initially achieved fame in the Australian soap opera Neighbours, before beginning a career in music in 1988. In the UK he has sold over 3 million records, and his début album Ten Good Reasons was one of the highest-selling albums of 1989...
. In the first three competitive shows of the series the partnership received the highest scores from the judging panel.
Live Tour
Kristina joined the 2009 Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour partnered by fellow professional dancer, Matthew CutlerMatthew Cutler
Matthew David Cutler is an English dancer and former World Amateur Latin-American champion. He was a professional dancer on the BBC dancing show, Strictly Come Dancing.-Early life:...
. The tour began on 16 January 2009 in Newcastle and ended in Birmingham on 22 February.
On 23 January 2009 at the Manchester Evening News Arena
Manchester Evening News Arena
The Manchester Evening News Arena is an indoor arena situated in Manchester, England. It is adjacent to Manchester Victoria station near Corporation Street...
, Kristina performed the Samba
Samba
Samba is a Brazilian dance and musical genre originating in Bahia and with its roots in Brazil and Africa via the West African slave trade and African religious traditions. It is recognized around the world as a symbol of Brazil and the Brazilian Carnival...
and Quickstep
Quickstep
The quickstep is a light-hearted member of the standard ballroom dances. The movement of the dance is fast and powerfully flowing and sprinkled with syncopations. The upbeat melodies that quickstep is danced to make it suitable for both formal and informal events...
with Julian Clary
Julian Clary
Julian Peter McDonald Clary is an English comedian and novelist, known for his deliberately stereotypical camp style, with a heavy reliance on innuendo and double entendre.-Early life and education:...
; stepping in for his professional partner, Lilia Kopylova
Lilia Kopylova
Lilia Andreyevna Kopylova , born 18 June 1978 in Moscow, Soviet Union, is a professional dancer.With her husband Darren Bennett she has been competing as an amateur since July 1997 and as a professional since May 2003...
. They placed second in the competition that evening.
On the Strictly 2010 tour Kristina was partnered with Series 4 Champion Mark Ramprakash
Mark Ramprakash
Mark Ravin Ramprakash is an English cricketer, playing for Surrey and England. A right-handed batsman, he initially made his name playing for Middlesex, and was selected for England aged 21...
. They danced the Salsa and the Argentine Tango. They went on to win against runners-up Austin Healey
Austin Healey
Austin Sean Healey is a former English rugby union player, who played as a utility back for Leicester Tigers, and has represented the England national rugby union team and the British Lions....
and Lilia Kopylova
Lilia Kopylova
Lilia Andreyevna Kopylova , born 18 June 1978 in Moscow, Soviet Union, is a professional dancer.With her husband Darren Bennett she has been competing as an amateur since July 1997 and as a professional since May 2003...
On the Strictly 2011 tour Kristina was partnered with actor Jimi Mistry, they danced the foxtrot and paso doble .
Kristina will be participating in UK tour dates with her new professional partner Robin Windsor.
The Weakest Link
Kristina participated in the 2008 Weakest LinkWeakest Link
The Weakest Link is a British television quiz show, currently broadcast on BBC Two. It was devised by Mr Wilton and Euan Green and Cathy Dunning, and developed for television by the BBC Entertainment Department. It has since been replicated around the world. The UK version is hosted by Anne...
's Strictly Come Dancing special. Although she tried to vote herself off in the first round, she ended up being eliminated in the third.
Dancing on Wheels
In June 2009, Rihanoff joined the Dancing on Wheels team as a choreographer. She worked with her professional partner, Brian FortunaBrian Fortuna
Brian Fortuna is an American professional ballroom dancer, choreographer and instructor.-Biography:Brian Fortuna is a multi-talented performer who is currently starring in Theatre Production's Limited Over the Rainbow as Danny Cassidy...
, who is a producer
Television producer
The primary role of a television Producer is to allow all aspects of video production, ranging from show idea development and cast hiring to shoot supervision and fact-checking...
and was lead choreographer of the show. Dancing on Wheels
Dancing on Wheels
Dancing on Wheels is a British television show made by production company Fever Media and first broadcast on BBC Three on 11 February 2010. The concept of the show is that an able-bodied celebrity dances with a wheelchair user. The couples dance each week, and each week one couple is eliminated in...
is produced by Fever Media and was shown on BBC Three
BBC Three
BBC Three is a television network from the BBC broadcasting via digital cable, terrestrial, IPTV and satellite platforms. The channel's target audience includes those in the 16-34 year old age group, and has the purpose of providing "innovative" content to younger audiences, focusing on new talent...
in February/March 2010.
Other activities
- 2008 - The Art of Dancesport Make Up book was published.
- 2009 - Ambassador for the St Tropez 'perfect legs tanning' PR campaign
- 2009 - Celebrity figure for the Pink Vest breast cancerBreast cancerBreast cancer is cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk. Cancers originating from ducts are known as ductal carcinomas; those originating from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas...
campaign - 2010 - Celebrity columnist for BEST magazine
- 2010 - Headed a number of charity campaigns for UNICEF and LATCH
- 2010 - Promoted the Kleshna poppy friendship bracelet in aid of Remembrance SundayRemembrance SundayIn the United Kingdom, 'Remembrance Sunday' is held on the second Sunday in November, which is the Sunday nearest to 11 November Armistice Day. It is the anniversary of the end of hostilities in the First World War at 11 a.m...
- 2010 - Modeled La SenzaLa SenzaLa Senza Corporation is a Canadian fashion retailer based in Dorval, Quebec, Canada, which sells lingerie and intimate apparel. The La Senza brand is currently owned by Limited Brands.- History :...
underwear brand in a promotion for the Sun tabloid - 2010 - Modeled in numerous campaigns for Closer magazine including 'Country fashion shoot' as well as other media including the Daily Mail health, Hello magazine. OK magazine, Dance today.