celebforum - Kristina Rihanoff

Kristina Rihanoff (Kristina Pchenitchnykh) is a world finalist professional ballroom dancer, instructor and author, born on 22 September 1977 in Siberia, Russia.

Achievements

Raised in Vladivostok, to improve her career prospects she moved to the United States.

Kristina placed first 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.

Kristina has written a book, entitled: The Art of Dancesport Makeup for newcomers to Ballroom Dancing competition. Kristina studied stage makeup extensively in Russia.

Dancing with the Stars Tour

Kristina was a cast member of Dancing with the Stars Tour (Winter 2007-08), where she performed with various professional dancers and celebrities from all seasons of the show.

Strictly Come Dancing

2008

Kristina took part in the sixth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2008. Her partner was political broadcaster and author John Sergeant. Her professional partner is also another new addition to Strictly: Brian Fortuna.

2009

Rihanoff returned for the 2009 series of the show, where she partners professional boxer Joe Calzaghe who she is now dating.[8] Their scores were as follows:

* Week 1 (Show A): Tango - 16
* Week 1 (Show B): Cha Cha Cha - 16
* Week 3:Paso Doble - 19
* Week 4:Foxtrot - 20
* Week 5:Jive - 21

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.

Live Tour

On 23 January 2008 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.

Kristina joined the 2009 Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour partnered by fellow professional dancer, Matthew Cutler.The tour began on 16 January 2009 in Newcastle and ended in Birmingham on 22 February.

On the Strictly 2010 tour Kristina has been partnered with Series 4 Champion Mark Ramprakash. They will be dancing the Salsa and the Argentine Tango.

The Weakest Link

Kristina participated in the 2008 Weakest Link'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, Kristina joined the Dancing on Wheels team as a choreographer. She is working with her professional partner, Brian Fortuna, who is a producer and lead choreographer of the show.

Dancing on Wheels is produced by Fever Media and will air on BBC Three in January 2010.