Kristina Rihanoff is a world finalist professional ballroom dancer, instructor, choreographer and author. Rhianoff has been taken part in the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour from 2009 to 2015. In 2017, she directed and choreographed 39-day tour Dance To The Music. In September 2017, Kristina launched her fashion line in collaboration with Pia Michi.
For all her dancing fans out there, you must read Women Fitness’ exclusive interview with Kristina Rihanoff.
Namita Nayyar:
Starting off to learn dancing at an early age of 5, you started teaching dance at 16, an occupation that combined your fondness for children and the hobby that quickly became a destined profession for you. Walk us through your incredible journey and tell us how it all began?
Kristina Rihanoff:
I started teaching at 16, my dance teacher asked me to help him out with little ones 5-6 years olds and I was delighted to do so. As a child I loved dancing so much sometimes I wished I lived in my dance school! It was very fun and exciting world and it kept me away from all the difficulties my country was going through at that time (USSR fell apart). Also my parents divorced at the same time so dancing was my escape from reality.
Teaching kids and helping out my teacher gave me a sense of self worth and confidence. I loved it from a first second. When I also got a little money for assistance I felt so good about myself and that’s when I realised that dancing and teaching dance will be my life.
Namita Nayyar:
Being a professional dancer, entrepreneur, model and mother, introduce us to a day in your life. The challenges you face & skills to manage the same?
Kristina Rihanoff:
Like any working mum the main challenge is dealing with guilt when you are away. I understand I’m working to provide for my family but you just can’t help it. I know my friends feel the same and it’s good to talk about it honestly.
However I love what I do and it also gives me energy to carry on.
Before I had a family life was very different. It revolved around Strictly and various tours. I loved my job so much and I was very proud of my achievements in this field. But once I had Mila I understood that that world isn’t for me anymore. I can’t see myself doing a 6 months TV job and being away from my family. It’s just not possible. I don’t want to miss most precious moments with my daughter. Of course I have to work like everyone else but I had to reinvent myself a little bit and do different things now.
I had 2 months national tour of my own production Dance to the music in winter 2018. It was hard to be away but Ben and his mum were incredible. They helped so much with Mila and gave me the courage to do my production. I couldn’t do anything without their support.
Full Interview Continued On Next Page
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Namita Nayyar:
You have an incredibly fit and healthy body. Share with our viewers, the workout routine that comprise your fitness regime on a daily basis?
Kristina Rihanoff:
I always looked after myself. I think to us dancers it comes naturally because we put ourselves through so much. I was always into healthy eating and recently turned vegan. I absolutely love being vegan and it gave me so much energy for my tour! I was worried before I wouldn’t be able to perform well being vegan but actually it has the opposite effect.
I’m also a big yoga fan. I have been doing it since I moved to the USA in 2001. My body always responded well to it and it was always part of my training during competitive years and during Strictly. After I had Mila I went back to yoga to get back in shape and strengthen my core. I even finished a training course and became a qualified yoga instructor. Now I put together my own courses which is a combination of yoga and dance specifically designed for women after pregnancy and for those with weak core and lower back. I want to help everyone who feel insecure just how I felt after having a baby so I’m so happy that my classes can give that confidence back. You can check out my yoga classes at bespokeballroom.com
Namita Nayyar:
In an interview you said that going vegan helped you shed the last of your baby weight. Tell us more about how turning vegan can help change one’s body and life? 5 favourite vegan foods on the move?
Kristina Rihanoff:
I was vegetarian a long time ago when I was in my 20s. But it was a hard diet to maintain as I was competing all over the world and at that time there wasn’t that many options on the go. I went back to eating fish and poultry however I always loved loads of fruit and veggies.
About a year ago, my partner Ben Cohen got a glandular fever and sepsis. It was totally awful as he was so unwell. One of our friends suggested to go on vegan diet to help body to recover and cleanse. I decided to do it together with Ben and never looked back! Ben loved it too and stayed vegan for 6 months. He instantly felt better and believes it helped him to recover quicker.
I just feel very light and full of energy on vegan food. I lost my baby weight being vegan without starving myself so I totally love this diet. I also feel I’m doing my bit toward environmental protection of our planet.
5 vegan foods on the move
- Hummus and carrots
- Mixed nuts
- Falafel
- Fruit snack or dried fruit
- Coconut based shake or yogurt
Namita Nayyar:
You possess a glowing skin and beautiful hair – Share with us your skincare and hair morning & night routine? One must have skin product in your bag?
Kristina Rihanoff:
I believe my healthy diet which is rich in natural protein and complex carbs definitely helps me with over all look. I also love Forever living Aloe Vera products. Their natural skin care is amazing and I use it all year around. My must have is Aloe Vera gel which I take every morning on empty stomach with glass of water. It gives my body a great kick start for the day. I have being doing this for many years and totally believe it helps me with cleansing my body.
Namita Nayyar:
In January 2018, your dream to create your own dance production came true with ‘Dance to the Music’ which was about the evolution of dance, which took the nation by storm. How do you feel about the incredible appreciation that you received? What are your future plans on this?
Kristina Rihanoff:
This project is something I wanted to do for many years but never had the time to produce it. It took me 9 months to put it all together but when the show got on the road it was absolutely incredible! Best thing you can get is life audience response. Of course it makes me feel so grateful as I know how much work went in to this. I choreographed, direct it and performed in it so I did all the work myself. A lot of other dance shows have people who script and choreograph it for the cast however I did it all myself as I wanted to offer the audience something unique. I was very overwhelmed with the audience response and I’m so humbled by it.
Of course I owe a lot to my incredible cast of dancers and singers who were outstanding to work with! I definitely will be touring again with the show in the future!
Namita Nayyar:
In the 12th season of Strictly Come Dancing, you reached the finale of the competition, and finished as one of the runners-up. What are your best memories of that season?
Kristina Rihanoff:
I think Blackpool tower performance of Argentine tango is definitely my favourite moment. The crowd went totally crazy and we got our best score on that night. I think it changed Simon Webb’s mind as he finally started to believe in himself! We went to the finals and came 2nd. After the season we went on Strictly live tour and became overall winners as you also get a winner ever night in every city after crowd is voting. I think it definitely helped Simon with his self esteem!
Namita Nayyar:
You have actively supported the Breast cancer campaign by modelling the Pink Vest in 2009, which aims to raise money during the October cancer awareness month. How do you wish to give back to the society through these endeavours?
Kristina Rihanoff:
I do a lot of charity work and I think it’s important to give back. I often auction my dance lessons. It’s something I’m very passionate about and I believe if you have any public profile why not to do something good for the society you live in.
Namita Nayyar:
Who has been your greatest inspiration in achieving success in your career?
Kristina Rihanoff:
Definitely my mum and my dance teachers. I think I was always surrounded by strong women so I looked up to them since I was a kid. Becoming a professional dancer in Soviet Russia took a lot of courage but I believed in my craft and myself so I worked very hard to archive what I have. I was never waiting for anything on a silver plate. I just worked more then anyone else and wasn’t scared of opportunities. Nothing will happen if you just sitting and waiting for something to come your way. You have to work hard, there is no short cuts to success.
Namita Nayyar:
In September 2017, you launched your fashion line in collaboration with Pia Michi. Share with us your Top 5 Picks for Fall 2018.
Kristina Rihanoff:
I loved my collaboration with Pia Michi. I have been wearing this brand for red carpets for 9 years ! I love their feminine and body hugging dresses !
I actually don’t follow fashion trends that much as I believe in dressing comfortably and suitable for my own body type. However I love good bags and shoes so this is what I’m usually investing in for new seasons. You can look very stylish just by accessorising your look without spending a fortune on every season.
Namita Nayyar:
With social media becoming big day by day, what do you wish to spread your message through this channel?
Kristina Rihanoff:
I am active on my social media and most of my posts are about my projects like yoga and dance classes. I try to answer any questions from my followers and help them if they have any concerns about adapting new hobby like yoga. I just want all women to feel good about themselves and if I can help in any shape or form I’m very happy to do so!
Namita Nayyar:
Women Fitness works with a goal provide women with best in health, fitness, nutrition, beauty & fashion. Share your view about the website (Womenfitness.net) and an inspirational message for our readers?
Kristina Rihanoff:
As a working mum my main message would be this: I know we all trying our hardest to be good mums and be good to our families. But we can’t give our best if we don’t look after ourselves. I know we might feel guilty by taking an hour to do yoga or dance class, by taking some money out of family budget to pay for a new hobby or new outfit but at the end of the day these things keep us feeling good, refreshed and just normal ! So don’t feel guilty about making a difference in you as it will make a difference in everything you else around you!
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All content on this site is copyright of Women Fitness and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http:// www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2018 Women Fitness