KRISTINA RIHANOFF

Biography: As a child, Kristina studied ballet as well as ballroom and latin, and entered her first competition at the age of just seven. She moved to America in 2001, and moved into several new disciplines, including salsa, American rhythm and exhibition styles. In 2004, she competed for the USA in the World Exhibition at Blackpool in the theatre style category, where she was placed second. Soon after, Kristina teamed up with Michael Wentink, and they quickly won the South African championship, and were semi-finalists in the 2007 Latin American Championships at Blackpool. Kristina first competed in the sixth series of Strictly Come Dancing and has competed in each series since, with her best finish coming in series nine reaching third place with actor Jason Donovan.
Speciality: Latin American/Mambo
Height: 5' 3"
Favourite dance: Salsa
Achievements:
  • 2nd Place , U.S. National American Rhythm Finals, 2003, 2004, and 2005
  • American Rhythm RS National Champions 2004
  • 2nd Place , Open to the World, Mambo Championship, 2003 and 2004
  • 2nd Place , Open to the World, American Rhythm Finals, 2005
  • 1st Place, South African National Latin Champions, 2006
  • 2nd Place , World Exhibition British Final,(Blackpool) 2004
  • Semifinalist, Open to the World, British Open (Blackpool), 2007
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    Official Websites: http://www.officialkristinarihanoff.com/
    http://kristinarihanoff1.blogspot.com/ - Kristina's blog
    http://www.youtube.com/user/KRihanoff - Kristina's YouTube page
    Kristina's myspace page
    Kristina's facebook page
    Follow Kristina on twitter @KRihanoff

    strictly come dancing history

    Series Celebrity Last week Position Last dance(s)
    6 John Sergeant 9 7th* American Smooth
    7 Joe Calzaghe 5 12th Jive
    8 Goldie 2 14th Foxtrot
    9 Jason Donovan Final 3rd Tango; Show dance
    10 Colin Salmon 5 11th Foxtrot
    11 Ben Cohen 9 8th Charleston
    12 Simon Webbe Final =2nd Charleston, Show dance, Argentine Tango
    13 Daniel O'Donnell 4 13th American Smooth

    * celebrity partner decided to retire from the competition

    Christmas Specials

    Kristina has competed in one Christmas Special, dancing with John Barrowman in 2010