Biography
Kristina Rihanoff — dancer (strictly) with roots in the USSR
Kristina Rihanoff is a Russian-born professional ballroom dancer and choreographer who became a fan favourite on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, appearing across 13 series. Born and trained in Vladivostok, she emigrated to the United States before relocating to the UK for Strictly.
Russian Connection
Tracing the roots — Vladivostok
Born in Vladivostok in 1977 — Russia's Pacific gateway, as far from Moscow as Paris — Rihanoff trained in the Russian competitive dance tradition before emigrating to the US and then the UK. Her Strictly career brought Russian-trained ballroom excellence to the UK's most-watched Saturday night entertainment.
Family Tree
Subject
Kristina Rihanoff🇬🇧 UK
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Self (Born there)
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Origin
Vladivostok🇷🇺 USSR
Historical context
Soviet Union (USSR) · 1922–1991
Vladivostok. At the time, this region was one of the fifteen republics of the Soviet Union.
Map: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Key Achievements
A career defined by ambition
01
Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer — 13 series (BBC)
02
US competitive ballroom dance champion — multiple titles
03
Trained in Vladivostok's Russian competitive dance tradition
04
Television presenter and media personality in the UK
05
Author and entrepreneur in the UK market
Sources