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Kristina Rihanoff was born in Siberia, Russia. She has been a competitive dancer since the age of seven, and her years of dancing experience extends from Ballet to Latin and Ballroom styles, to Rhythm and Theatre Arts. Determined to succeed, she became a renowned dance champion in the far eastern region of Russia and her talent has taken her all over the world.

In 2001 Kristina relocated to the United States where she was introduced to a number of new styles of dance, including Salsa, Mambo and American Rhythm, and devoted her life to dancing competitively.

Kristina achieved first place in the South African International Latin Championship (2005-2006) and second in the US National American Rhythm finals (2003-2005) and second in the Open to the World, Mambo Championship (2003-2004).

In 2007 she represented the US at the World Exhibition at the Blackpool Dance Festival and subsequently came second in the Theatre Dance category.

Kristina joined series six of ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One’s Strictly Come Dancing. She won the hearts of the UK public with her warm and entertaining partnership with political broadcaster John Sergeant, and impressed viewers with her fearless dancing prowess in professional routines. Last year, she took part in series seven of Strictly Come Dancing, where she partnered the boxing sensation Joe Calzaghe.

Kristina is a dance trainer and choreographer on Dancing On Wheels and says: ‘It was a real privilege to be involved in Dancing on Wheels, and to work alongside talented, hard working competitors. I had previously not choreographed for Wheelchair Dance, but when Brian asked me to join him I was excited to have this opportunity. I hope the series will inspire people to get involved in this sport, and encourage it to grow here in Britain. It is practiced all over the world, and with the help of this show, I hope to help prove how it is just as fun, glamorous and glitzy as able–bodied ballroom.’