After wrapping up a demanding five-week stint in pantomime, performing twice daily, “Strictly Come Dancing” star Kristina Rihanoff took a well-deserved breather to share insights into how she maintains her glowing skin and overall health.
For someone whose career spans intense dancing, acting, and wellness advocacy, Rihanoff knows a thing or two about balancing stamina, fitness, and beauty routines.
A Grueling but Rewarding Pantomime Run
Having just completed 62 shows over five weeks, with only Christmas Day off, Rihanoff describes the pantomime experience as a unique challenge that pushed her out of her comfort zone.
“Acting for two hours is demanding in a different way to performing dance,” she said. “You are effectively in a bubble with your Panto family for that time.”
Despite the intensity, she felt a sense of accomplishment, reaching an audience of 45,000. “It’s very satisfying to have done it,” she adds.
The Key to Stamina: Fuel and Rest
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Performing at such a high level requires physical and emotional stamina. For Rihanoff, the secret is a balanced diet and adequate sleep.
“Eating well and having enough sleep is key,” she emphasizes. “A two-hour performance is an emotional rollercoaster, and you must give 100%. It’s draining, so equipping yourself mentally and physically with proper rest and diet is a must.”
Beyond Dance: The Yoga Connection
While dance remains a cornerstone of her fitness regime, Rihanoff also relies heavily on yoga. “I don’t enjoy the gym or doing weights,” she admits, citing concerns about potential injuries from improper use of equipment.
Instead, she turned to yoga, a practice she began in 2001 while living in the U.S. “It was excruciatingly hot and a form of torture at the time, but somehow I was hooked and I never looked back,” she recalls of her early Bikram yoga sessions.
Three years ago, after the birth of her daughter Mila, Rihanoff decided to deepen her yoga practice by training as a Hatha yoga instructor.
“It has widened my horizons and knowledge in all sorts of ways,” she notes. “I feel it’s enhanced my dance teaching as well.”
Dance or Yoga? It Depends on the Day
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When asked what relaxes her more, dance or yoga, Rihanoff is diplomatic. “It rather depends on my mood as they both work for me in different ways,” she says.
While dancing releases endorphins and suits her high-energy moods, yoga offers a meditative “flow” that calms her. “Both are addictive as they make you feel great!” she adds.
A Shift to Veganism
Rihanoff recently adopted a vegan lifestyle, which she says was a natural transition given her lactose intolerance.
“When I turned 40, I felt that I really had to start looking after myself to continue to live as actively as I do,” she shares.
After extensive research, she found that her body responded well to a vegan diet. “I feel great, have lots of energy, and of course, it sits well with my yoga philosophy.”
While her partner Ben joined her on the vegan journey for six months, he ultimately returned to eating meat. “He’s a meat-lover, so it was not something he wanted to give up completely,” she explains.
Ambassador for Forever Living Products
As a F.I.T ambassador for Forever Living Products, Rihanoff has seamlessly integrated their products into her wellness routine.
“I was using the products including the Argi+ which was crucial for me for energy and recovery when I was dancing in Strictly,” she says.
The aloe vera drinking gel, a personal favourite, supports her digestion and overall health. “I’m a genuine advocate,” she states, noting the brand’s long-standing history and commitment to quality.
Embracing True Health Over Image
Rihanoff has strong opinions on the need for the dance world to shift its focus from body image to true health.
“What I love most about yoga is that it is for everyone, it’s accessible regardless of your age, shape, or size,” she explains.
She hopes for a future where young dancers can grow up without the pressure of “meeting industry standards” and instead focus on the joy of movement.
What’s Next? A Wellbeing Center and More
Following the success of her dance production, “Dance to the Music,” Rihanoff is taking a short break before potentially touring again. In the meantime, she and Ben are setting up a wellbeing center in Northampton, where they plan to offer a holistic approach to exercise.
“We are taking a holistic approach to exercise offering yoga/pilates/dance to every age group from Mother & Baby to our precious elderly – I can’t wait!” she enthuses.
From her journey as a dancer to a yoga instructor, a wellness advocate, and now an entrepreneur, Kristina Rihanoff continues to inspire with her passion for health, fitness, and a balanced lifestyle.