‘Most of my money goes on food!’
Dancer Kristina Rihanoff, 40, talks Tenerife getaways, own-brand devotion, and reveals why she’ll never buy a car again
I STARTED OUT ASSISTING DANCE LESSONS
When I was just 16 years old, I began helping out my dance teacher. My first pay was about £10, and I was so happy, proud and excited. Even back then, I knew it was what I wanted to do. I love teaching and being able to make a living out of it is a total blessing.
I NEVER USED CARDS UNTIL I MOVED TO AMERICA
I grew up in Russia, where we didn’t have bank cards, only cash, so when I moved to the US 17 years ago, I had to learn everything from scratch. The only downside of not carrying cash is searching for pound coins for supermarket trolleys!
MY BIGGEST MONEY MISTAKE WAS BUYING A POSH SPORTS CAR
I’d never owned a car, so back in 2005, I bought a beautiful new sports car when I was living in the states. But three years later, I got the Strictly Come Dancing job and had to sell it, but at a big loss, of course. I have learned an important lesson and now, lease all my cars because they just depreciate so much.
I DON’T BELIEVE BRANDS ARE BETTER
I shop in Tesco mostly and I find supermarket own-brand food is often just as good. I’m vegan and I buy Tesco finest and organic ranges, which are great.
I COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT MY MOBILE
I know we’re all addicted to our gadgets, but I do all my admin and invoicing on mine. I use it to play songs when I teach, and also to edit music for my wedding couples [Kristina gives dance classes to brides and grooms]. And of course, for Facetiming home, too.
I LOVE A GOOD HOLIDAY DEAL
Luxurious holidays are amazing, but I love getting a good deal. I adore Tenerife – it’s a beautiful island with loads to offer. We always go as a family during the Easter break and the kids just love it there [Kristina has daughter Mila, 20 months, with her rugby player partner Ben Cohen, while he has twins Isabelle and Henrietta, ten, from a previous relationship].
MY LAST IMPULSE BUY WAS SKINCARE
As I’m vegan, I make sure all of my beauty products are, too. I was recommended Nataliya Robinson’s Quantum Botanika range, so I spent about £200 on various products. It is a lot of money, but I absolutely love it.
BILLS AND MORTGAGE ASIDE , I SPEND MOST OF MY MONEY ON FOOD
Ben and I both love cooking, but everyone in the family likes different things, so we end up cooking something vegan for me, something else for the kids, and another option for Ben.