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Our Teachers
PRINCIPAL / BALLET, BALLROOM & LATIN DANCE TEACHER
Kristina Rihanoff
Kristina most known to the public for her 8 years appearance as a professional dancer and choreographer on BBC1 TV show “Strictly Come Dancing”. She started dance and drama lessons at the age of 7 and has an impressive dance background, having studied Ballet, Salsa, Mambo, American Rhythm, American Smooth, Ballroom and Latin. This extensive knowledge alongside her natural talent and flair for dance saw her become one of the world’s most accomplished performers at the peak of her competitive career ranking in top 12 in the world in the Professional Latin division.
Since retiring from competition, Kristina has carved a name for herself after appearances on the ‘Dancing with The Stars’ Tour in 2007, and it wasn’t long until she was lured to the UK to join the TV phenomenon of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. The UK have grown to love her choreography and well composed routines for both her fellow Professionals and learning Celebrities. With a diverse range of previous partners on the show, she has managed transform these contestants into polished performers in the ballroom, thanks to her exceptional teaching abilities and choreography masterpieces.
Kristina now wants to use this wealth of experience which will ultimately provide her with the perfect platform to utilise her knowledge and create the ‘’Bespoke Ballroom’’ performing arts school in her home town Northampton.
Kristina has nearly 25 years of teaching experience and is well known for her hard work, dedication, skilful choreography and most importantly her patience. Kristina loves working with children and young adults and believes that learning dance and drama improves youngsters social skills, boost confidence and promotes self-expression. Kristina is very excited to partner up with highly skilful and experience teachers and create her performing arts academy “Bespoke Ballroom” and offer dancing and drama lessons to all ages from babies to young adults. In her age appropriate courses, Kristina will bring her extensive knowledge of ballroom techniques and stage presence.
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Anthony Foreman
Anthony Foreman, Our Musical Director. He is a fully qualified teacher, now full-time session, rehearsal and performance musician. Anthony also runs a highly successful events supply company providing sound, lighting, and technical solutions to all manner of occasions and peripatetic teaching in schools. He has lost count how many musicals, pantomimes and showcases he’s musically directed, let alone professional gigs and other performances. Among the portfolio of directorships is Les Misérables; Fiddler on The Roof; Grease; Oliver; Little Shop of Horrors; West Side Story; Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Our House; Addams Family; and We Will Rock You. A graduate from the University of Salford, former secondary school Head of Music, ex-deputy head teacher, football club administrator, and charity trustee.
Freestyle/ballet/dramatic arts
Caroline Arrowsmith - freestyle/ballet/dramatic arts
Caroline grew up in Northamptonshire and starting dancing at the tender age of 3 years old. Going on to train with The Royal Academy of Dance in Ballet and the Imperial Dance association in Jazz and Tap. After winning a place at one of London’ prestige Stage Schools Laine Theatre Art graduating with an Honours In Musical theatre she started out as a backing dancer for Take That and Simply Red then went on to perform in critically acclaimed West end musicals playing the leading roles in Starlight Express, Cats, Oliver and Footloose. She has performed and appeared TV dramas and commercials and has performed as a vocalist at some of the world’s most famous jazz and music festivals not to mention a Royal Gala for the Royal Family at St James’s Palace. More recently she has taken more a creative director role for celebrities on ITV shows such as the X-Factor, Stand up to Cancer and Get your act together and makes a yearly visit to choreograph Shows for the London’s leading and iconic Fashion week. Caroline has extensive experience in teaching children of all ages and helps academy students prepare for various styles of exams in dramatic arts, gymnastics dance, ballet and freestyle.
Acrobatics/tricking/marshal arts
Matt Wood
Matthew started training as a martial artist at the age of 10. Since then he has taken part in national competitions and achieved high grades in Wing Chun Kung Fu. He slowly moved into performing and started dance training in College. After achieving his diploma, he began studying at the National Centre for Circus Arts as a Floor Acrobat, trained by the top in the industry from Cirque Du Soleil performers and 7 fingers. After finishing his course, he performed internationally as an Acrobat and Stunt Man. He has worked in many theatres, shows and films, such as Tiropear in the West End, Festivals, Stufish Company, TUI special act and much more.When his mum became ill, he returned to Northampton and started a career in teaching. Many of his students have gone on to large companies and West End shows. Early into his teaching career he realised being able to do the tricks as well as teach them gave him a massive advantage over other coaches
Ballroom/Latin teacher
Dragos Hepcat
Dragos started dancing at the age of 4 ballroom and latin dancing. He successfully competes in major UK national competitions as well as international championships. His career highlights:
• Finalist of the UK U21 Championship
• Winner of U21 Latin West of England Championships
• Winner of Amateur Latin West of England Championships
• 3rd place in U21 Nationals Championships in Blackpool
• 2nd in the Amateur National League in 2019
Dragos currently teaching classes at several studios around UK and most known for his work at Oti Mabuse Dance Studio coaching advance children and adults beginners classes preparing students for exams and competitions. He has been working at our Academy since 2021 successfully preparing our juvenile and junior students for medal tests and open competitive level championships in the UK.
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