Derry is in for a very special treat this November when two of the biggest stars from Strictly Come Dancing visit The Millennium Forum on Sunday night, November 12th.
Kristina Rihanoff and Tristan MacManus will present an evening of dance routines as they bring their new stage show to the city stage.
I was very fortunate to speak with Kristina on Friday lunchtime as she took time out from her busy schedule to talk to me about this new show.
Kristina says she and Tristan are enjoying the tour so far. She said, “This is a very interactive show. It’s intimate, it’s funny and everyone does have a laugh. We do a lot of different dances and then take time to involve the audience with a question time. Feedback to date has been great.”
The stars will perform Ballroom and Latin routines such as the Waltz, the Paso Doble, the Samba and the Charleston and the Argentine Tango. Rihanoff told me that there is music from Sinatra to Ed Sheeran. “There really is something for everyone.”
Kristina Rihanoff became a mother for the first time just last summer. I asked her how this has impacted on her life. “It’s the best thing in the world” she told me. “It has completely changed my perspective on life. My priorities have totally changed.”
Kristina Rihanoff appeared on Strictly Come Dancing for eight years. Her partners during that time included Jason Donovan, Ben Cohen, Daniel O’Donnell, John Sergeant and Simon Webbe. Tristan starred in two series of the BBC show. Tristan also appeared on a number of seasons of Dancing With The Stars in America.
Kristina told me that both she and Tristan left Strictly as they were both about to become parents (separately of course!!). “The schedule is so hectic on Strictly but we wanted to continue our creativity and dancing and so we have developed this show.”
Kristina also told me that she has visited Derry before. “I was in Derry around 9 years ago for one show. I remember the audience were amazing. I’m very excited to be going back to Derry. It holds great memories for me.”
I asked Rihanoff why someone who doesn’t like dance should come see this show of herself and Tristan? “It’s just really enjoyable and has some great music as well as dance involved in it. It really is a celebration of dance and music. And you will have a really good laugh too.” Now that sounds like great reasons to go see this I reckon!
Rihanoff added, “We’re very fortunate to have Mark Read hosting and singing for us. He really is an exceptionally talented man.”
So from the Strictly stage to the Derry stage. This is sounding like a night to remember long before it has even arrived!
Speaking to Kristina over lunch on Friday allowed me to make my mind up that it really is a show I want to see. I’m NO dancer but I’ve watched this lady dance on TV, but speaking to her showed me a whole other side. She’s bubbly, she’s friendly and she’s so down to earth. We spoke about parenting and being Mum. Clearly being Mum is first and foremost in her life just now. That immediately won her over in my heart.
So as the winter fast approaches here in the North West, I think it’s high time to have something refreshing to look forward to. This is just such. I’m already looking forward. And I might even learn a step or two!
To book your ticket, call +44 (0)28 7126 4455 or visit millenniumforum.co.uk now.
GMcC
North West Culture Gal 