Daughter of former Strictly star and rugby player, aged just 9, reaches new heights as double national champion
The daughter of a former Strictly Come Dancing star and a rugby player, aged just nine, has reached new heights as she is now a double national champion.
Mila Cohen, whose parents are Kristina Rihanoff and Ben Cohen, kickstarted her competition success last year when she was named one of the ‘juvenile soloists of the year’ in the under 12s category at the Le Classique Industry Awards.
Mila was impressively the youngest winner of the award at the Le Classique de Danse competition at Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens Ballroom.
Earlier this year, having trained with her mother Kristina since she founded her dance school Bespoke Ballroom back in 2019, Mila was named a national champion.
The nine-year-old became the UK’s under 10s Latin champion at the prestigious closed national championship organised by Dance Promoters Association. Mila also placed third in the under 10s ballroom category.
Ending the year on a high, Mila competed in the 50th anniversary of the British National Championships at the Winter Gardens.
The nine-year-old exceeded expectations by becoming a double national champion, having won the Ballroom and Latin events in the under 10 years solo category.
Mila and Kristina worked hard in preparation for this competition, as it was her final chance to compete in the under 10 years category at the British National Championships.
Kristina believes there has never been a double champion in solo events from this area, and it is a special achievement and milestone for her daughter to have under her belt.
The world-renowned dancer and judge told the Chronicle & Echo: “I can’t even describe how it felt when she was crowned. We’ve done so much work together and it’s incredible. She’ll forever be in the book of national champions. The 50th anniversary was a special week for everyone.
“You never know which way it’s going to go as it’s highly competitive and subjective, and that’s why there’s a big panel of judges. The stars aligned for her and she’s worked hard for this since the summer.”
Kristina is passionate about putting Northamptonshire on the map in the dance world, as she believes this county is full of up-and-coming talent with young people dedicating themselves to their craft.
Another of her students, Amelia Anghel, placed third in the Ballroom national final at the same competition, and Kristina described her as an "amazing kid and fabulous dancer”.
“I’m ever so proud,” said Kristina. “We have a lot of local talent, and dancing gives them a sense of belonging. We have a fantastic school and community.”
Kristina is hopeful that more children will take ballroom dance lessons moving forward, with dancers and teachers ready to welcome young people from the age of five at Bespoke Ballroom in Northampton.