Strictly's Kristina Rihanoff says pro dancers are not always good teachers
The former Strictly star has pointed out the professional dancers on the shows do not always have teaching experience.
Watch Strictly's Kristina Rihanoff say pro dancers are not always good teachers
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Strictly Come Dancing star Kristina Rihanoff has said professional dancers on the show are not always good teachers.
The Russian dancer starred on the BBC show between 2008 and 2015 and told Good Morning Britain she underwent a strict vetting process to be signed up as a pro - including references from dance organisations and demonstrating her 10 years teaching experience.
In light of the scandal that has struck the show, following allegations of workplace misconduct during training relating to several pro dancers, Rihanoff said it was important to check the teaching qualifications of those taking part.
The 46-year-old ballroom dance champion, instructor and choreographer said being a great dancer did automatically make someone a good teacher.
What, how, and why?
Rihanoff told GMB hosts Richard Madeley and Charlotte Hawkins: "There's a lot of great dancers out there - it doesn't mean they're good teachers. It's not just about in general teaching skills. It's teaching novices somebody who can't dance and you can't get frustrated. You just have to be able to deliver information and get the best one."
Rihanoff admitted training for professional ballroom dancing competitions could be "brutal" but it was important not to bring that attitude into the "light entertainment" environment of the BBC show.
She said: "Teaching is a whole different skill. It's a whole different skill to be a professional dancer yourself or amateur dancer. Of course, you're taught by a lot great. famous dancers in our world, and it is very strict, and it is sometimes brutal.
"But when you come to a show like that, we still have to remember - we're not preparing them for the world championships. We prepare them for a TV show. It is very intense, of course, and has a pressurised environment in some way because you wan to deliver a good dance. But at the end of the day, it's a light entertainment, so we can't go into that sort of space when they feel threatened and abused."
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, said: "Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we’re made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act.
"Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals. The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production."
Rihanoff joined Strictly for the sixth series in 2008 and was partnered with BBC political correspondent John Sergeant who she choreographed to become the first hit Strictly comedy act. Her other celebrity partner included Jason Donovan, Goldie, actor Colin Salmon and Blue's Simon Webbe, boxer Joe Calzaghe and rugby player Ben Cohen, to whom she is now engaged.
What have other former pros said about the Strictly scandal?
Former Strictly professional dancer Ian Waite joined Strictly in series two and made the final in 2005 with TV presenter Zoe Ball. He recently told GMB that when he was a child his teachers would physically grab and push him during training.
Waite said: "As as a child I was put into position. I had teachers in London who used to put me into position, and they'd have their nails and grab me and push me. But it was it was to get me in the correct place. It was always the connotation that it was to make you do it right. There was no aggressiveness towards you."
But Waite said the current allegations "surprised" him, adding: "It can be very stressful, and it can be intense. And it can be really hard work, and you get really tired towards the end. But I don't think under any circumstances should be there be any physical... anything that's not appropriate."
Good Morning Britain airs on ITV from 6am-9am from Monday to Friday.
Strictly Come Dancing is due to return BBC One for its 22nd series in September, marking its 20th anniversary year.
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