Janette Manrara was born in Miami, Florida, to Cuban parents on November 16, 1983. She started singing in musical theater at age 12 and received her first formal dance training at 19, concentrating on ballroom, ballet, pointe, jazz and hip-hop. She worked on her dance career while studying finance at Florida International University. Her success today showcases how Janette Manrara has embraced her multifaceted talents.
Climb to Stardom: ‘So You Think You Can Dance’
Janette’s first big break was being a contestant in the fifth season of the U.S. show “So You Think You Can Dance.” Paired with the contemporary dancer Brandon Bryant, she impressed judges and audiences and received high praise for her performances. She was sent home in the seventh week, but her talent was evident enough that doors opened for her. This was one of the steps towards Janette Manrara achieving greater recognition.
Move To ‘Strictly Come Dancing’
Janette became a pro dancer on BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing” in 2013. In between, she danced with several other celebrities, revealing her adeptness and enthusiasm for the craft. And she was an audience favorite, thanks to her dynamic routines and charismatic presence. Here, Janette Manrara’s dancing skills truly shined.
Personal Life: How She Met Aljaž Škorjanec
Janette met her now-husband, Slovenian dancer Aljaž Škorjanec, while competing on the show. Their mutual love for dance transformed into a romantic relationship. They got engaged in 2015 and were married, on July 15, 2017, in ceremonies in London, Miami and Slovenia. This union marked a significant chapter in the life of Janette Manrara.
Career Evolution and New Ventures
Janette moved from dancing to presenting in 2021, becoming a co-host of “Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.” It also enabled her to stay connected with the show while pursuing new facets of her career. She has also had a multitude of dance tours, including Remembering The Movies and Remembering The Oscars with her husband Aljaž. This shows how Janette Manrara has wisely navigated her career evolution.
Welcoming Motherhood
Janette and Aljaž announced they were expecting their first child together in February 2023. They also are the parents of a daughter, Lyra Rose, who was born on July 28, 2023. The couple has shared details about the ups and downs of becoming parents, sharing a deep joy and thankfulness for their expanding famlily. This new phase marks another beautiful milestone in Janette Manrara’s life journey.
Current Events and Difficulties
After seeing him back on the floor: In July 2024 Aljaž returned to “Strictly Come Dancing” following a two-year absence. His return was greeted with enthusiasm by fans, but it also brought scrutiny to past controversies surrounding other experts on the show. These events were addressed by Janette, who specifically called out that the show had to maintain its positive energy and that some events were unfortunate but did not define the show as a whole. To Janette Manrara, the overall spirit of the show holds great importance.
For Janette, balancing an acting career with motherhood has been challenging. She has been very open about her struggles, including the emotional distress of having to drop her daughter off at nursery while pursuing her new professional life. Through all the turmoil, she remains focused on her dual roles as mother and presenter. This speaks volumes about Janette Manrara’s dedication and strength.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
Though exact figures are not available publicly, Janette’s successful career in dance, television and live performances has understandably resulted in a healthy net worth. She further supplements her wealth through her ongoing projects and regular public appearances. Financially, Janette Manrara has carved out a strong position for herself.
