Janette Manrara Wiki, Bio, Networth, BF, Husband, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Janette Manrara

Janette Manrara is a Cuban-American professional dancer, choreographer, and television presenter who has captivated audiences worldwide with her infectious energy and dazzling performances. She is widely recognized for her memorable appearances on the American reality television show “So You Think You Can Dance” and as a beloved professional dancer on the esteemed BBC One competition, “Strictly Come Dancing”. After eight successful seasons on the dance floor, Manrara transitioned to a new role, co-hosting the popular “Strictly Come Dancing” companion show, “It Takes Two,” further cementing her status as a prominent figure in the British entertainment industry. Her vibrant personality and deep passion for dance have made her a fan favorite, and her journey from a young dancer in Miami to a celebrated television personality is a testament to her talent and perseverance.

Janette Manrara Overview

Early Life and Education of Janette Manrara

Janette Manrara was born in Miami, Florida, to Cuban parents, Luis and Maritza Manrara. Growing up in a vibrant Cuban-American household, she was immersed in a culture rich with music and dance from a young age. This early exposure ignited a passion for performance that would shape her future career. Manrara began her journey into the world of entertainment at the age of 12, when she started appearing in musical theatre productions. However, her formal dance training did not commence until she was 19. Despite her late start in formal training, she quickly developed her skills in a variety of dance styles, including ballroom, ballet, pointe, jazz, and hip-hop. Alongside her burgeoning passion for dance, Manrara also pursued a solid academic foundation. She attended Florida International University, where she studied finance. For seven years, she balanced her demanding dance schedule with a full-time job at a bank, demonstrating a remarkable work ethic and determination to pursue her dreams while maintaining financial stability. This period of her life was instrumental in instilling in her the discipline and resilience that would become hallmarks of her professional career.

Janette Manrara’s Career

Janette Manrara’s professional career took a significant turn when she auditioned for the fifth season of the popular American dance competition “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2009. Her talent and charisma shone through, earning her a place in the top 20. She quickly became a fan favorite, with the judges often praising her versatility and stage presence. Although she was eliminated in the seventh week, her time on the show provided her with invaluable exposure and opened doors to numerous opportunities. Following her success on “So You Think You Can Dance,” Manrara’s career gained momentum. She was cast as a principal dancer in the hit musical television series “Glee,” where she had the opportunity to work with some of the industry’s top choreographers. She also danced alongside Jennifer Lopez at the 82nd Academy Awards in 2010. A significant milestone in her early career was joining the internationally acclaimed dance production “Burn the Floor.” She toured with the show, performing in the West End and on Broadway, which further honed her skills as a world-class dancer.

In 2013, Manrara’s career reached new heights when she joined the cast of the BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing” as a professional dancer. Her infectious personality and exceptional choreography quickly made her a beloved figure on the show. Over her eight seasons as a professional, she partnered with a variety of celebrities, including fashion designer Julien Macdonald, “EastEnders” actor Jake Wood, singer Peter Andre, and pop star HRVY, with whom she reached the final in 2020. Though she never lifted the coveted Glitterball Trophy as a professional, her routines were consistently praised for their creativity and storytelling. In 2021, Manrara announced her departure as a professional dancer from “Strictly Come Dancing” to embark on a new chapter as the co-host of its companion show, “It Takes Two,” alongside Rylan Clark and later Fleur East. This transition showcased her versatility and engaging personality, allowing her to share her expert analysis and passion for dance from a different perspective. Beyond “Strictly,” Manrara has been involved in numerous other projects. She has co-hosted the “Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour” and has embarked on several successful UK tours with her husband, Aljaž Škorjanec, including “Remembering Fred,” “Remembering the Movies,” and “A Christmas To Remember.” In 2024, she published her first book, a self-help guide titled “Tiny Dancer, Big World.” She also made her musical theatre debut in 2025, starring as Roxie Hart in the UK and Ireland tour of the hit musical “Chicago.”

Janette Manrara Personal Life & Family

Janette Manrara’s personal life has been as much a focus of public interest as her professional career, particularly her relationship with fellow dancer Aljaž Škorjanec. The couple’s love story began when they met while performing in the dance show “Burn the Floor.” Their shared passion for dance and undeniable chemistry blossomed into a romance, and they became a beloved couple both on and off the dance floor. Manrara and Škorjanec’s relationship has been a source of inspiration for many, showcasing a deep bond built on mutual respect and support. They became engaged in 2015 and tied the knot in 2017, celebrating their union with three wedding ceremonies in London, Florida, and Slovenia to include all their family and friends. In February 2023, the couple announced they were expecting their first child, and in July of that year, they welcomed their daughter, Lyra Rose Škorjanec. The journey to parenthood was a deeply personal one for the couple, and they have been open about their struggles with fertility, hoping to inspire and support others in similar situations. Manrara is very close to her family, who reside in Miami. She has often spoken about the influence of her Cuban heritage on her life and career, crediting her family for instilling in her a love of music and dance from a young age. She has a brother named Alejandro and a sister named Lesly. Despite living in the UK, she maintains a strong connection with her family in the United States. Manrara’s lifestyle is a blend of her dedication to her career and her commitment to her family. She is known for her positive and energetic outlook on life, which she often shares with her followers on social media. She is passionate about health and fitness and often shares insights into her workout routines and healthy eating habits. Her beliefs are rooted in hard work, perseverance, and the importance of following one’s dreams, a philosophy she often shares in her book and public appearances.

Awards and Achievements of Janette Manrara

• Reached the final of “Strictly Come Dancing” with celebrity partner HRVY in 2020.
• Won the “Strictly Come Dancing” Christmas Special in 2016 with Melvin Odoom.
• Won “The People’s Strictly for Comic Relief” in 2015 with Phillip Barnett.
• Received a nomination for a “WhatsOnStage Award” for her role in a musical.
• Published her first book, “Tiny Dancer, Big World,” in 2024.
• Made her musical theatre debut as Roxie Hart in the UK and Ireland tour of “Chicago” in 2025.

Janette Manrara Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Janette Manrara’s net worth is estimated to be around £1.5 million. Her primary sources of income are her work as a television presenter, particularly her role as a co-host on “Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.” Throughout her career, she has also earned a significant income from her time as a professional dancer on “Strictly Come Dancing,” as well as from her various UK tours with her husband, Aljaž Škorjanec. Manrara has also supplemented her income through brand endorsements and collaborations with various companies. Her ventures into writing, with the publication of her book “Tiny Dancer, Big World,” and her starring role in the musical “Chicago” have also contributed to her overall net worth. Her diverse career portfolio demonstrates her business acumen and ability to capitalize on her popularity and expertise in the entertainment industry.

Legacy and Influence

Janette Manrara has established a significant legacy within the world of dance and entertainment, particularly in the United Kingdom. Her influence extends beyond her technical abilities as a dancer to her role as an inspirational figure and a positive role model. As one of the most popular professional dancers on “Strictly Come Dancing,” she brought a unique blend of passion, creativity, and warmth to the show, which resonated deeply with viewers. Her transition to a presenter on “It Takes Two” has further solidified her position as a respected and knowledgeable voice in the dance community. Manrara’s public image is characterized by her infectious positivity, strong work ethic, and down-to-earth nature. She is admired for her ability to connect with people from all walks of life, both on and off the screen. Her openness about her personal life, including her journey to motherhood, has endeared her to a wide audience and has helped to break down stigmas surrounding fertility issues. Through her book and public speaking engagements, she has used her platform to empower others to pursue their dreams, embrace self-love, and find joy in their lives. Her contributions to the world of dance have been significant, not only in her performances but also in her ability to make dance accessible and enjoyable for a mainstream audience. Her legacy is one of a talented artist who has used her platform to spread joy, inspire others, and make a positive impact on the world.

Interesting Facts about Janette Manrara

• Before becoming a professional dancer, she worked in a bank for seven years and has a degree in finance.
• She began her formal dance training at the relatively late age of 19.
• She had three wedding ceremonies with her husband Aljaž Škorjanec in three different countries: the UK, the US, and Slovenia.
• She is a published author, with her first book, “Tiny Dancer, Big World,” released in 2024.
• She made her musical theatre debut playing the iconic role of Roxie Hart in the musical “Chicago.”
• She has a passion for musical theatre and appeared in productions of “A Chorus Line,” “Cats,” and “West Side Story” as a child.
• She is a brand ambassador for several companies, including New Nordic, Freemans, and Disney.

Controversies

In 2024, Janette Manrara found herself inadvertently drawn into a wider controversy surrounding the training methods on “Strictly Come Dancing.” Her former celebrity partner from 2019, Paralympian Will Bayley, spoke out about an injury he sustained during their time on the show. Bayley claimed he felt pressured to perform a particular jump, which he alleged led to a serious knee injury that forced him to withdraw from the competition. While Bayley did not directly accuse Manrara of wrongdoing, his comments brought her training methods into the media spotlight. A spokesperson for Manrara stated that the safety and enjoyment of her celebrity partners had always been her top priority and that she had never received any complaints about her training methods. It was reported that Manrara and Bayley remain good friends. This incident was part of a broader public discussion about the duty of care for contestants on reality television shows.

Social Media Presence

• Instagram – Over 605,000 followers
• Twitter – Over 190,000 followers
• YouTube – Janette has a YouTube channel where she shares vlogs and dance content.

Final Words about Janette Manrara

Janette Manrara’s career is a vibrant tapestry woven with passion, resilience, and an unwavering love for performance. From her early days balancing a finance career with her dance aspirations to becoming a household name in the UK, her journey is a powerful testament to the pursuit of one’s dreams. As she continues to evolve in her career, embracing new challenges such as presenting, writing, and musical theatre, she remains a beloved and influential figure in the entertainment industry. Her current focus is on balancing her demanding career with her role as a mother to her daughter, Lyra. With her infectious enthusiasm and genuine warmth, Janette Manrara’s star is set to continue to shine brightly for many years to come. Her future plans include continuing to host “It Takes Two,” embarking on dance tours, and exploring further opportunities in television and theatre, all while cherishing her most important role as a mother.