Janette Manrara is one of the most loved names in the world of dance and television. Born in Miami to Cuban parents, she grew up surrounded by music, rhythm, and culture. Over the years, she has built a career that blends her passion for dance with her natural charm as a presenter. From her early days on So You Think You Can Dance to becoming a household name on Strictly Come Dancing in the UK, Janette’s journey is inspiring and full of dedication.
Her story is not just about dance moves and stage lights. It is about courage, hard work, and the ability to reinvent oneself. Today, she is admired not only as a dancer but also as a presenter, author, and mother. This biography takes you through her life, career, family, and some lesser-known facts that make her journey special.
Janette Manrara Age, Career, Husband, BIO, Parents
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Janette Manrara |
| Date of Birth | 16 November 1983 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 42 years |
| Birthplace | Miami, Florida, United States |
| Nationality | Cuban-American |
| Parents | Luis Manrara (father), Maritza Manrara (mother) |
| Siblings | Lesly Manrara (sister), Alejandro Manrara (brother) |
| Education | Studied Finance at Florida International University |
| Height | 5 ft (152 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 45 kg |
| Profession | Dancer, Choreographer, Television Presenter |
| Known For | Strictly Come Dancing, So You Think You Can Dance, Burn the Floor |
| Years Active | 2009 – Present |
| Spouse | Aljaž Škorjanec (m. 2017) |
| Children | 1 daughter – Lyra Rose Škorjanec (born 28 July 2023) |
| Notable Shows | Strictly Come Dancing, Strictly: It Takes Two, Glee |
| Books | Tiny Dancer, Big World (2024) |
| Languages | English, Spanish |
| Net Worth (2026) | Estimated $1–2 million |
| Profiles | Instagram: @jmanrara/ Wikipedia: @Janette_Manrara IMDb: @nm3470992/ |
Early Life & Background
Janette was born to her mom and dad on 16 November 1983 in Miami, Florida. Her parents, Luis and Maritza Manrara, had moved from Cuba to the United States, carrying with them the rich traditions of Cuban culture. Growing up in Miami, Janette was surrounded by Latin music and dance, which shaped her love for performing from a very young age.
She started dancing at the age of seven, learning salsa and other Latin styles. Her childhood was filled with energy, rhythm, and the support of her family. Even though she was naturally drawn to dance, her parents encouraged her to focus on education first. This balance of discipline and creativity helped her later in life when she had to make tough career choices.
Physical Appearance & Style
Janette is known for her petite frame and vibrant personality. Manrara stands at 5 feet (152 cm) and weighs around 45 kg. Despite her small size, her energy on stage has earned her the nickname “Pocket Rocket.”
Her style reflects her Cuban heritage, often blending colourful outfits with elegance. Whether performing a fiery salsa or presenting on television, Janette’s presence is always lively and engaging.
Education & Early Career Choices
Interestingly, Janette did not begin her career in dance. She studied Finance at Florida International University and worked as a senior loan processor in a bank for nearly seven years. Her life seemed set in a different direction, far away from the stage and spotlight.
But her passion for dance never faded. She continued training in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and ballroom while working in finance. At the age of 19, she decided to take dance seriously and began formal training. This decision changed her life forever. Leaving behind a stable job, she chose the uncertain but exciting path of performing arts.
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Breakthrough: So You Think You Can Dance
Janette’s first big break came in 2009 when she appeared on Season 5 of So You Think You Can Dance in the United States. Her performances impressed both the judges and the audience. She was praised for her energy, technique, and personality. Although she was eliminated in week seven, her presence left a mark.
She later returned as an All-Star in Season 8, performing alongside new contestants. This exposure gave her confidence and opened doors to bigger opportunities. It was the turning point that shifted her career from local performances to international recognition.
Career Highlights in Television & Stage
After her success on So You Think You Can Dance, Janette worked as a dancer on the popular TV show Glee. She also joined the stage production Burn the Floor in 2010, where she met fellow dancer Aljaž Škorjanec, who would later become her husband.
In 2013, she joined the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer. Over the years, she partnered with celebrities like Julien Macdonald, Jake Wood, Peter Andre, Aston Merrygold, and HRVY. Her partnership with HRVY in 2020 was especially memorable, as they reached the finals and scored a perfect 30 for their routine.
Transition to Presenting
In June 2021, Janette announced that she would step back from dancing on Strictly Come Dancing and move into presenting. She became co-host of Strictly: It Takes Two, sharing duties with Rylan Clark and later Fleur East.
Her warm personality and natural communication style made her a perfect fit for presenting. Audiences quickly embraced her in this new role. She brought the same energy and charm to the screen, proving that her talent extended beyond dance.
Personal Life & Family
Janette’s personal life has always been a source of inspiration for her fans. She met fellow dancer Aljaž Škorjanec while performing in Burn the Floor. Their shared love for dance quickly grew into a deep relationship. The couple married on 15 July 2017, in a beautiful ceremony that celebrated their journey together.
In July 2023, Janette and Aljaž welcomed their daughter, Lyra Rose Škorjanec. Becoming a mother was a new chapter for Janette, and she has openly spoken about the joy and challenges of balancing family life with her career. Her strong bond with her siblings, Lesly and Alejandro, also reflects her Cuban-American roots and the importance of family in her life.
Other Projects & Achievements
Beyond dance and television, Janette has explored many creative projects. She has toured across the UK with shows like Remembering The Movies (2019) and Remembering The Oscars (2021), which showcased her versatility as a performer.
In 2024, she published her first book, “Tiny Dancer, Big World”, where she shared her journey, struggles, and lessons from her career. The book was well-received and added another dimension to her profile as an artist. She also appears regularly on BBC’s Morning Live, where she contributes to lifestyle and fitness segments, connecting with audiences in a more personal way.
Net Worth & Earnings
As of 2025–2026, Janette’s estimated net worth is between $1–2 million. Her income comes from television presenting, dance tours, choreography, and endorsements. Reports suggest she earns around $200,000–$400,000 annually, depending on her projects.
Her financial success is a result of years of hard work and smart career choices. From leaving a stable finance job to becoming a star in the UK, Janette’s journey shows how passion can lead to both personal and professional rewards.
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