| Biography | Janette Manrara (born November 16, 1983) is a professional dancer and choreographer from Miami, Florida. Originally a Salsa dancer, learning from her Cuban family, she formally studied dance from the age of 19. Manrara is best known for her appearances on the US series So You Think You Can Dance and British Ballroom Reality Television competition, Strictly Come Dancing.
Manrara began performing in musical theatre at age 12, and started her formal dance training at 19, studying ballroom, ballet, pointe, jazz and hip-hop. Manrara studied Finance at Florida International University whilst completing her dance training.
In 2009 Manrara began a short-lived relationship with fellow So You Think You Can Dance contestant Jason Glover.
In 2015 Manrara got engaged to long time partner, Strictly Come Dancing and Burn The Floor co-star, Alja Skorjanec.
Manrara originally auditioned for the Fourth season of 'So You Think You Can Dance', however, failed to make it through to the top 20. She auditioned again in season 5 and successfully made it through to the top 20 where she was paired with contemporary dancer Brandon Bryant. Like Manrara, Bryant had made it through Las Vegas week during Season 4, only to be cut during the Top 20 selection. During her time on the show, Janette received much praise from the judges; both Mia Michaels and Nigel Lythgoe said that Janette was their favorite female dancer that season, and Lythgoe went on to say he hoped she would win the entire competition.[4] An Argentine Tango she performed with Bryant was the first dance on Season 5 to receive a standing ovation from the judges. However, Manrara was eliminated during week 7, along with contemporary dancer Jason Glover.
In 2013 Manrara became a professional dancer on British TV show Strictly Come Dancing. Her first celebrity partner in the 11th series was, fashion designer, Julien Macdonald they were the third couple to be eliminated. She returned for the 12th series and partnered, actor, Jake Wood with whom she made it to the Semi-Finals with and finished in 5th place overall. For the 13th series she was paired with, TV Personality, Peter Andre they were the 9th couple to be eliminated. As well as her main series appearances Manrara has also taken part in one off specials of the show. In 2013 she performed a Quickstep with actor Ricky Norwood on the Christmas special. In 2014 Manrara scored a maximum of 40 points in 'The People's Strictly for Comic Relief' for an American Smooth with, 'Kidz R us' founder, Phillip Barnett. Manara is also due to take part in the 2016 'Strictly Come dancing Live tour' with her series 12 partner Jake Wood. |