Janette Manrara Biography – Age, Height, Career, Family and More

Janette Manrara is a Cuban-American professional dancer, choreographer, television presenter, and singer who rose to fame on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Known for her energetic Latin dancing and warm presenting style, she moved from competitive dance into TV presenting and remains a popular face on British television. Janette balances motherhood, presenting Strictly: It Takes Two, and ongoing dance projects.

Janette Manrara Wiki/Bio

Full NameJanette Manrara
Date of BirthNovember 16, 1983
Age42 years (as of 2025)
ProfessionProfessional Dancer, Choreographer, Television Presenter, Singer
HometownMiami, Florida, USA
Current ResidenceLondon, England, UK
NationalityCuban-American
Zodiac SignScorpio
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/jmanrara/ 

Physical Details

Height5’0″ (152 cm)
WeightApprox. 45 kg
Eye ColorBrown
Hair ColorDark Brown

Janette Manrara Early Life

Janette was born on November 16, 1983, in Miami to Cuban immigrant parents, Luis and Maritza Manrara. She began dancing at age 7 and trained in salsa, ballet and ballroom from a young age. Growing up in Miami’s Cuban community shaped her love for music and dance. Her family supported her while she worked part-time to help pay for lessons.

Janette Manrara Education

Janette attended Florida International University, where she studied finance before leaving to pursue dance full time. She also trained at studios including the Abby Lee Dance Company, gaining strong technical skills in Latin and ballroom styles.

Janette Manrara Family

Janette married Slovenian dancer Aljaž Škorjanec on July 15, 2017; they met on the Burn the Floor tour in 2010. The couple welcomed their daughter, Lyra Rose Škorjanec, on July 28, 2023. Janette remains close to her parents and her siblings, sister Lesly and brother Alejandro, who live in Miami.

Janette Manrara with mother
Janette Manrara with mother (Photo Credit: instagram.com/jmanrara)

Career

Janette began in competitive Latin and ballroom dance and later worked as a TV dancer. She appeared as a dancer on Glee (2009–2010) and joined the international show Burn the Floor in 2010, where she met Aljaž. In 2013 she became a professional dancer on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, partnering with celebrities and building a strong fanbase. In 2021 she moved into presenting and became co-host of Strictly: It Takes Two, sharing presenting duties with Rylan Clark and later Fleur East. She also appears on UK daytime shows and performs in Strictly Live! tours. Janette has done choreography and occasional singing work as well.

Career Milestones

MilestoneYear/Details
Glee (dancer)2009–2010
Burn the Floor (tour)Joined 2010; met Aljaž
Strictly Come Dancing (pro)Debut 2013
Strictly: It Takes Two (co-host)From 2021
Birth of daughter LyraJuly 28, 2023

Net Worth & Income

  • Estimated Net Worth: $1–2 million (as of 2025)
  • Estimated Annual Income: ~$200,000–$400,000 from TV, tours, choreography, and endorsements.

Controversies

Janette generally keeps a positive public image. The main public discussion has been around her move from Strictly pro to presenter in 2021 and later how she balances work and motherhood. She has responded openly and positively to fans.

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