Main content

Janette Manrara

A passionate fire-cracker!

Fact title Fact data
Age
31
From
Miami
Partner

Janette first joined Strictly in 2013, partnering fashion designer . They went out in week four, after a salsa routine to Spice Up Your Life.

Last year Janette was paired with 'snake-hips' , aka Mad Max from 'Enders, and they got a little further, departing in the Semi Final.

For the first People's Strictly for Comic Relief Janette has been paired with Phil Barnett: the founder of Youth Theatre Company, Kidz R Us. With a passion for musical theatre and no stranger to taking to the stage, Janette should be in good hands (and step!) with Phil. Let's see how they get on!

When it comes to her favourite dances, Janette loves the Rumba - which she likes incorporating contemporary moves into - as well as the more traditional Quickstep.

Background

Janette was born in Miami, Florida and was a relative latecomer to the pro-dancing world. After attending Florida International University focussing on finance, she worked in a bank for seven years, whilst continuing her dance training in Ballroom, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Salsa.

At 24 she became a top eight finalist in the U.S version of So You Think You Can Dance. Since then Janette has worked on the Academy Awards, danced with Jennifer Lopez, been a principal dancer on Glee and performed in dance stage show Burn the Floor. And danced on Strictly, of course!

Trivia

If she could have one super power, Janette would like to be invisible so that she can sneak around and see what’s really going on...

Janette loves interior design and her ideal day out is a trip to Ikea!

Her favourite film is Ace Ventura and her favourite food is Cuban.

Phil and Janette's American Smooth Foxtrot

Phil Barnett and Janette Manrara dance the American Smooth Foxtrot to 鈥楤ig Spender'

Phil Barnett and Janette Manrara American Smooth Foxtrot to Shirley Bassey's: Big Spender