The one lesson I’ve learned from life: Janette Manrara says love should always come before money
Cuban-American Janette Manrara, 38, was a professional dancer for eight years on Strictly Come Dancing. In 2021, she became co-presenter of It Takes Two, and is host of the UK Strictly tour, featuring her husband, Aljaz Skorjanec.
My childhood in Miami was beautiful. We didn’t have a lot of money. I only ever had one pair of sneakers, for example, although my dad, Luis, would somehow afford for us to go to Disney World every year — probably by maxing out his credit card.
What we never lackd in our house, though, was happiness and love. I’m not shy about working hard, but it was drummed into me that making money is not what life is all about.
My favourite quote sums it up: ‘All of our dreams can come true; if we have the courage to pursue them.’ That was something Walt Disney said and I’ve never forgotten it. What he achieved is testament to that.
Cuban-American Janette Manrara, 38, was a professional dancer for eight years on Strictly Come Dancing and has shared the lesson she learned from life
But you can only hope to realise those dreams from a place of love and security.
Everyone will have hard moments along the way and difficult decisions to make. That’s just the way life is. It’s how you react to those challenges, though, that sets you apart.
Aljaz has exactly the same attitude. We have the same principles, the same approach towards life. We’re lucky, of course, that we love what we do for a living. But, more than that, we know how fortunate we are in our families and friends. It’s what keeps us positive for the tough times.
We have this incredible friendship. Above and beyond the fact he’s my husband and my dance partner, he’s my best friend.
We have a comfortable life, something we’ll be able to pass on to the children we plan to have one day. We want to teach them the lessons we were taught.
Yes, it’s important to look after yourself financially and to keep as healthy as you can.
But, in the end, it’s all down to love. Love conquers all.
STRICTLY Come Dancing Live UK Arena Tour, January 20 — February 13, venues and tickets: strictlycomedancinglive.com