Giovana Gelhoren
Updated on: October 12, 2024 3:52 pm GMT
Janette Manrara, a beloved figure from the BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing,” recently opened up about the personal challenges she faced during her debut season on the show. The 40-year-old dancer candidly shared her journey during a book launch for her new memoir, “Tiny Dancer, Big World,” revealing how self-doubt and outside perceptions almost overshadowed her passion for dance.
Facing Doubt in the Spotlight
Janette joined “Strictly Come Dancing” in 2013, stepping into a world where she felt she had much to prove. Despite being a skilled dancer, she had never competed in Ballroom and Latin dance, which left her feeling insecure compared to her fellow professionals. She recalls those early days with a mix of nostalgia and apprehension.
> “I didn’t think I would ever get the job because I didn’t compete in Ballroom Latin. I didn’t have all the titles that the rest of the dancers had,” Manrara confessed. “So when I actually got the job, I thought, ‘My gosh, this is the best thing in the world.'”
Her enthusiasm was tempered by whispers of negativity from others in the circle.
> “I started believing it. I started believing ‘I don’t know if I can do this,'” she admitted.
Supportive Partners and Their Journeys
During her first season, Janette partnered with fashion designer Julien Macdonald. At the same time, her then-boyfriend, now-husband, Aljaž Škorjanec, was on the show and ended up winning the competition. Their contrasting experiences brought additional pressure on Janette.
She recounted the stark differences in their trajectories:
- Aljaž was paired with the talented Abbey Clancy, who impressed everyone with her skills.
- Janette felt she was constantly under scrutiny, believing her abilities were insufficient.
Despite these insecurities, they both faced their challenges creatively and personally.
> “It was hard because I thought, I’m not good enough. I’m not going to survive this show,” Janette said.
This feeling was compounded by a sense of isolation when Aljaž went on the “Strictly Live Tour” without her.
A Challenging Personal Journey
Janette’s struggles didn’t end with the competition. She battled feelings of loneliness and pressure during her first year on “Strictly.”
> “It was probably, I would say, the toughest time in my life in terms of how hard I was on myself,” she explained. “Even when I went home to my family, they’re like, ‘You’re not yourself, you’re not okay.'”
Despite the hardships, she found solace and support from producers and crew members who recognized her talent and believed in her potential. Janette credits the positive influence of those around her, including Aljaž, for helping her navigate through challenging times.
Reflections and Resilience
As she reflects on her journey over the past decade, Janette’s story serves as an inspiration to many. While her first year was filled with doubts and fears, those experiences only fueled her determination to prove herself.
> “I always felt I knew I could dance and I knew I could teach, and I knew I could choreograph,” she stated firmly.
Her resilience paid off, and today, she stands as a prominent figure in the dance world, celebrated for her creativity and positivity.
Community and Connection
Janette is now more connected with the “Strictly Come Dancing” community than ever before. As part of her ongoing engagement with fans, she encourages them to join a dedicated WhatsApp channel aimed at providing the latest updates and information about the show. This initiative reflects her commitment to fostering a connection with her audience.
For those interested, joining the channel is straightforward:
1. Click on the provided link.
2. Select ‘Join Chat’.
3. Don’t forget to turn on notifications for the latest news and spoilers!
The Power of Sharing Stories
Janette’s memoir, “Tiny Dancer, Big World,” not only chronicles her journey but also emphasizes the importance of sharing one’s struggles. Her vulnerability resonates with many who have experienced self-doubt or faced challenges in pursuing their dreams.
The book launch event also showcased Janette’s growth and the joy she finds in dancing today.
> “I am so grateful for where I am now,” she concluded during the event, radiating positivity as she spoke about her journey from doubt to success.
Conclusion
Janette Manrara’s story shows how strong people can be and how important it is to have support from others. When she talks about her challenges, she shares how much she has grown as a dancer. This encourages others to follow their dreams, even when things get tough. As she keeps dancing, her experiences remind us that if we work hard and stay determined, we can achieve anything!
