Janette Manrara put her own spunk into SYTYCD. The judges loved her, you loved her… now hear from the personality queen herself about her banking career and Ellen.

Who’s the most inspiring person you worked with on SYTYCD?
Sonya’s the best. She’s always getting the best from you. Wade was a creative genius. He changed a lot, but the end product always worked out well. Mia Michaels is just awe-inspiring to stand next to. She’s so tough, but extremely talented.

Who was your biggest competition?
The girls were amazing. I couldn’t pick out one. Everyone said it would be Janine, Kayla and myself, but Melissa is so very real and talented. Her personality comes across great on camera. Randi, she’s a powerhouse. I didn’t really have competition; we were all a family.

You worked at a bank for seven years?
You should have seen me in the office. We played music all day. I was always at my desk moving around. I realized how much I loved dance at age 19. It was very difficult to transition. I had to quit my job and leave everything, but I know now it was a great risk to take!

Did any of your colleagues ask you for moves?
We had big luncheons for holidays and co-workers always asked me to “do a little something”. I was like, “I can’t do that in a suit.”

What was your position before you left?
I was a senior processor for Northern Trust bank. I had steady money and an apartment, so it was scary to come into this career on TV. I always doubted myself because I never thought I could make it this far. SYTYCD made me realize I can still have a career in this artistic world.

Did you get any feedback from your elimination speech?
I’m 25 and still Daddy’s Little Girl. He was very proud that I spoke the way I did and that I didn’t cry. It was the 100th episode, so it felt more like an accomplishment and the beginning of something amazing. At the end of the day it’s sad to leave, but so many good things will come from this.

Were you star struck by Ellen DeGeneres and Katie Holmes?
I’m a huge Ellen fan. I actually got to meet her and talk to her, so I told her how much of a fan I was. She actually told me she watched me. It was surreal to know that this talk show host and celebrity watched me on TV!

The judges loved you. Did you ever have any trouble during rehearsals?
It seems like everything is easy, but it’s not. Disco was a stamina builder. The tango was a mind game of endless questions: Where is my ankle… Where do I stick my feet…

Which dance do you hope makes the tour?
The cha cha was so much fun and really uplifting. The standing ovation we got from the tango was amazing. Nigel said it was as close to perfection as he’s seen.

Are you going back to banking?
Heck no! No more 9-5. I could do it if I had to, but I hope it doesn’t come down to that. My heart is now in performing.

Were you worried that Brandon didn’t have a strong fan base?
I was worried when I lost him because he was one of the strongest male dancers. We actually knew each other before the show from living in Miami. We were good friends. There was a fear when we got split up. I got great reviews, so I felt like I was on my own two feet without him. I miss him, but I got through it.

Do you think ballroom dancers are at a disadvantage?
There’s only so much you can do without a partner. You have to make it happen and you have to take risks. I was happy with all my solos, preferably my first one, which I’ll do on tour. When it comes to solos, we struggle more than the other dancers.

Favorite outfit?
I like being different. I loved my tango costume and my cha cha dress. I loved the rockstar hip hop costume too. Wardrobe and hair and makeup are a great team.

Who are your biggest mentors?
Manuel and Laurie Castro, since I was 12. I did musical theatre with them. When they opened their own studio I followed them. They inspired me, pushed me and shaped me to be the dancer you saw on the show. That’s one of the few things I’m happy about… I can’t wait to go back home and see them!

It’s been a pleasure watching Janette light up the SYTYCD stage. See what Jason has to say about his experience.