Karina Manta
Karina Manta: Former Competitive Ice Dancer, Cirque du Soleil Performer, and Dancing On Ice Champion
Karina Manta, born on March 20, 1996, in Olympia, Washington, is an American former competitive ice dancer. She is best known for her partnership with Joseph Johnson, with whom she competed from 2013 until her retirement in 2019.
Early Life
Manta began figure skating in 2002 at the age of six. She later moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she continued her training and eventually took up ice dancing.
Competitive Career
Manta initially competed in ice dance with Jonathan Thompson. In 2013, she formed a new partnership with Joseph Johnson. The pair trained under coach Patti Gottwein in Colorado Springs. They received their first Grand Prix assignment in 2018, competing at Skate America, where they placed 10th with a total score of 139.33.
Throughout their career, Manta and Johnson participated in various competitions, including the Challenger Series and the U.S. National Championships, where they consistently placed in the top ten.
Retirement and Post-Competitive Career
On April 18, 2019, Manta announced her retirement from competitive figure skating. Following her retirement, she and Johnson moved to Montreal in June 2019 to join Cirque du Soleil, bringing their skills and creativity to a new audience.
In 2020, Manta joined the cast of ITV's "Dancing On Ice." During the thirteenth series, she stepped in as a replacement partner for Graham Bell. The duo was voted off during Week 3. However, in the fourteenth series, Manta found success, winning the competition with her partner Regan Gascoigne.
Personal Life
As of 2018, Manta is a college student. In the same year, she came out as bisexual, becoming the first female figure skater representing Team USA to do so publicly. Her announcement was made in a heartfelt video featuring her girlfriend, which garnered widespread support and attention.
Programs
Throughout her career, Manta and Johnson performed to a variety of music, showcasing their versatility and creativity. Some of their notable programs include:
2018–2019: "Malagueña" by Ernesto Lecuona, "Alcoba Azul" by Elliot Goldenthal, "Sweet Dreams" by Eurythmics.
2017–2018: "Right Now" by Pussycat Dolls, "Fireball" by Pitbull, "Your Song" and "One Day I'll Fly Away" from Moulin Rouge.
2016–2017: "Dream a Little Dream," "I Wanna Be Like You" by Robbie Williams, "Dream On" by Aerosmith.
2015–2016: Selections from "The Love for Three Oranges" and "Cinderella" by Sergei Prokofiev, "Maple Leaf Rag," "Bethana," and "The Entertainer" by Scott Joplin.
Competitive Highlights
With Joseph Johnson, Manta's competitive highlights include:
GP Skate America 2018: 10th place
CS Autumn Classic 2015: 3rd place
CS US Classic 2017 & 2018: 5th place
Lake Placid IDI 2017: 6th place
Her consistent performances at the U.S. National Championships saw her place as high as 7th in the senior category.
Karina Manta's career as a competitive ice dancer and her subsequent ventures highlight her dedication, talent, and impact on the sport. Her journey from a young skater in Olympia to an accomplished athlete and performer continues to inspire many in the figure skating community and beyond.