What you might not know about the American author
Ever wonder how some celebrities all of a sudden have fantastic dance moves in films like 'Black Swan' (2010), 'Dirty Dancing' (1987), and 'Step Up' (2006)? It's no coincidence–many famous figures had a thirst to perform from day one, but not all as actors and singers.
Many of our favorite stars began in the world of dance, learning the art of movement from a young age. Curious to know which ones had twinkle toes? Click through this gallery and find out.
The lovely Jennifer Lopez began as a backup dancer and worked her way into acting and singing slowly. Oh, and three of her love affairs have been with her own backup dancers!
Sarah Jessica Parker went to ballet school in New York and has continued to be a patron of the art. She even started the New York Ballet Gala to celebrate her passion.
'Dirty Dancing' (1987) star Patrick Swayze spent a lot of time in dance studios. His mother ran a dance school and his wife was a ballet star–no wonder he was so graceful on screen!
Audrey Hepburn was top of her class at Arnhem Conservatory in the Netherlands during WWII, but had to stop due to her physique not suiting a professional career.
Deborah Kerr from 'The King and I' (1956) trained as a ballet dancer and at 17 made her professional dancing debut in London. Of course, acting would eventually become her focus.
Actor Mads Mikkelsen started as a gymnast and ballet dancer, but chose to hide it from his fellow classmates because he was embarrassed.
Natalie Portman studied dance until she was 13. Her dance background helped her become the lead in 'Black Swan' (2010).
It's no surprise that this 'Step Up' (2006) hunk began as a dancer. But it's also true that 'Magic Mike' (2012) is just as close to home-Channing Tatum also used to work as a stripper.
Vin Diesel has kept his previous life as a break dance coach a bit of a secret, but it existed. He performed on the streets of New York as a young adult.
The Queen of Spanish Cinema, Penélope Cruz was first a ballerina at Spain's National Conservatory before she turned her talents to acting.
The iconic Brigitte Bardot attended the Conservatoire de Paris before gracing our screens. Her continued preference for ballet flats in everyday life made ballerina pumps trendy.
Diane Kruger attended the Royal Ballet School and aspired to be a lifelong dancer. But she injured her knee and instead turned to modeling and acting.
Elisabeth Moss went to the School of American Ballet in New York. She has also produced a documentary called 'Ballet Now' (2018).
Catherine Zeta-Jones was a national tap-dance champion as a child, which won her roles in London's West End.
Christopher Walken was also a tap dancing prodigy, and even performed alongside a young Liza Minnelli. But he eventually ditched musicals when they became unpopular.
Colin Farrell was a professional country line dancer, and also dabbled in Irish dancing as a kid.
Madonna moved to New York first to become a professional dancer, but her singing triumphed.
Christian Bale was the only boy in ballet class at the Royal Ballet School in London, apparently attracting many young ladies.
Charlize Theron trained as a ballerina in South Africa before she transitioned to the world of acting.
'Alice in Wonderland' (2010) star Mia Wasikowska would have been a professional ballerina were it not for a bad ankle injury at the age of 14.
Neve Campbell attended the National Ballet School in Canada before hitting the big screen.
Jamie Bell played Billy Elliot precisely because he was a child dancer. He said that the film was very similar to his own life.
As shown by her 'Thriller' performance in '13 Going on 30' (2004), Jennifer Garner is a great dancer. It's no surprise, really, since she started when she was a kid.
The Queen of Film Franchises was a professional ballet dancer, but had to stop because she did not have the right feet for it.
Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Carlton in ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,' was a tap dancer, and even did a Pepsi ad with Michael Jackson.
'Gilmore Girls' star Kelly Bishop trained as a ballet dancer at San Jose Ballet School and performed as a dancer before her acting career took off.
'Downton Abbey' actress Jessica Brown-Findlay began ballet at the early age of two. Sadly an ankle injury at 17 caused her to hang up her pumps.
'Dharma & Greg' actress Jenna Elfman started ballet at the age of five, and has appeared in many music videos as a result.
Kat Graham was a backup dancer before she made her name in 'The Vampire Diaries.' As a dancer, she appeared on stage with the likes of Missy Elliott and Bow Wow.
Before she landed a role on 'Glee,' Heather Morris was a backup dancer for Beyoncé. She later received a perfect score on 'Dancing with the Stars.'
Sources: (Women's Health) (The Delite)
Celebrities who were professional dancers
Curious to know which ones had twinkle toes?
CELEBRITY Dance
Ever wonder how some celebrities all of a sudden have fantastic dance moves in films like 'Black Swan' (2010), 'Dirty Dancing' (1987), and 'Step Up' (2006)? It's no coincidence–many famous figures had a thirst to perform from day one, but not all as actors and singers.
Many of our favorite stars began in the world of dance, learning the art of movement from a young age. Curious to know which ones had twinkle toes? Click through this gallery and find out.