What you might not know about the American author
Originating during the Italian Renaissance and developing into a concert dance form in France and Russia, ballet has become one of the more highly technical and culturally iconic forms of dance in the world today. It takes incredible discipline to perform ballet at a high level, a level of discipline that these celebrities have proven themselves to have. Many began at a very young age, and others studied the dance form intensely for months to prepare for film roles. Some were en route to be world-renowned in the field, but retired early due to serious injuries.
To learn more about celebrities who danced ballet, click through this gallery.
Portman studied ballet since she was 13 years old, but still found herself completely unprepared for her role as a ballerina in 'Black Swan' in 2010.
The 'Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) star took up ballet during WWII while living with her family in the Netherlands. She was the star pupil in her class and ended up studying under famed Dutch ballerina Sonia Gaskell. She would eventually be denied roles due to her height and physic.
The 'SATC' star learned to dance ballet as a youngster.
Charlize Theron attended the Joffrey Ballet School in NYC. She was eventually forced to put her ballet career plans aside due to a knee injury.
Bale took ballet classes as a young child.
It's not that hard to believe that the 'Dirty Dancing' (1987) star practiced ballet. His mother was a dance teacher.
The British model and actress learned ballet from a young age and attended the Italia Conti Academy of the Theatre Arts in London.
Zeta-Jones trained in tap dancing and ballet in her youth.
The actress learned to dance ballet as a child and still expresses her love for the art.
The 'Crazy Rich Asians' (2018) actress started ballet at four, and when she was 15 she attended the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance in London.
Before the actress found herself in dance films like 'The Company' in 2007, she trained with the National Ballet School of Canada, even performing in 'Nutcracker' and 'Sleeping Beauty.'
Garner practiced ballet while growing up in Virginia.
Saldana wasn't just a ballet dancer before starring in films like 'Guardians of the Galaxy' (2014) and 'Avatar' (2009): she was a ballet teacher.
The actress attended the Royal Ballet School in London, also ending her dance career with a knee injury.
Bell first started ballet when he accompanied his sister to some classes as a child. He was later chosen out of 2,000 boys to play Billy Elliot.
Before playing Alice in 'Alice in Wonderland' in 2010, Mia Wasikowska was on her way to becoming a ballet professional until she had an ankle injury at age 14.
'The Handmaid's Tail' star took ballet extremely seriously during her youth. She studied at the School of American Ballet in New York City and later with Suzanne Farrell at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
'The Vampire Diaries' star took ballet and jazz lessons.
The 'Will & Grace' actress started ballet when she was six years old in Oklahoma City and attended the School of American Ballet in the summers.
Well known for her role in the TV series 'Firefly,' Summer Glau was homeschool to facilitate her dance classes in school. She did ballet, flamenco, and tango.
The 'Dharma & Greg' sitcom actress started ballet at age five and danced in music videos for Depeche Mode and ZZ Top.
The 'Downtown Abbey' actress started ballet when she was just two years old and had hopes of becoming a professional dancer. At 17, she had a life-changing ankle injury and had to make other plans.
The star of the underrated show 'Bunheads' started ballet when she was three and was involved in every dancing event possible during her schooling years.
The 'Gilmore Girls' actress also learned ballet as a child and trained at San Jose Ballet School.
Before Hay was cast as the lead in the mini-series 'Flesh and Bone' in 2015, she danced with Semperoper in Dresden, Germany.
Hay's 'Flesh and Bone' co-star Emily Tyra is also trained in ballet.
The former American Ballet Theatre soloist also appeared in 'Flesh and Bone' and got his first taste of acting in 2000 in 'Center Stage.'
Sources: (Dance Informa) (Women's Health)
Talented stars who danced ballet
Some of these virtuosos will surprise you!
CELEBRITY Dance
Originating during the Italian Renaissance and developing into a concert dance form in France and Russia, ballet has become one of the more highly technical and culturally iconic forms of dance in the world today. It takes incredible discipline to perform ballet at a high level, a level of discipline that these celebrities have proven themselves to have. Many began at a very young age, and others studied the dance form intensely for months to prepare for film roles. Some were en route to be world-renowned in the field, but retired early due to serious injuries.
To learn more about celebrities who danced ballet, click through this gallery.