Madonna

This Bay City-born diva, maybe the most recognizable performer on this list, first tried to acquire public fame through ballet. During her dancing scholarship at the University of Michigan, Madonna "was lithe and agile and had the discipline and commitment to do well," according to Mary Cross' book "Madonna: A Biography." Madonna is a celebrity who has done ballet and is passionate about introducing ballet to the general audience. Taking Flight, Michaela DePrince's planned biopic, is directed by her.

Madonna's father enrolled her in classical piano lessons, but she persuaded him to let her take ballet lessons instead. Her ballet teacher, Christopher Flynn, encouraged her to pursue a career in dance. Madonna later attended Rochester Adams High School, where she excelled academically and was a member of the cheerleading squad. She obtained a dance scholarship at the University of Michigan after graduating in January 1976, and spent the summer at the American Dance Festival in Durham, North Carolina.

Born: 1958
Nationality: American