16 Successful Celebrities Who You Didn't Know Started Off As Ballet Dancers

All these actors began their careers as ballet dancers

Maryjane

• Published in Film & TV
• February 18, 2023

A startling percentage of Hollywood actors began their careers as dancers before they ever became actors. Ballerinas, not just any kind of dancers.

Learning the poise, discipline, and art of ballet was where they started their careers—and for many of them, their lives. Unfortunately, a lot of these celebs eventually had to give it up due to injuries and switched to drama, which was their second preference.

Others merely had a change of heart about what they truly wanted in life, while others chose to pursue acting even though it was not their first passion because they understood that it would be more lucrative and promising in the long run. Whatever the motivation, each of these actors eventually had to make the difficult choice to pass up the dancing academy in favor of a shot at an Academy Award.

The 16 ballet dancers on this list went on to have successful acting careers. Even their dancing abilities make them stand out on the field.

Do you recall Zoe Saldana's performance in the teen drama Center Stage from 2000? Her on-screen ballet routines weren't all about acting.

The actress began her career as a ballet dancer before attending the School of American Ballet. Numerous other actors began their careers as ballet dancers. Unbelievably, the Batman actor Christian Bale studied ballet as a youngster too.

1. Before a knee injury put a stop to her dancing career, Charlize Theron attended the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City.

2. Sasha Radetsky was a ballet dancer who enjoyed a good career.

He made his acting debut in the lead role of "Center Stage." The actor stopped performing on stage in 2014, but he has continued to participate in films and TV shows.

3. Jamie Bell studied dancing when he was little.

Out of 2,000 young boys, he was chosen to play Billy Elliot in the movie. Since then, the English actor has acted in a number of films, such as Jane Eyre, The Adventures of Tintin, and Fantastic Four.

4. Ballet was Jennifer Garner's childhood study. On her Instagram, the actress frequently reposts videos of the New York City Ballet.

5. Elisabeth Moss gained notoriety for her critically acclaimed performance in the suspenseful drama The Handmaid's Tale.

The actress used to dance. She trained with former New York City Ballet ballerina Suzanne Farrell while attending the School of American Ballet.

6. Emily Tyra received intensive ballet training, as evidenced by her work on the dramatic ballet-related series

Since then, the actress has made numerous film and television appearances.

7. Sarah Hay danced with the Semperoper in Dresden before to securing the lead part in "Flesh and Bone."

The actress starred in HBO's Room 104 and Jim Carrey's comedy series I'm Dying Here.

8. In the dance movie The Company, Neve Campbell astonished the audience with her talents.

The actress received her training at the National Ballet School of Canada, where she also had appearances in Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker.

9. Before an injury put a stop to her ballet career, Diane Kruger studied at the esteemed Royal Ballet School in London.

She is well known her work in "Troy and Inglourious Basterds."

10. Do you recall Zoe Saldana from the teen drama Center Stage from 2000?

Her on-screen ballet performances weren't all just acting. The actress began her career as a ballet dancer and has since become well-known for her work on the Star Trek, Avatar, and Guardians of the Galaxy series.

11. Channing Tatum may not have received formal dance training like other celebrities, but he can still dance

This hunk became well-known for his roles in Step Up and Magic Mike, both dance movies.

12. Unbelievably, Batman actor Christian Bale took ballet lessons as a youngster

13. Before getting a part in the TV series Firefly, Summer Glau studied dance

To suit with her background in dancing, the actress even completed her studies at home. Unfortunately, a fractured toe put a stop to her dance career, which encouraged her to relocate to Los Angeles to pursue acting.

14. Kristen Wiig, a hilarious actress, spent seven years as a child studying ballet

15. Sarah Jessica Parker

The Sex and the City star had vocal and ballet instruction as a youngster. She arrived on Broadway before television and movie theaters.

16. Gal Gadot, the Wonder Woman star, spent 12 years dancing and received training in ballet, hip hop, modern, and jazz.

Given that every one of these celebs is now well-known, and yes, some of them have even won the coveted Oscar, it would be difficult to deny that they made the right decision. Now, these are only a few of these well-known actors who are also ballerinas, including those who have starred in dance movies throughout the years. 

Maryjane